Meghan Markle Reveals How She's Struggled with the Pressures of Being a New Mom Under Intense Media Scrutiny
In a new clip from Harry & Meghan: An African Journey, a documentary about the Sussexes' recent tour of southern Africa, Meghan Markle shares how she has struggled with the media's unrelenting scrutiny.
During an interview with the Duchess that took place on the final day of the official visit, British broadcaster Tom Bradby alludes to Prince Harry's searing statement about the press, condemning the "ruthless," coverage of his wife, which would have been released just one day prior. "He's obviously very concerned about protecting you, and protecting you from what he felt his mother went through," Bradby says.
He then goes on to ask Meghan about the impact the pressure from the media has had on her mental and physical health.
In her response, Meghan opened up about this "really challenging" period in her life, saying:
"Look any woman especially when they're pregnant, you're really vulnerable, and so that was made really challenging, and then when you have a newborn ... And especially as a woman, it's really, it's a lot. So, you add this on top of just trying to be a new mom or trying to be a newlywed. And also thank you for asking because not many people have asked if I'm okay, but it's a very real thing to be going through behind the scenes."
"Not many people have asked if I’m ok ... it’s a very real thing to be going through behind the scenes."
— ITV News (@itvnews) October 18, 2019
Meghan reveals to ITV's @tombradby the intense media spotlight has left her struggling to cope while becoming a mum #HarryAndMeghan https://t.co/Uy21iE6ozJ pic.twitter.com/kZqhZV66OL
When Bradby more pointedly asks her if it has been a struggle, the duchess simply says "yes."
Earlier this week, a separate clip was released from the film in which Prince Harry opened up about his mother's death calling his grief "a wound that festers."
"Every single time I hear a click, every single time I see a flash, it takes me straight back, so in that respect, it is the worst reminder of her life as opposed to the best," he said.
Harry & Meghan: An African Journey is being produced by ITV, and will air on October 20 in the U.K. It will later air in the U.S. on October 23 at 10 p.m. on ABC, in a special hosted by Robin Roberts.
