Meghan Markle Reveals British Friends Warned Her Not to Marry Prince Harry
In the new documentary Harry & Meghan: An African Journey, Meghan Markle reveals that her British friends warned her not to marry Prince Harry.

- As perfect as their royal love story might seem from the outside, Meghan Markle admits that life married to a prince isn't always easy.
- In the new documentary Harry & Meghan: An African Journey, the duchess revealed that life under the scrutiny of the British press isn't easy.
- Meghan also said that her British friends even went so far as to warn her against marry getting involved with Harry.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle gave some of their most candid interviews ever in their new documentary Harry & Meghan: An African Journey, which aired on ITV in the UK tonight.
In one particularly raw moment, Meghan admitted that her British friends warned her against getting involved with Harry early in the relationship.
"It’s hard," Meghan told ITV News at Ten anchor Tom Bradby of living under the intense scrutiny of the British press. "I don’t think anybody could understand that."
Meghan went on to explain that she was "naive" about the reality of being covered by British tabloids:
"In all fairness I had no idea, which probably sounds difficult to understand and hear. But when I first met my now-husband, my friends were really happy because I was so happy but my British friends said to me, 'I’m sure he’s great but you shouldn’t do it because the British tabloids will destroy your life.'
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
"And I very naively—I’m American. We don’t have that there—[I said], ‘What are you talking about? That doesn’t make any sense. I’m not in any tabloids.' I didn’t get it. So it’s been, yeah, it’s been complicated."
Harry & Meghan: An African Journey airs in the U.S. on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 10 p.m. ET, on ABC.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with over 10 years of professional experience covering entertainment of all genres, from new movie and TV releases to nostalgia, and celebrity news. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
What to Know About the Cast of 'Resident Playbook,' Which Is Sure to Be Your Next Medical Drama Obsession
The spinoff of the hit K-drama 'Hospital Playlist' features several young actors as first-year OB-GYN residents.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Duchess Sophie Stepped Up to Represent King Charles at Event Amid Calls for King Charles to "Slow Down"
The Duchess of Edinburgh filled in for The King at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
By Kristin Contino
-
See the Top-Scoring WNBA Draft Looks
This year's rookie class came to win.
By Halie LeSavage
-
The Alleged "Olive Branch" Prince Harry Offered to Kate Middleton and Prince William During U.K. Visit
The Duke of Sussex's decision was reportedly an effort "to make peace."
By Amy Mackelden
-
We Taste-Tested Meghan Markle’s As Ever Jam, Honey and Flower Sprinkles—One Word Kept Coming Up
Women across America gave 'Marie Claire' their thoughts on the Duchess of Sussex's first seasonal drop of products.
By Kristin Contino
-
The Special Gift Princess Lilibet Received From "Papa" Prince Harry in Meghan Markle's Latest Instagram Post
"Made with love."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Royal Expert Shares Why King Charles Had to Be "Very Careful" and "Couldn't" Meet Prince Harry During U.K. Visit
"It could actually bring down a court case."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Prince Harry’s Lawyer Claims His "Life Is at Stake" When It Comes to Court Ruling
The Duke of Sussex is waiting on a decision that will impact his family's future plans.
By Kristin Contino
-
Meghan Markle Shares Her Thoughts on Trump's Tariffs as She Launches As Ever
The Duchess of Sussex opened up about how her new business could be impacted in a new interview with 'Fortune.'
By Kristin Contino
-
Prince Harry’s Lawyer Says the Royal Felt "Forced to Step Back" From Royal Life Over Security Battle
The Duke of Sussex attended a court hearing in London on April 8.
By Kristin Contino
-
Meghan Markle Reveals "Scary" Post-Birth Health Battle in First Episode of New Podcast
"I mean life or death, truly."
By Kristin Contino