Meghan Markle Gets Candid About Being A Royal And Reveals What She Really Wants From The Media And Her Fans

It’s been a busy year for Meghan Markle. Not only did she become a mom for the first time after giving birth to Archie Harrison, but she and Prince Harry moved to their own home at Frogmore Cottage, the couple broke away from Prince William and Kate Middleton and started their own philanthropic foundation, and then Meghan, Harry, and Archie took their first royal tour to Africa.

Through it all, Markle has had to deal with some serious media scrutiny – both in the British press and on social media – and it led to the couple filing legal action against Associated Newspapers.

In the documentary Harry & Meghan: An African Journey, Meghan broke down in tears as she explained how difficult it’s been dealing with the British media. And recently, when speaking at the Luminary Bakery – an organization that helps disadvantaged women with job training and employment – she explained that people have certain expectations when she is making an appearance as a member of the royal family, but she would much rather keep things relaxed, with everyone “nice and chilled” because at the end of the day everyone is just a woman with a story to tell.

Bryony Gordon of The Telegraph was on-hand for Markle’s appearance, and she says that the Duchess of Sussex told her that “she didn’t want people to love her, she just wanted them to be able to hear her.”

Markle went on to tell the ladies at the event that when you strip all the layers away, women can find a deep connection and a shared understanding with each other.

Gordon also noted that Markle’s busy schedule has put her in “an almost permanent state of exhaustion,” and she is currently taking care of six-month-old Archie on her own while Prince Harry is away in Japan for the Rugby World Cup Final. Of course, baby Archie will be wearing his England onesie to cheer on their team.

Meghan Markle posted a video of her visit to the Luminary Bakery on the Sussex Royal Instagram account, which celebrated the opening of their second location. The Duchess called it a special moment, and she praised the remarkable business model that opens its arms to women from vulnerable circumstances like abuse, poverty, trafficking, and marginalization, and helps them gain job skills and the confidence they need to succeed.