Meghan Markle Says She Chose to “Conquer” After UK Media Backlash — Here’s How She Fought Back

Meghan Markle is finally opening up about the intense media scrutiny she faced after marrying Prince Harry—and how she overcame it. In the very first episode of her new podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder, Meghan gave rare insight into the emotional toll of living under constant attack by the British press—and what gave her the strength to keep going.

The Duchess of Sussex, who has largely stayed quiet about her royal experience since stepping back from official duties in 2020, used her conversation with Bumble CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd to reflect on the personal toll of the headlines, the hate, and the fame.

Meghan’s Podcast Debut: Starting a New Chapter

On April 8, Meghan launched her podcast Confessions of a Female Founder, aiming to shine a light on powerful women who have started something meaningful. Her first guest? Bumble founder and tech CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd, who has had her own struggles with media pressure and public judgment.

The two quickly bonded over their shared experiences of being in the public eye and enduring backlash—especially as women in leadership roles. Wolfe Herd described a moment when she was in Ireland, far from Meghan’s home in California, and still saw the Duchess on “every single” magazine cover at a newsstand.

“I had this moment of, ‘Oh my... what?’” Herd said. “She’s back in California doing school drop-off, and she’s everywhere in the press.”

Meghan’s quiet reply? “I know.”

“You Either Cower or Conquer”: Meghan on Her Turning Point

That brief but powerful exchange led to a deeper conversation about how Meghan dealt with relentless media attacks, especially from British tabloids, after her 2018 royal wedding.

“You’re going to have to decide whether you’re going to cower or if you’re going to conquer or rise above it,” Meghan said.

Those words reveal the inner strength she had to build, even as headlines tore her down daily. Meghan said she felt the urge to “turtle”—to hide and protect herself—but ultimately chose to stand her ground and keep moving forward.

This marks one of the few times Meghan has publicly addressed the overwhelming backlash she received as a royal, especially from the British media, which many saw as racially charged and deeply unfair.

Life After Royalty: Moving to California for Peace

Meghan and Harry officially stepped down as working royals in 2020 and relocated to California, where they now live with their two children, Archie and Lilibet. Although they no longer carry out royal duties, they still use their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles.

The couple has since grown distant from the royal family, choosing to live a quieter life in Montecito, focusing on personal projects, philanthropy, and raising their kids with as much normalcy as possible.

Meghan’s podcast and Netflix series With Love, Meghan are both part of this new chapter—one that focuses on healing, creativity, and female empowerment.

Harry’s Ongoing Royal Ties and Legal Battle

While Meghan continues building her media career, Prince Harry remains involved in royal affairs, at least from a distance. He briefly returned to the UK in February to visit his father, King Charles, after the monarch’s cancer diagnosis was made public.

Currently, Harry is fighting a legal battle for police protection in the UK. He has argued that his family, especially his children, deserve proper security during visits, even if they’re no longer active royals.

This ongoing legal fight highlights the challenges the couple still faces, even years after stepping back from royal life.

Meghan’s Message to Women: Don’t Shrink, Rise

Meghan's story of overcoming hate isn’t just personal—it’s meant to inspire. Her podcast's tone is honest, vulnerable, and uplifting, with a clear message: Women don’t have to cower in the face of public criticism. They can rise, rebuild, and create something powerful.

In her own words, Meghan explains:

“There’s going to be a point in your life when you have to ask yourself—are you going to let the noise define you, or are you going to rise above it?”

It’s that mindset that’s helped her “conquer” the chaos, and now, she’s using her platform to help other women do the same.

What’s Next for Meghan?

With the launch of Confessions of a Female Founder, Meghan Markle is stepping into a new role as a storyteller and community builder. She’s no longer just the Duchess of Sussex or Harry’s wife—she’s a founder, mother, and creator shaping her own narrative.

Her next podcast episodes are expected to feature more influential female guests, diving into the real challenges of building businesses, families, and legacies in the spotlight.

Meanwhile, fans are watching to see how her podcast and recent Netflix projects continue to shift public perception and allow her to redefine her identity on her own terms.

Meghan Markle’s message is clear—she faced unimaginable pressure and cruel criticism, but she chose not to let it break her. Instead, she’s building something bigger. Through personal storytelling and conversations with other women leaders, she’s helping to create space for vulnerability, growth, and power.

As her podcast journey continues, it’s likely we’ll hear more about how she navigated fame, motherhood, and healing. But for now, Meghan’s reminder to “conquer, not cower” is a bold and empowering message for anyone facing their own battle.