Meghan Markle appeared makeup-free and in sweats for a podcast interview where she spoke as a mother and entrepreneur. Days earlier, she had led the spotlight in a $76,000 designer look. What came next had more to do with what she said than what she wore.

Meghan Markle’s latest podcast appearance was meant to be a revealing but gentle conversation about love, motherhood, and personal growth. But buried in one of her reflections on Prince Harry were two simple words that have since been dissected far beyond their original context.

The moment was singled out in an opinion piece by a British columnist, who argued that the wording revealed something significant about Meghan’s relationship with Prince Harry. The article offered a highly critical take on Meghan’s public image and the wider content of the podcast.

Meghan and Jamie: A Cozy Setting for a Major Conversation

Meghan made an appearance on “The Jamie Kern Lima Show,” appearing makeup-free and dressed in casual sweats for what was framed as an intimate, heart-to-heart conversation between friends. The episode marked the premiere of Jamie’s podcast, recorded in the same rocking chairs she often uses to talk with friends outside her kitchen.

Introducing Meghan as a mother, entrepreneur, and longtime friend, Jamie described the conversation as one meant to inspire, empower, and uplift. Throughout the interview, Meghan opened up about her family life and the values she holds as a parent.

She described her marriage as being in more of a “honeymoon period” now than ever, nearly seven years after she and Prince Harry began dating. She shared stories about raising Archie and Lilibet, including how she sends them emails each night to document small, everyday moments in a digital time capsule.

Meghan explained that it’s her way of capturing the kind of memories that don’t make it into photo frames or scrapbooks. Meghan also talked about how she instills confidence in her children by adding the word “yet” to their vocabulary. “I can’t do it yet,” she teaches them to say. “I’m not good enough yet.”

She explained that repeating this to her kids helps reinforce a growth mindset for them and herself. “That applies to every adult. That applies to me right now — all of us,” she added. Still, even in an interview shaped by personal reflection and emotional openness, one moment in particular was pulled into the spotlight, turning a small phrase into a headline.

The Two Words That Sparked a Column

Midway through her conversation with Jamie, Meghan described Prince Harry in loving terms, reflecting on their relationship and the support she receives from him. “That man loves me so much,” she said, as part of a broader reflection on partnership, parenting, and the life they’ve built together.

Though delivered softly and without emphasis, those two words, “that man,” soon became the focus of a very different narrative. In an opinion piece published on April 30, 2025, Daily Mail columnist Maureen Callahan seized on the phrase, presenting it as evidence of something deeper about Meghan’s view of her marriage.

The article argued that the wording reflected detachment and used it as a springboard to launch a wide-ranging critique of both Meghan’s language and her intentions throughout the podcast. Part of the headline read, “Two ugly words tell you everything about her marriage.”

Maureen described the interview as contrived and self-serving, likening Meghan and Jamie to “awesome Montecito moms” lounging in their “cozies” while working toward billionaire status. She mocked the claim that the pair appeared makeup-free, suggesting their complexions looked “suspiciously even-toned and glowy.”

Meghan’s tone, expressions, and even her anecdotes—such as helping a child at a playground or dropping off a gift basket—were presented as exaggerated. Maureen implied that these moments were framed to spotlight Meghan’s generosity rather than the acts themselves.

The article also revisited Meghan’s past media moments, including an instance during her Netflix docuseries in which she corrected Mindy Kaling for using her maiden name. Maureen suggested that even in casual settings, Meghan appeared overly conscious of her image.

She extended this critique to Meghan’s social media, pointing to an Instagram story posted around the same time as the podcast, featuring Lilibet’s hand and voice, as inconsistent with Meghan’s prior calls for privacy. Toward the end of the column, Maureen returned to the phrase that had caught her attention.

She framed it as part of a pattern in which Meghan, in her view, consistently positioned herself as the center of affection and attention. “There’s only room for one real star in the family now,” she wrote, “and if Harry doesn’t realize that soon, he is well and truly lost.” This closing remark was an echo to another article published just days earlier.

While Maureen framed Harry as a sidelined figure in Meghan’s narrative, a separate Daily Mail piece—this time quoting a body language expert—had described a similar dynamic.

Public Appearance and Posture: The Time100 Summit

On April 23, 2025, Meghan and Harry appeared together at the Time100 Summit in New York City, where Meghan participated as a featured speaker. She arrived wearing a Ralph Lauren silk-linen blazer and matching wide-leg trousers, paired with Manolo Blahnik suede heels.

The ensemble, reportedly valued at over $5,500, was accompanied by more than $43,000 in jewelry, including a Cartier bangle, Tabayer hoop earrings, and additional pieces, along with Princess Diana’s Cartier Tank Francaise watch, estimated at $26,750.

While Meghan took the spotlight on stage, Harry remained in the background, a positioning that caught the attention of body language expert Judi James. In a Daily Mail feature published the following day, Judi noted that Meghan led their arrival, with Harry following closely behind.

