In a moving and deeply personal podcast appearance, Meghan Markle offered a rare window into her private life as a mother, revealing that both Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet had recently been battling illnesses. Her candid conversation on the podcast Confessions of a Female Founder touched on everything from respiratory viruses to the intense emotional toll of parenthood, earning praise for shedding light on the very real challenges faced by working mothers—even royal ones.
The Duchess of Sussex’s remarks have struck a chord with listeners worldwide, not only because of her celebrity status but because of how relatable her struggles are. As Meghan recounted tending to her children through sleepless nights while juggling professional obligations the next day, she painted a raw and honest picture of motherhood in all its complexities.
Let’s break down what Meghan revealed, why it matters, and how her story is helping to normalize conversations about parenting, health, and maternal wellness.
Introduction
For someone who once lived behind palace walls, Meghan Markle has never shied away from using her voice to spark real conversations. In her latest podcast appearance, the former actress and royal opened up about some of the most personal challenges she’s faced recently—specifically, the emotional and physical strain of caring for sick children while navigating the demands of work and public life.
Speaking with authenticity and compassion, Meghan discussed how her son Archie was recently diagnosed with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), while her daughter Lilibet was simultaneously battling influenza A. As any parent knows, having one sick child is tough—but dealing with two at the same time is emotionally and physically draining.
Meghan’s reflections go far beyond a health update. They speak to the heart of modern motherhood, mental health, resilience, and the importance of sharing our struggles to reduce stigma and foster empathy.
Archie and Lilibet’s Health Struggles
Archie’s Battle with RSV
During the podcast, Meghan shared that her eldest child, Prince Archie, had come down with RSV—a common but potentially serious respiratory illness, especially for young children. RSV can lead to severe coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing, and often requires vigilant monitoring by caregivers.
Meghan’s concern was palpable as she recounted the long nights spent comforting Archie, checking his breathing, and making sure he remained stable. For any parent, watching their child suffer through a respiratory illness is terrifying. For Meghan, it was compounded by the knowledge that both she and her family are constantly under public scrutiny, making even private health matters a potential media storm.
Lilibet’s Influenza A Diagnosis
As if one child being sick wasn’t hard enough, Meghan also revealed that Princess Lilibet, her youngest, was battling influenza A at the same time. The flu can be particularly harsh on toddlers, bringing high fevers, body aches, and fatigue.
Describing how she was “up all night with one child, then again all night with the other,” Meghan gave listeners a window into the relentless cycle of caregiving, a reality that many mothers know all too well. Her vulnerability was striking and refreshing in an era where social media often portrays parenting through a lens of filtered perfection.
Sleepless Nights and Emotional Toll
Meghan did not sugarcoat the emotional weight of the experience. “It was a hard few days,” she admitted, adding that while she did everything she could for her children, she still had to show up professionally the next morning—without sleep, without a break, and often without anyone truly understanding what she was juggling behind the scenes.
Her account resonated with countless working mothers who navigate their own silent battles daily. Meghan’s willingness to speak openly about it is helping to normalize those conversations, breaking down the illusion that success and motherhood are always graceful or easy.
The Pressures of Working Motherhood
Meghan’s Raw Account of Juggling Career and Kids
Throughout the podcast, Meghan emphasized the difficulty of balancing professional ambitions with her role as a hands-on mom. She described feeling stretched thin, like she was “trying to be everything for everyone”—a sentiment that’s painfully familiar to mothers everywhere.
Unlike many in similar positions, however, Meghan faces the added challenge of global visibility. Every appearance, interview, and public comment is dissected by millions, and yet, like so many women, she still finds herself managing tantrums, illnesses, and late-night feedings just like any other mom.
Lack of Visibility for Mothers in High-Profile Roles
Meghan noted that women in the public eye often feel pressured to maintain a façade of perfection, particularly when it comes to motherhood. But behind the headlines and curated photos are real struggles, emotional breakdowns, and tough choices—none of which are often visible to the outside world.
By speaking openly, Meghan is helping shift that narrative. She’s reminding the world that even women with titles and fame are not immune to exhaustion, worry, or the chaos of parenthood.
Empathy for Mothers Everywhere
Perhaps the most powerful message from Meghan’s episode was her call for empathy. “We never know what someone’s dealing with behind the scenes,” she said, urging listeners to offer support rather than judgment. Her honesty is more than just refreshing—it’s necessary.
