Meghan Markle Shares She Is Connected with Friends Who Have Regular Jobs Amid Criticism of Being Unrelatable

Meghan Markle has seemingly addressed criticism of her Netflix series “With Love, Meghan” after she was called “out of touch” by critics.

In a new interview, the Duchess of Sussex discussed her and Prince Harry‘s efforts to maintain normalcy while raising their children.

Meghan Markle also shared how she connects with fellow parents, arranges playdates, and enjoys fitness classes.

Looking back at the difficulties of starting both her show and lifestyle brand, As Ever, the duchess expressed gratitude for those who allowed her to learn from her mistakes and grow. She emphasized the importance of being forgiving towards herself as she navigated this new journey, acknowledging that it has been a learning process.

She also shared how she and Harry aim to create a sense of normalcy in their family life while raising their children. Despite their unique circumstances, she believes that once people get to know them, they see the importance of having a regular family life for their kids.

The former “Suits” actress disclosed that she remains actively involved in her children’s social activities. She mentioned staying in touch with Archie and Lilibet’s classmates’ parents to organize playdates during weekends and holidays.

Meghan added that Montecito has warmly welcomed her, Harry, and their two children, making them feel at home.

A fellow parent from the school shared with the outlet that her bond with Meghan began when the duchess reached out to arrange a playdate for their children.

At a recent birthday party, Meghan was described as relaxed and down-to-earth. “She was just fun and natural, chatting about mom stuff and life,” the friend shared. “She was very comfortable just chilling.”

When the friend’s son underwent surgery, Meghan sent a bouquet of balloons and a stuffed octopus from her children. Attached was a sweet note that read, “We thought you could use a hug with eight arms.”

Speaking about her social circle, Meghan shared that she has built friendships with women who are not in the spotlight.

“I have a couple of girlfriends up here – these are stay-at-home moms and working women with normal jobs, not in the public eye,” she shared. “We went from just connecting through our kids to having girls’ nights out or doing Pilates together.”

Meghan revealed that she enjoys fitness classes with groups of 40 to 50 people. She said, “I go to group classes that sometimes have 40 to 50 people in them and just walk in like, ‘Hi!'”

The duchess admitted that at first, stepping into a packed yoga class felt like a lot, explaining: “By the way, I think anybody walking into a yoga class with 50 people when you’re one of the last people that walk in and everyone looks up, it’s going to feel a little uncomfortable.”

Recalling a recent session, she shared: “The other day in class, I was there by myself – sometimes I go with girlfriends, but I went by myself – and in the middle of the class they said, ‘Great, tell the person on your mat next to you that they’re doing a great job, give them a fist pump.'”

“And I looked over, and there was someone over there, and I was like [miming a fist bump], ‘Well done!’ and then I looked to the other side, and there was someone else, and I went, ‘Nicely done! Come on, guys!'” she added. “I mean, that’s part of how you connect. I love it. It’s the best. I had missed it. It’s awesome.”

In a previous interview with People Magazine, Meghan shared a personal evening ritual she enjoys with her husband, Prince Harry, combining winding down with a touch of reflection.

The 43-year-old Duchess of Sussex revealed that she and Harry, 40, end each day with what they call “nightcap recaps.”

As they prepare school lunches for their children, they take a moment to enjoy a drink together and talk about their day.

“I think all parents in this phase with kids the same age know it’s rinse and repeat,” Meghan shared, referring to the nightly rhythm they’ve established.

Once the kitchen duties are wrapped up, the couple often unwinds by enjoying some TV time.

“We love ‘Shrinking.’ We just finished ‘Black Doves,’ and we’re excited for the new season of ‘The White Lotus,'” she said.

Meanwhile, actress and writer Justine Bateman recently took aim at Meghan and Harry, accusing them of capitalizing on victimhood and making it an Olympic Sport.

Bateman believes the Sussexes’ approach has worn thin with the public, stating that people didn’t want to “watch someone playact at something they didn’t earn.”

In her RACE TRACK Substack, the “Family Ties” star argued that their Netflix show struggled because viewers no longer resonate with what she describes as their performative storytelling.

“The problem with Meghan Markle (and her husband, Harry) is that every opportunity they have explored or exploited over the past few years has been due to their very aggressive Victim Olympics campaign,” she wrote, per the Daily Mail.