'You have to be authentic': Meghan Markle responds to criticism of her viral hospital dance video
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
Image: Bang Showbiz
Meghan Markle has addressed the recent backlash surrounding a viral video in which she and Prince Harry are seen dancing in a hospital room moments before the birth of their daughter, Lilibet.
Earlier this month, the Duchess of Sussex posted the joyful clip on Instagram to mark Lilibet’s fourth birthday.
The video, set to the song “Baby Momma,” features Meghan and Harry showing off their dance moves. At one point, she is even seen playfully twerking as she holds her baby bump.
The lighthearted moment sparked mixed reactions online, which has prompted Meghan to speak out during a candid conversation with British businesswoman Emma Grede in an episode of her “Aspire” podcast titled "Meghan, Duchess of Sussex: Why Ambition Is Her Jam."
"You have to be authentic," Meghan said, after Grede admitted she had watched the video “20 times.”
“Did you see my 'Baby Momma' dance?” Meghan asked with a laugh.
Grede replied, “Is that Prince Harry there with the fingers? I was like, OK… good on Harry, let’s go. But that’s you, right? Like that’s you in a way we haven’t really seen before.”
In the video caption, posted on June 4, Meghan reflected on the moments leading up to Lilibet's birth.
“Four years ago today, this also happened. Both of our children were a week past their due dates… so when spicy food, all that walking, and acupuncture didn’t work, there was only one thing left to do!” she wrote alongside the clip.
Speaking on the podcast, the duchess explained the importance of sharing real, personal moments despite public scrutiny.
“That was four years ago, so it’s also a really great reminder that with all the noise, or whatever people do, there’s still a whole life, a real, authentic, fun life, that’s happening behind the scenes.”
She also expressed gratitude for having a platform where she can share on her own terms.
“I’m just grateful that now, being back on social as well, I have a place where I can share it on my own terms.”
Since rejoining Instagram in January, Meghan has offered rare glimpses into her family life.
On Sunday, she marked Father’s Day with a heartfelt video tribute to Prince Harry.
The short montage featured tender moments of Harry teaching their son Archie to ride a bike, beach walks with their children, and sweet family snapshots.
“Happy Father’s Day to our favorite guy,” she wrote alongside the video, celebrating Harry's role as a father to Archie and Lilibet.
IOL Entertainment