The Duchess of Sussex has broken her silence in a revealing new interview with Harper's Bazaar, addressing the intense public scrutiny she's faced since marrying Prince Harry and her determination to live authentically.
Navigating Public Scrutiny and Personal Boundaries
Since their decision to step back from royal duties in 2020 - an event widely dubbed 'Megxit' - followed by their explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have faced significant public backlash. However, according to Terry Wood, who produced the controversial Winfrey interview, Meghan fully understands how she comes across to the public.
"Meghan understands her voice better than you, better than any producer could put it out there," Wood told Harper's Bazaar in the interview published on November 20. "She understands that so much has been written about her that when she does something, she wants to break through that noise so people see that she is authentically trying to be herself."
The Duchess herself addressed the need for personal boundaries, stating: "You find different ways to protect yourself, whether that's self-preservation or it's just growing up."
Family as the Guiding Force
At the heart of the Sussexes' decisions lies their commitment to protecting their children, six-year-old Archie and four-year-old Lilibet. Meghan revealed that family considerations guide her daily decisions, describing the simple joy of working from home with her daughter nearby.
"My office is right by the kitchen, and I love that I can work from home," Meghan shared. She described the "luxury" of having Lilibet sit on her lap during meetings, highlighting the family-focused lifestyle they've built in Montecito, California.
Their commitment to family protection extends to their philanthropic work through the Archewell Foundation, where they champion children's safety online. "All you want to do as parents is protect them," Meghan explained during a CBS interview in August 2024.
Roots and Personal Evolution
The Duchess reflected on her childhood and the influences that shaped her, particularly her mother Doria Ragland and maternal grandmother. She credited her "free-spirited" mother with teaching her how to play, while her grandmother, who lived nearby, sparked her passion for cooking and entertaining.
Meghan described her younger self as someone whose "entire identity was wrapped up in being the smart one," noting that she's always had a personality oriented toward helping, coordinating, and facilitating. This trait manifested early when, at just 11 years old, she wrote to Procter & Gamble to protest gender stereotypes in their advertising.
Building a Trusted Circle in California
Despite moving in famous circles and recently attending Kris Jenner's star-studded 70th birthday bash, Meghan emphasized that she maintains a small, trusted circle of friends. Prince Harry, whom she affectionately calls "H," remains her strongest supporter.
"No one in the world loves me more than him, so I know he's always going to make sure that he has my back," she revealed.
Since relocating to Montecito, Meghan has reconnected with a tight-knit group of women that includes tennis champion Serena Williams, providing her with the support system she needs.
Embracing Imperfection and New Beginnings
When asked about learning from mistakes, Meghan offered straightforward wisdom: "You learn not to do it again." She finds inspiration in watching her children face challenges, realizing that "no matter how hard it might feel in the moment you always find a way to overcome it."
"There's no such thing as perfect. I, too, get to make mistakes," she asserted, embracing a more forgiving approach to life.
This philosophy extends to her professional endeavors, including her Netflix lifestyle series With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration and her brand As Ever, which launched in March selling scented candles, preserves, flower sprinkles and wine. These projects represent her pursuit of a life and career that feel authentic to her alone - and allowing herself to enjoy the journey.
