Duchess Meghan on the Struggle Adjusting to Life in the Public Eye: It’s ‘Really Challenging’

A rough going. Meghan Markle is opening up for the first time about how exactly it has been like to have every step of her life under the spotlight — she spoke about this during an interview that will be shown in an upcoming documentary.

“Especially as a woman it’s really — it’s a lot,” the royal, 38, told ITV News at Ten anchor Tom Bradby for the documentary titled Harry & Meghan: An African Journey, which will soon air on ABC. “So you add this on top of just trying to be a new mom and trying to be a newlywed. … And also thank you for asking, because not many people will have asked if I’m OK. But it’s a very real thing to be going through behind the scenes.”

Prince Harry‘s wife also responded, “Yes,” when Tom asked her if it has been tough adjusting to the royal life. “Look, any woman, especially when they’re pregnant, you’re really vulnerable,” the Duchess of Sussex continued. “And so that was made really challenging, and then, when you have a new born, you know?”

The Suits alum and the Duke of Sussex, 35, gave birth to their first child, Archie, on May 6, 2019.

Just recently, Harry decided to sue a British publication over privacy concerns. In 1997, the duke’s own mother, Princess Diana, tragically passed away in a car crash while being chased by paparazzi. “Though this action may not be the safe one, it is the right one. Because my deepest fear is history repeating itself,” Harry said in a statement. “I’ve seen what happens when someone I love is commoditized to the point that they are no longer treated or seen as a real person. I lost my mother and now I watch my wife falling victim to the same powerful forces.”

Harry also opened up about how his mom’s passing has impacted him and his family. “I think [of] being part of this family, in this role, in this job every single time I see a camera, every single time I hear a click, every single time I see a flash,” he explained. “It takes me straight back, so in that respect it’s the worst reminder of her life as opposed to the best.”

Kensington Palace has done their best to protect the royals from hurtful words, especially on social media. Earlier this year, the royal family issued guidelines for those online, banning “obscene, offensive, threatening, abusive, hateful” and discriminatory posts.

Harry & Meghan: An African Journey will air on Wednesday, October 23 at 10:00 p.m. EST on the ABC Network.