The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has offered a remarkably candid glimpse into her life with Prince Harry and their family in a new, wide-ranging interview. Speaking with Harper's Bazaar, the former senior royal reflected on the profound changes since stepping back from their duties in 2020, the dynamics of her marriage, and the personal growth she has experienced.
Reflecting on the Journey and Admitting 'Mistakes'
When questioned about navigating errors while constantly in the public eye, Meghan responded with a cheeky, straightforward philosophy. "You learn not to do it again," she deadpanned. She elaborated that challenges are essential for development, drawing a parallel to watching her own children learn. "If it all goes swimmingly, you don't learn from it. If you don't learn anything, you're not going to grow," Meghan stated. She emphasised giving herself the same grace she offers her children, firmly believing that "there's no such thing as perfect" and that she, too, is entitled to make mistakes.
'Childlike' Harry and a Focus on 'Fun'
Meghan lavished praise on her husband, Prince Harry, revealing a key aspect of their relationship that brings her immense joy. She described the Duke as having a "childlike wonder and playfulness" that she found deeply attractive and that has since infused their entire life together. "He loves me so boldly, fully," she shared, adding that his unique perspective on the media and unwavering support mean she always knows he has her back.
This sense of playfulness is now a central tenet of their home life in Montecito. Meghan explained that she actively prioritises fun, a value rooted in Harry's personality. Using the analogy of overworking dough, she cautioned against becoming too consumed by stress, which causes one to "lose the fun of why you are doing something." She pointedly added, "There's also not a lot of fun in trying to be perfect. So why try to do that if you want to have fun?"
Forging Her Own Path as a 'Parenting Expert'
In a revealing moment about her family life, Meghan discussed her approach to raising Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. While she shares an incredibly close bond with her own mother, Doria Ragland, the Duchess admitted she parents "very differently." She has diligently studied books and apps to create her own parenting plan, a methodical approach that has apparently made her a go-to source for advice within her circle.
This was corroborated by her close friend, tennis legend Serena Williams, who told the magazine that she frequently learns from Meghan's insights on motherhood.
Life in Montecito and Career Ventures
The interview also touched upon the couple's significant life changes since relocating to the United States. They have traded their former home, the grace-and-favour Frogmore Cottage in the UK, for a £12 million nine-bedroom mansion in the exclusive Californian enclave of Montecito.
Meghan's professional life has been a whirlwind of ventures, including podcasting, documentary filmmaking, and writing. Her latest endeavour as a lifestyle guru has seen tremendous success, with her As Ever product line selling out in minutes. A Christmas special of her Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, is also set to premiere soon.
The piece did not shy away from acknowledging the couple's professional challenges, such as their downgraded Netflix deal and being dropped by Spotify, where they were controversially labelled as 'grifters'. It also noted the ongoing tensions with the Royal Family, exacerbated by their various public disclosures.
In a lighter note, Meghan clarified the circumstances around her surprise appearance at the Balenciaga fashion show during Paris Fashion Week in September. Contrary to the designer's suggestion that she invited herself, Meghan stated she offered to attend as a favour to support the designer Pierpaolo Piccioli, keeping the appearance a secret for fun.