She described his role as that of “spare,” and pointed to “awkward-looking body language poses” that suggested a supporting, rather than central, role. Judi said that Meghan appeared more assured, referencing a specific non-verbal cue known as the “celebrity wilt” or “broken wing” gesture, characterized by bent arms and loosely hanging wrists.

This posture, she explained, is often used to signal elevated status or exclusivity. During the summit, Meghan spoke about parenting, revealing that Archie had his first loose tooth, and said she hoped to be home before it fell out.

This coincided with the release of a photo showing Prince Louis—son of Prince William and Princess Catherine—smiling with two missing teeth. While the summit placed Meghan front and center, she used her platform to reflect on both personal and professional growth.

She described the past year and a half as “incredibly busy,” highlighting the launch of her Netflix series, her podcast, and her lifestyle brand, As Ever. Despite the packed schedule, she emphasized the importance of balance and imperfection.

“You’re not going to get it right every day,” she said, adding that motherhood gave her the most “illuminating perspective” on what truly matters. Outside the panel, observers noted Meghan’s leading role again.

As the couple exited through a side entrance, Harry reached for Meghan’s hand but was bypassed as she greeted someone else. Judi said the interaction reflected a common pattern, with Meghan initiating most gestures and Harry appearing to follow her lead.

“Harry is towing his wife along in a classic celebrity pose,” she said, pointing to his bent knees and open jacket as cues of discomfort or uncertainty.

Meghan’s Perspective on Public Perception

During her interview with Jamie, Meghan had spoken openly about how she manages public scrutiny. She shared that she rarely keeps up with headlines about herself, having created what she called a “strong boundary” to protect her mental health.

She said she sees only about “1%” of what’s published, and even then, only if it’s sent to her directly by someone she trusts. To explain her approach, Meghan recalled a quote she had pinned inside her trailer during her years as an actress on “Suits.”

It read, “I’ve already settled it for myself, so flattery and criticism go down the same drain and I’m quite free.” Meghan said that although it’s difficult to put into action, the quote became a framework for how she manages scrutiny. The words became so deeply ingrained that she began applying them even before they felt relevant to her public life.

Meghan said this mindset allows her to make decisions authentically, even if she remains unaware of the wider media discourse around her. “It also allows me to be really detached from the outcome,” she stated. “I can just show up, I can put good work out there, I feel confident with what we’ve created, and then let it go.”

When asked about unexpected texts from friends checking in, Meghan admitted those moments could still cause anxiety. “Your hackles go up,” she said, explaining that such messages often make her wonder what might be going on. “What now? What is it now? What are they reading now?”

Even so, she said she tries to interpret those moments as sincere gestures of support rather than warnings, something she’s learned to accept with time. Her comments offered a rare look into how she navigates the tension between public commentary and private peace, without directly addressing any specific media incident.

Fan Reactions and Social Media Support

While Meghan’s comments in the podcast drew sharp critique in some corners of the media, reactions from listeners and followers on social media reflected a very different tone. A clip from the interview was later shared on Instagram, accompanied by a short excerpt highlighting her reflections on family and emotional connection.

In the comment section, many fans voiced their support. “What a sweet gesture. Meghan is such a supportive, loving mummy and wife,” one user wrote. Another said, “Meghan is an awesome mom!!” The clip also prompted others to defend Meghan from ongoing criticism.

One commenter stated, “I don’t understand the hate for her, none of us has walked in her shoes, and I feel that her and Harry have a real love connection. I’ve always been on team Meghan. Can’t wait to hear the whole podcast. [sic]” Some responses focused on her parenting approach and how she prioritizes emotional well-being within her household.

“Meghan is a great mother. I love that she loves so much and understands how she makes her children feel and vice-versa,” one follower noted. These messages stood in stark contrast to the tone of Maureen’s column and the analysis from commentators like Judi.

Instead of seeing Meghan’s remarks as distancing or performative, fans highlighted her vulnerability, her focus on parenting, and her effort to create lasting, private connections with her children. The contrast between these supportive fan reactions and the sharp media commentary highlights the divided lens through which Meghan continues to be viewed.

Her most recent critic, Maureen, is a longtime columnist known for her unfiltered takes on celebrity and politics. Vanity Fair, New York Magazine, Spin, and the New York Post, where she currently serves as critic at large.

According to her official bio, Maureen is an award-winning investigative journalist and author who has covered a wide range of topics from pop culture to national politics. In addition to her print work, she hosts The Nerve Show.

Her social media profiles describe her as a commentator with “no sacred cows” and the author of “Ask Not: The Kennedys and the Women They Destroyed.” She is based in New York.

Her commentary came a month after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex returned to the spotlight, sparking conversations after making appearances at various public events separately. Although they were expected to attend a prestigious gathering together, the former actress ultimately arrived on her own.

Prince Harry recently dispelled divorce rumors amid criticism about his professional relationship with his wife, Meghan Markle, which a source has labeled as being in a “very bad state.” A friend has since offered insight into their dynamic, aiming to clarify the situation.

