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MEGHAN Markle revealed that she tried to adopt a typical British stiff upper lip when she joined the Royal Family - but keeping quiet about the "unfair" scrutiny she faces is "damaging".

In last night's ITV documentary Harry & Meghan: An African Journey, the Duchess opened up about the struggles she's encountered since becoming a Royal and admitted she wants to "thrive" in her new role instead of merely "surviving".

 Meghan gave a heartfelt interview in last night's Africa tour documentary
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Meghan gave a heartfelt interview in last night's Africa tour documentary

Addressing the widespread criticism the couple faced this summer, Meghan admitted: "I've said for a long time to H - that's what I call him - it is not enough to just survive something, right?

"That's not the point of life. You've got to thrive.

"You've got to feel happy and I think I really tried to adopt this British sensibility of a stiff upper lip. I tried, I really tried."

However, the new mum claims that burying her emotions would do more harm than good.

 Meghan said Prince Harry and Archie help her deal with public scrutiny
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Meghan said Prince Harry and Archie help her deal with public scrutinyCredit: PA:Press Association

She continued: "But I think what that does internally is probably really damaging."

The Duchess then went on to explain how she never expected becoming a member of the Royal Family would be "easy" but "thought it would be fair".

She added: "That's the part that's really hard to reconcile. Just take each day as it comes."

When the presenter argued that public scrutiny can be part of living with "incredible power, privilege, fame and wealth", Meghan replied: "The good thing is that I've got my baby and I've got my husband and they're the best."

During the interview, Meghan also held back tears when discussing her "struggle" as a "vulnerable" new mum.

 The Duchess said she felt 'vulnerable' when she was pregnant
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The Duchess said she felt 'vulnerable' when she was pregnantCredit: Getty - Contributor

"Look, any woman, especially when they are pregnant, you’re really vulnerable and so that was made really challenging, and then when you have a newborn – you know…

"And especially as a woman, it’s a lot. So you add this on top of just trying to be a new mum or trying to be a newlywed it’s, well…

"And, also thank you for asking, because not many people have asked if I’m OK. But it’s a very real thing to be going through behind the scenes."

Tom asks her directly if it is fair to say that it has been a struggle, and looking emotional, Meghan replies: "Yes."

In last night's documentary, Prince Harry also admitted that he and William have grown apart as they're on "different paths".

In more Royal Family news, Prince William has revealed that Charlotte, George and Louis are "obsessed" with tractors in a new documentary.

Plus Prince William plans to launch campaign to boost mental health support for 999 heroes.

And Princess Diana’s death could have broken Prince William but instead, it made him strong and compassionate.

Prince Harry spotted tenderly cradling baby Archie in the background as Meghan Markle gives an interview on Harry and Meghan: An African Journey
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