Meghan Markle has reignited public interest in her family after sharing a throwback video on Instagram. The video features Markle dancing in a hospital room while heavily pregnant. It was posted to celebrate her daughter Lilibet’s fourth birthday. While the footage was intended as a lighthearted glimpse into a personal moment, it has sparked a wave of speculation and conspiracy theories online.
A Celebration of Motherhood
In the 80-second clip, Markle is dancing to the viral track “Baby Mama” by Starrkeisha. She explains she was attempting to induce labor after other methods like spicy food and acupuncture failed. Prince Harry joins in the fun, showcasing the couple’s playful dynamic. The video was accompanied by a caption explaining their efforts to prompt labor naturally.
This candid moment was part of a series of posts celebrating Lilibet’s birthday, including rare photos of the children. Fans appreciated the intimate look into the family’s life, with many praising Meghan’s openness and relatability.
A Lighthearted Moment Met with Skepticism
Despite the video’s wholesome tone, it quickly became fuel for social media conspiracy theorists. According to Glamour, some online commenters speculated, again, that Meghan may have worn a prosthetic belly and questioned whether the footage was real or staged. Others criticized the Sussexes for supposedly contradicting their desire for privacy by releasing such personal content.
Royal commentator Ingrid Seward called the post “embarrassing” and “hypocritical,” according to The Daily Beast, stating that Meghan “clearly has no boundaries” and accused her of using the moment for attention. The backlash speaks to a broader trend of people unfairly scrutinizing Meghan no matter what she does.
Pregnancy and Postpartum Challenges
While Meghan has not directly addressed the theories about the video, she’s been candid about her health and pregnancy journey in other forums. On her new podcast “Confessions of a Female Founder,” she revealed that she gained 65 pounds during both of her pregnancies. According to People, Meghan said she turned to an Ayurvedic doctor and holistic wellness strategies to stay grounded during that time.
More significantly, Meghan disclosed doctor’s diagnosed her with postpartum preeclampsia. It’s a potentially dangerous condition that can occur after childbirth. According to People, she shared this detail as part of a broader conversation about maternal health and the unrealistic standards placed on new mothers, particularly women in the public eye.
By speaking about her diagnosis and wellness journey, Meghan has shifted the narrative from one of scrutiny to one of strength and authenticity.
The Sussexes’ Media Strategy: Privacy vs. Control
The choice to release the dancing video appears to be a calculated yet personal way of reclaiming her story. Rather than waiting for tabloids to define her image, Meghan is choosing to publish moments that reflect who she is on her own terms.
According to Glamour, the footage was filmed in 2021. That means it isn’t recent, nor is it a pregnancy announcement. But by releasing it now, she flips the script on gossip and reminds the public that motherhood is something she celebrates openly.
This post fits into Meghan’s larger brand strategy as seen through her lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard, her new podcast, and the much talked about Netflix series “With Love, Meghan.” All these projects aim to spotlight women’s experiences, joy, and complexity without relying on royal drama to command attention.
Not Pregnant—But Still Making Headlines
The public’s continued fascination with Meghan’s body, fertility, and choices says more about our collective obsessions than it does about her. She’s a woman who has been through childbirth twice, faced health complications, and is still under the global microscope. By turning the lens around and sharing on her own terms, Meghan is reshaping what motherhood looks like for high-profile women.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Meghan Markle’s diagnosis? According to People, Meghan Markle revealed on her podcast that she was diagnosed with postpartum preeclampsia. It’s a condition that can cause high blood pressure and other complications after childbirth.
Why do Archie and Lilibet have red hair? Archie and Lilibet inherited red hair from their father, Prince Harry, whose ginger hair is a well-known Windsor family trait. Red hair is a recessive gene, and it’s likely Meghan carries it as well, making it possible for both children to have that coloring.