The Duchess Reflects on Challenges, Resilience, and Building New Family Memories
Meghan Markle, who retired from acting upon her marriage to Harry in 2018, has reflected on the challenges she faced when transitioning to royal life in the UK and later moving to California after stepping down as a working royal in 2020.
Speaking candidly in a recent interview with Marie Claire, Meghan shared that her initial experience in the UK was marked by loneliness and cultural adjustments. The Duchess described finding royal life "jarring," particularly the lack of affection and the absence of the "hugging" culture she grew up with.
Now settled in California, Meghan has embraced her role as a mother and philanthropist, recently hosting a pre-holiday dinner for Afghan women resettled in the US. When asked about welcoming newcomers, she said, "It’s really easy. Just think about how you’d want someone to treat you...how would you want someone to open their arms to you?"
The Sussex family, including their children Archie and Lilibet, have made California their home for the holiday season, skipping the royal family’s traditional Sandringham celebrations since their move. Meghan revealed her love for the holidays, noting, "Every year gets better" as her children grow older.
Describing her family traditions, she added: "Like any other family, you have a great meal, play games, and maybe someone brings out a guitar. It’s all about having fun and making memories together."
While no plans to return to the UK for Christmas have been confirmed, Meghan’s focus remains on creating a joyful and welcoming environment for her family during the festive season.
