“That’s a lot of people to have in your house!” the Duchess of Sussex tells PEOPLE in her most intimate interview in years

Meghan Markle calls her new Netflix show a “love letter to California,” and while filming took place in her neighborhood of Montecito, she opted not to open the doors to the home she shares with Prince Harry and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the Duchess of Sussex explains why she chose to film With Love, Meghan, which premiered on the streaming service on March 4, in a nearby rental that echoes their own space.

“I wanted to protect that safe haven,” she says. “We’re a close-knit family, and I love those moments— putting Lili down for a nap, having lunch together, having sacred time together at the end of the day.”

She adds, “Our kitchen is where Mama just cooks for the family, and with a crew of 80-plus people, that’s a lot of people to have in your house!”

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (in June 2024) with late dog Guy in the kitchen set of With Love, Meghan.Jake Rosenberg/Courtesy Netflix

Meghan, 43, and Prince Harry, 40, bought the Santa Barbara County home in 2020 after stepping back from their roles within the British royal family. In a 2022 interview with The Cut, Meghan recalled how a unique palm tree on their property caught their eye when they first toured the home.

“One of the first things my husband saw when we walked around the house was those two palm trees,” she said. “See how they’re connected at the bottom? He goes, ‘My love, it’s us.’ And now every day when Archie goes by us, he says, ‘Hi, Momma. Hi, Papa.’ ”

Before even viewing the inside of the home, Meghan said they told the real estate agent, “We have to get this house,” according to the outlet.

Now, a palm tree forms the centerpiece of the logo for her upcoming lifestyle brand, As Ever.

Meghan Markle on the cover of PEOPLE’s March 17, 2025 issue.

With Love, Meghan sees the Duchess of Sussex cooking in the kitchen, hosting a celebratory brunch, beekeeping and more — and although filming didn’t take place inside her home, she found ways to incorporate home life into the show, filming in their chicken coop, garden and orchard.

“Archie did the [filming clapboard]! Sweet moments,” Meghan says. “They would also come with my husband and visit me on-set, and I loved that my children were able to watch me working and see the balance of that and understand what Mama does and is working to create and share. It was really special because up until then, they hadn’t seen me at work.”