Meghan Markle Tearfully Admits She’s Having a Hard Time as a New Mom

Any new parent can tell you those first few months with baby are incredibly challenging. Not only are you sleep-deprived, but you also question your parenting choices—constantly. Meghan Markle understands this all too well. While the Duchess of Sussex has been positively glowing in her public appearances and pictures with baby Archie, now 5months old, in a recent interview with ITV, she got candid about the pressure she faces as a royal and as a new mom.

The clip is part of an exclusive documentary, Harry & Meghan: An African Journey, which premiers this Sunday, October 20, in the UK and offers a behind-the-scenes look of the royal couple on their recent tour of South Africa. In the video, when asked by reporter Tom Bradby if she was doing okay, Markle opened up about the very real media pressures she’s had to face, not only as a newlywed royal, but as a new mom.

“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, you know…especially as a woman, it’s a lot,” she said in the interview. “So you add this on top of just trying to be a new mom or trying to be a newlywed, it’s um…yeah. I guess. 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.”

When prompted by Bradby if it would be fair to say that she’s not really okay and has been struggling, Markle replied, “Yes.”

Meghan Markle supporters took the comments section to voice their support. “Really welcome this. That poor lady has been attacked relentlessly. It is about time she has her voice heard,” one follower wrote. Another stated, “She is human with real emotions. God Bless You Meghan.”

Another person still, commented, “This hurts my heart for her. God bless her. She’s just a young woman who has suddenly found herself on the world stage. It has to be overwhelming.”

One thing is for certain: Being a new mom is hard, and Markle just proved how important it is to simply check in and ask a new mom if she’s okay. Prepping for your own baby’s arrival, or recently gave birth? Read our tips on how to get the help and support you need.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.