Royal biographer Angela Levin speculated about potential strains in their professional relationship, citing Prince Harry’s unresolved U.S. visa issues and reports of their interest in purchasing property in Portugal.

Levin remarked, “They say they’re going to work separately, then they say they’re buying a house in Portugal—you don’t do that if you don’t want to separate for most of the time, so I wonder if it’s in a very bad state. But I’m sure they’re trying to work out something.”

Levin’s remarks bring attention to the ongoing discussion surrounding the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s evolving dynamic, particularly as they balance separate and shared commitments.

This shift was previously described by a friend as a “twin-track approach” in an interview. Prince Harry remains dedicated to philanthropic endeavors, while Markle is leaning into entrepreneurial projects and commercial ventures.

“An entrepreneurial and enterprise focus is going to be more the Duchess’s priority, and the Duke will continue to champion his not-for-profit patronages,” the friend explained. Despite their individual pursuits, the couple is expected to collaborate on shared, cause-driven initiatives.

As part of their commitment to community-focused efforts, Markle and The Archewell Foundation recently hosted a dinner in celebration of Thanksgiving for the Southern California Welcome Project.

This initiative supports Afghan women resettled in the U.S. through storytelling and safe spaces. Held at Our Place, the event featured a shared meal, meaningful conversations, and gifts of cookware.

The Duchess expressed gratitude for the women’s stories, emphasizing resilience and unity while looking forward to future gatherings to deepen these connections.

This balanced approach to her and Prince Harry’s professional and personal lives has naturally fueled public curiosity, with many speculating about the state of their relationship.

At The New York Times’ 2024 DealBook Summit, Prince Harry addressed ongoing speculation about his relationship with Markle who was seen without her engagement ring in October, which has been heightened by their separate public appearances.

With a touch of humor, he commented on the exaggerated rumors, saying, “Apparently, we’ve bought or moved house 10, 12 times. We’ve apparently, divorced maybe 10, 12 times as well. So it’s just like, ‘What?'”

Prince Harry’s lighthearted dismissal of the rumors was followed by a candid acknowledgment of the challenges posed by relentless speculation. He admitted, “It’s hard to keep up” with the swirling narratives, but shared his straightforward solution to intrusive media coverage: ignoring it altogether.

“Once you stop reading the stuff about yourself, you automatically remove the power from their hands,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of disengaging to maintain peace of mind.

As Prince Harry addressed the speculation at the conference, Markle was in Beverly Hills at the 2024 Paley Honors Fall Gala, honoring their close friend Tyler Perry as he received the Paley Center for Media’s top accolade.

Though the Duke was named a tribute chair alongside the Duchess, he did not attend the event, marking yet another occasion where they didn’t appear together.

At the gala, the Duchess of Sussex radiated positivity as she celebrated Perry’s achievements.

She posed for photos alongside the filmmaker, who was recognized for his exceptional contributions to media and philanthropy.

The Paley Honors, recognized as a tribute to individuals whose “groundbreaking achievements in media have consistently set the bar for excellence,” celebrated Perry’s extraordinary work as an actor, writer, director, producer, studio head, and philanthropist.

The event marked Markle and Perry’s first red carpet appearance together. The actress and her husband attended the billionaire’s 55th birthday in September 2024.

Their bond began in 2018 when Perry offered support to Markle before her royal wedding. However, their friendship became publicly evident in early 2020 when Perry acknowledged her comment about how rarely people genuinely ask about her well-being during an interview with ITV news presenter Tom Bradby for a documentary filmed in Africa.

The filmmaker, who hails from Louisiana, observed that while people often ask, “How are you doing?” they seldom mean it or truly listen to the answer.

That same year, the “Madea” star played a key role in the royal couple’s move to the U.S., providing his private jet and offering his $18 million Santa Barbara home as a safe haven.

“They hid out at my house for a long time. It was so great,” Perry revealed. Their connection began when he sent a message of support through their shared publicist, later speaking with Markle in what he described as a therapeutic conversation.

He emphasized the importance of providing a safe space where they could trust and talk freely, adding that he carefully monitored their privacy during their stay to ensure they remained undisturbed. “They were so happy. It was such a beautiful moment,” he added.

Perry, who serves as godfather to their daughter Princess Lilibet, remains a vital part of their lives and was also featured in their Netflix documentary, where their closest confidantes and allies shared testimonies about their lives during and after their time in the royal family.

A steadfast ally of the Sussexes, Perry has often expressed admiration for their bond. Reflecting on their challenges, he described it as a “very difficult time” and shared his desire to support them.

Speaking on the “Today” show, he expressed his admiration for the couple, emphasizing their deep love for one another. He remarked that if he couldn’t have a bond like theirs, he wouldn’t want it at all, calling their connection “really amazing.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s steadfast bond remains evident, even amid intense public scrutiny. Perry’s continued support for the couple emphasizes the importance of trusted allies during their journey.