The Duke and Duchess of Sussex revealed just how difficult life in the spotlight can be in an emotional documentary broadcast in the UK on Sunday.
Filmed during the pair’s recent tour of southern Africa, Harry and Meghan opened up in a way we rarely see from the British royal family, offering a unique glimpse into their lives and the institution itself.
The hour-long documentary for British channel ITV, called “Harry & Meghan: An African Journey,” made for gripping television with many taking to social media to express support and sympathy for the couple.
It is expected to be screened in the US this week but, for now, here’s a rundown of what we learned about Harry and Meghan from the program.
Harry confirmed a rift with William
Prince Harry acknowledged tensions with his older brother Prince William for the first time, saying they are on “different paths.”
In one candid interview, ITV’s Tom Bradby asked the Duke of Sussex about media reports of a split with his brother.
While he didn’t outright declare that he was on the outs with William, he also didn’t deny that there was a rift.
“Part of this role, part of this job, this family, being under the pressure which it’s under, inevitably stuff happens. But we are brothers. We will always be brothers,” Harry explained.
“We are certainly on different paths at the moment, but I will always be there for him, and as I know he will always be there for me. We don’t see each other as much as we used to as we are so busy. But I love him dearly and you know the majority of the stuff is probably – well, the majority of the stuff is created out of nothing. But as brothers, you have good days and you have bad days,” he said.
Meghan was warned not to marry Harry
Another moment came when Meghan spoke of first meeting Harry and her friends weighing in on the new relationship.
Meghan told Bradby that her friends were “so happy because I was so happy,” but added that her British friends warned her against marrying the prince.
The duchess recalled how they told her: “I’m sure he’s great but you shouldn’t do it – the British tabloids will destroy your life.”
Meghan said that she “very naively” underestimated the tabloids as she was unfamiliar with them being American, adding: “I didn’t get it.”
Scrutiny of the couple is taking a toll
One element to the documentary that had many on social media talking was the couple’s unfiltered admissions that they have been struggling.
Meghan fought back tears as she tried to explain the pressure she has encountered as a newlywed and new mom.
“Any woman, especially when they’re pregnant, you’re really vulnerable, and so that was made really challenging,” Meghan said. “And then when you have a newborn, you know. And especially as a woman, it’s a lot. So, you add this on top of just trying to be a new mom or trying to be a newlywed.”