Meghan Markle has finally released the much-anticipated first episode of her new podcast, “Confession of a Female Founder,” following the launch of her recent cooking show. But during a conversation with her guest, Whitney Wolfe Herd—the successful entrepreneur behind Bumble and Tinder—Meghan shocked listeners with a dramatic revelation about a serious health scare she claims to have experienced after childbirth. Excerpts from the Duchess of Sussex’s podcast were quickly picked up by the media.
In a seemingly spontaneous confession, Meghan revealed that she nearly died shortly after the birth of one of her children—either Archie or Lilibet, though she didn’t specify which. She said she developed a rare and life-threatening complication: postpartum preeclampsia. According to Meghan, her life was in serious danger, and at the time, she genuinely feared she wouldn’t survive. Thankfully, she added, doctors managed to stabilize her condition.
Preeclampsia is indeed a dangerous condition, usually occurring late in pregnancy. It’s marked by a rapid spike in blood pressure, seizures, and even loss of consciousness, and if untreated, it can lead to coma or death for both mother and baby. Postpartum preeclampsia, which Meghan claims to have experienced, is a rarer but equally serious version of this condition and can be fatal if not properly treated. However, most people are unfamiliar with it—and Meghan had never previously mentioned going through such a harrowing ordeal.
Given Meghan’s well-known openness and her tendency to publicly share personal experiences, many royal fans found it suspicious that she had kept something so dramatic and serious under wraps until now. What’s more, her guest Whitney Wolfe Herd has publicly spoken about suffering from postpartum preeclampsia in past interviews—leading some critics to suggest that Meghan may have borrowed the story to draw sympathy and attention, something they claim she has a history of doing.
Ever since Meghan and Prince Harry stepped back from royal duties, her critics argue, she has often portrayed herself as a victim, pointing fingers at everyone but herself. Her latest confession, they say, only adds to that narrative—leaving many wondering what’s genuine and what’s performative.
