**Meghan Markle Reflects on Her Hopes for Motherhood and the Realities She Faced**
The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has shared candid insights into her journey through motherhood, revealing aspirations she once held for her role as both a parent and a public figure. In a recent episode of her podcast, Meghan described her initial vision of giving speeches with her child in tow, picturing life as a “working mum” far different from the reality that eventually unfolded.
Meghan, who joined the royal family in 2018 after marrying Prince Harry, faced significant changes when she and her husband decided to step back from their roles as senior working royals. Their first child, Prince Archie, was just ten months old at the time of their move to the United States, which took place amid the high-profile and often tumultuous period known as ‘Megxit’.
Speaking to Cassandra Thurswell, founder of the eco-conscious hair and beauty brand Kitsch, on her podcast, Meghan reflected on the period during which she became a new mother. She detailed how external pressures, particularly during her pregnancies and the early months of her children’s lives, shaped her experience. “Before I was a mum, I always dreamed of being one,” she explained. “In my mind, I pictured giving a speech with a baby perched on my hip. I imagined this perfect balance of motherhood and public life.”
However, Meghan acknowledged that reality diverged from her expectations. She remarked, “By the time I actually had both pregnancies, so much had changed around me. It certainly wasn’t the way I pictured it.” The closest she came to her original vision was arguably her tour of South Africa in 2019, when baby Archie, then five months old, joined his parents for engagements, including a memorable meeting with Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Behind the scenes, both Meghan and Prince Harry were contending with mounting pressures—strained relationships with members of the royal family and relentless media attention. During the South Africa trip, Meghan granted a rare emotional interview to ITV, in which she remarked, “Not many people have asked if I’m OK … it’s a very real thing to be going through behind the scenes.” This public honesty resonated with many, shedding light on the hidden challenges that often accompany high-profile lives.
In the most recent instalment of her series “Confessions Of A Female Founder,” the Duchess spoke about setting an example for her children. “It’s vital to me that both my son and daughter see me as a working mum,” she said. She also touched on the importance of support networks, openly praising their long-serving nanny for helping the family balance their busy schedules.
An interesting moment during her conversation with Thurswell highlighted how Meghan navigates her evolving identity post-royalty. Thurswell referred to her as “Meghan Markle”, a moniker the Duchess did not correct—despite previously addressing her preference to be called by her title, especially in formal or public settings.
Their relationship, Meghan revealed, stretches back to 2009, when she first met Thurswell through a mutual friend during her early acting days. Thursdays helped Meghan style outfits for significant auditions, including her successful try-out for the television series “Suits,” marking an enduring friendship that predates royal life.
The podcast also explored the Duchess’s love of gardening, which she used as an analogy for entrepreneurship. Comparing the nurturing of children to tending a garden, Meghan commented, “There are times for blooming and times for planting seeds, but most important is tending to the soil—laying strong foundations for whatever comes next.” She emphasised the need for patience and dedication both in business and in motherhood.
While Meghan shares moments of her Californian garden and family life through social media, her broader message remains one of resilience—highlighting the complexities faced by working mothers everywhere. The Duchess’s reflections serve as a reminder that behind even the most public of personas, personal struggles, growth, and adaptation continue to shape everyday life.