When it comes to facing scrutiny about their post-baby bodies, not even members of the royal family are immune.
When Meghan Markle made her first official appearance following the birth of her first child, many people online commented about her weight.
RELATED STORIES
However, it sounds like Meghan is taking a slow and gradual approach to her postpartum fitness routine. She’s setting an important example for other new moms who feel the pressure to bounce back.
While we were all on royal baby watch, we couldn’t get over Meghan’s repeated maternity fashion wins.
She consistently styled her changing body in stylish, and usually, affordable, pieces that highlighted her baby bump. She seemed to really enjoy being pregnant.
A few days after giving birth to Archie Harrison, Meghan and Prince Harry greeted the press.
Unlike Harry’s brother, Prince William, who posed on the hospital steps shortly after the birth of his children, the couple decided to wait a few days before greeting the media.
When the day finally came to meet the newest member of the royal family, Meghan wore a white, belted shirt dress.
She’s worn similar dresses in the past, so it really matched her low-key and chic style. She simply looked radiant as a new mom.
On Twitter, people praised Meghan’s first postpartum appearance for a number of reasons.
Many thought that her belted dress highlighted her postpartum body and showed the reality of giving birth — that bump doesn’t go away overnight, folks!
Others were glad that Harry and Meghan seemed to break from royal traditions and do what was best for them.
They have been incredibly private when it comes to sharing aspects of Meghan’s pregnancy and Archie’s birth. After meeting the press, the couple kept a low profile for a few weeks as they settled into parenthood.
On June 8th, Meghan stepped out for her first royal engagement since giving birth.
Along with Harry and other members of the royal family, Meghan attended the annual Trooping The Color, in honor of the Queen’s birthday.
The Duchess of Sussex looked stunning and classy, once again.
She wore a matching fascinator and navy blue outfit for the occasion. She looks super happy to be out and about with her hubby!
Since this was her first prominent outing as a new mom, of course people commented on her weight.
Apparently, people don’t understand that she just gave birth like a month ago. Talk about unrealistic expectations.
The royal family can’t seem to catch a break when it comes to body shamers.
When Kate Middleton was pregnant with her third child, Prince Louis Arthur Charles, people were shaming her for not looking pregnant enough.
The Duchess of Cambridge was also slammed by the public for looking too flawless and glamorous after giving birth to her second son.
This event took place just hours after she delivered her son and was donned with a full face of makeup.
Moms felt that this was unrealistic and sent a poor message to the public about women’s expectations post-birth.
Actress Kiera Knightley even criticized the Duchess in an essay, saying, “Hide. Hide our pain, our bodies splitting, our breasts leaking, our hormones raging. Look beautiful. Look stylish, don’t show your battleground, Kate.”
So, there’s no winning for the royals.
People criticize them when they look too glamorous, and also when they don’t look flawless, as was the case for Meghan Markle.
Despite people’s comments, it sounds like Meghan has the right idea when it comes to her postpartum recovery.
“Meghan hasn’t been hitting the gym. She hasn’t been in any hurry to get back in shape. It’s only four weeks really since the birth and she’s been taking that exercise regime very gently, indeed,” royal expert Katie Nicholl told ET .
These days, Meghan is practicing yoga and going on walks to saty active.
Meghan’s mother is a yoga instructor, so it makes sense that she’s practicing this gentle exercise regularly.
Prior to pregnancy, Meghan was quite fit and enjoyed hitting the gym frequently. It sounds like for now, she’s just taking the time she needs to get back into her routine.
