Meghan Markle has admitted motherhood isn’t how she “envisioned” the experience. This revelation comes as part of her ongoing efforts to connect with audiences through more personal storytelling.
The 43-year-old and her husband Prince Harry, 40, had their son, Prince Archie, in May 2019 while living in the UK as working members of the royal family before the couple stepped down from royal duties in 2020 and moved to the United States, eventually settling in Montecito, Calif. — and their daughter Princess Lilibet was born in June 2021, a year after the couple’s relocation to a $14 million mansion. Their decision marked one of the most significant shifts in the British monarchy in recent years.
“I had a whole vision. You fast forward (and)… it was not the way I envisioned it,” Meghan has now said on the latest episode of her “Confessions of a Female Founder” podcast about how her expectations of motherhood clashed with reality. Her podcast has gained substantial listenership since its launch.
Meghan added she had “always wanted to be a mom” and imagined a glamorous multitasking version of parenting. This sentiment echoes the experience of many working mothers who struggle with balancing professional ambitions and family responsibilities.
“I had a whole vision of myself giving speeches with a baby on (my) hip,” she said. Many mothers report significant differences between their pre-baby expectations and the reality of parenting.
Laughing, she added there were “a lot of external things happening by the time (she) had both pregnancies and both babies.” The Duchess’s first pregnancy coincided with intense media scrutiny that reportedly led to mental health challenges she has previously discussed.
While Meghan has mostly kept her children out of the public eye, she has begun offering more personal glimpses into her life as a mother. This careful approach to family privacy has become increasingly common among high-profile parents.
In April, she described her morning routine with Archie and Lilibet, including making breakfast and doing school drop-offs. These relatable details have helped many fans connect with her on a more personal level.
The former “Suits” actress also uses her podcast to share parenting insights. Child development experts have praised her authentic approach to discussing the realities of motherhood as beneficial for reducing stigma around parenting struggles.
In recent months, she has returned to Instagram, where she occasionally posts about her family life. Her social media presence demonstrates her continued public appeal despite stepping back from royal duties.
On Mother’s Day, she shared a photo of herself holding Archie and Lilibet. The post became one of her most engaged-with content pieces of the year.
“To these two gems — who still attempt to climb ‘mama mountain,’ smother me with kisses, and make every day the most memorable adventure — being your mom is the greatest privilege of my life,” she wrote in a caption alongside the snap. This heartfelt message resonated with parents globally.
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Meghan now runs the lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard and has continued expanding her media profile since moving to the U.S. The brand focuses on sustainable home goods and culinary products.
Her journey from actress to royal family member to entrepreneur and media producer represents a unique career trajectory that has inspired many women. Her various ventures have created jobs and contributed to local economies.
The Duchess’s willingness to share her motherhood struggles comes at a time when public figures are increasingly transparent about personal challenges. Mental health advocates cite this trend as important for destigmatizing conversations around parenting difficulties.
Prince Harry has also spoken about fatherhood in recent interviews, describing it as “the best job in the world” despite its challenges. The couple maintains a hands-on approach to parenting that differs from traditional royal protocols.
As Meghan continues balancing her business ventures with family life, her podcast offers a platform for exploring the complexities faced by working mothers. Such high-profile discussions help normalize the gap between expectations and reality that many new parents experience.
The Sussexes’ decision to share selective aspects of their family life while maintaining boundaries has created a new template for public figures navigating parenthood in the spotlight. Their approach emphasizes authenticity while preserving their children’s privacy.
