Meghan Markle recently got candid about the physical challenges of pregnancy during her guest appearance on the final episode of Confessions of a Female Founder, a podcast hosted by SPANX founder Sara Blakely.
During the heartfelt discussion, the Duchess of Sussex opened up about one of the lesser-known aspects of her pregnancies—navigating royal engagements while wearing high heels.
Meghan revealed that she gained around 65 pounds during both of her pregnancies and found it increasingly difficult to wear her signature five-inch stilettos during formal events. “I mean, I gained 65 pounds with both pregnancies,” she said. “You’re in these five-inch pointy-toed stilettos with the most enormous bump, and your tiny little ankles are trying to keep it all together.”
The former working royal humorously described how she leaned on Prince Harry—literally—for support during public appearances. “All of my weight was in the front, and I just kept thinking, ‘How am I not face-planting right now?’ I was always clinging to my husband, like, ‘Please don’t let me fall!’” she added.
Throughout her first pregnancy with son Archie, Meghan continued to fulfill her royal duties, frequently stepping out in elegant but often restrictive formalwear. Her ability to maintain poise under pressure—despite physical discomfort—did not go unnoticed by royal watchers.
This rare glimpse into her real-life experience as a pregnant royal shines a light on the expectations placed on women in the public eye and the often-overlooked physical demands of pregnancy, especially when paired with high-profile responsibilities.
