Meghan: Duchess of Sussex tells of miscarriage 'pain and grief'

On 25/11/2020, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, published a personal essay in The New York Times titled “The Losses We Share,” in which she disclosed that she had experienced a miscarriage in July 2020. The essay offered a first-hand account of the event, describing the physical and emotional moments surrounding the loss. In the piece, Meghan wrote that she felt a “sharp cramp” while changing her son Archie’s diaper, followed by a growing realization that she was losing her pregnancy. She described holding Archie while the situation unfolded, later recounting the experience of being in a hospital with Prince Harry, where they processed the loss together. She referred to the emotional impact as an “almost unbearable grief,” and noted witnessing her husband’s reaction during that time. The essay extended beyond her personal experience to address broader themes of grief and shared human vulnerability. Meghan connected her story to the wider context of loss experienced by many individuals and families, particularly during 2020, a year marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and its social and emotional effects. She encouraged openness in discussing grief and emphasized the importance of asking others, “Are you OK?” as a way of fostering connection and support. The publication of the essay brought public attention to the topic of pregnancy loss, which is often discussed privately. It was widely covered by international media and contributed to ongoing conversations about maternal health, emotional well-being, and the societal handling of grief.