Oprah Says She’s 'Proud' of Meghan Markle for This Reason

Oprah Winfrey has been vocal with her support for Meghan Markle, and now she’s opening up about why she’s weighing in on how the Duchess of Sussex has been dealing with her much-scrutinized pregnancy and birth plans.

Meghan has been criticized for not following royal protocol and breaking tradition, but Oprah seems to be applauding the royal’s attitude.

"Oh my God! I'm so proud of her decisions," Oprah told ET at The Hollywood Reporter’s Empowerment in Entertainment Gala. "To be able to stand up and say this is what I really want for my baby and my family and now I'm going to do it a different way when it's been done that way for a thousand years? I'm just so proud of her."

Meghan and Prince Harry have reportedly made the decision not to pose for photographs right after the birth of their first child. Kate Middleton and Prince William have welcomed cameras outside of the hospital following the birth of their children, but it appears Meghan might be opting for a more private approach to her post-labor arrangements.

"Who is ready to walk out and stand before the world and put that face on, you know, a day after you've had a baby?" Oprah also told ET. "So I think for her and him – I'm sure it was a mutual decision for the two of them – I think it's a great thing."

Oprah has previously defended Meghan, telling Gayle King on "CBS This Morning" in April that she believes the Duchess of Sussex is being “portrayed unfairly.”

“I feel that if people really knew her, they would know that she is not only everything you perceive her as being graceful and dynamic in holding that position, but that she just has a wonderful warm, giving, funny heart. I see all the crazy press around her, and I think it's really unfair."

Oprah has professional ties to Prince Harry – they are teaming up for an Apple series that focuses on mental health and wellness.

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We are excited to announce that The Duke of Sussex and Oprah Winfrey are partners, co-creators and executive producers on their forthcoming mental health series launching on Apple in 2020. The pair have been developing the series for several months and are looking forward to sharing such an important project on this global platform. The dynamic multi-part documentary series will focus on both mental illness and mental wellness, inspiring viewers to have an honest conversation about the challenges each of us faces, and how to equip ourselves with the tools to not simply survive, but to thrive. This commitment builds on The Duke of Sussex’s long-standing work on issues and initiatives regarding mental health, where he has candidly shared personal experience and advocated for those who silently suffer, empowering them to get the help and support they deserve. His Royal Highness has spent many years working with communities throughout the UK and young people across the Commonwealth to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and broaden the conversation of mental wellness to accelerate change for a more compassionate, connected and positive society. Quote from HRH: “I truly believe that good mental health - mental fitness - is the key to powerful leadership, productive communities and a purpose-driven self. It is a huge responsibility to get this right as we bring you the facts, the science and the awareness of a subject that is so relevant during these times. Our hope is that this series will be positive, enlightening and inclusive - sharing global stories of unparalleled human spirit fighting back from the darkest places, and the opportunity for us to understand ourselves and those around us better. I am incredibly proud to be working alongside Oprah on this vital series.”

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on Apr 10, 2019 at 2:58am PDT