Reporter who asked Meghan Markle if she was OK wishes couple good luck in 'big step'

The reporter whose simple question prompted tears from the Duchess of Sussex has wished her and Prince Harry good luck in their new life.

Tom Bradby, ITV’s News at Ten anchor, went to South Africa with the couple on their first, and only, royal tour as a family.

The journalist, who is a friend of the couple, spoke to Meghan after friends said she had told them she was struggling behind the scenes.

The duchess replied: “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.”

Asked if it had really been a struggle, she said: “Yes.”

Nine months on, Bradby, who attended their Windsor wedding in 2018, has said he wishes the couple good luck in the decision they have made to step back from senior royal life.

Read more: Why did Prince Harry and Meghan Markle step back as senior royals?

Speaking to the Evening Standard, he said his own experience of mental health struggles informed how he spoke to them.

He said: “Harry and Meghan have had a tumultuous time.

“Everyone needs a break, including me. It was a psychologically complex journey making the documentary. I hope they are fine. I know a fair amount of people involved and it wasn’t easy for them.

“They’ve taken a big step and made it clear they want a different life. Good luck to them.”

He also said his wife helped him broach the subject with the Sussexes - advising him to “be human” when asking the questions.

Harry, 35, and Meghan, 38, are now living in Los Angeles where they are waiting for the right moment to launch their charitable organisation Archewell. They have delayed it as the world responds to the coronavirus pandemic.

Read more: Meghan Markle shares ‘devastation’ at George Floyd’s death in speech to her former LA high school

The couple mothballed their Sussex Royal Instagram account as they were unable to continue using the word royal in any of their branding, but have released snippets of their work through other charities.

They have marked both their second anniversary and their son’s first birthday in lockdown.

Meghan was revealed as the speaker at her former high school’s recent graduation on Thursday, as she addressed the girls leaving Immaculate Heart about the racism still continuing in the USA and the death of George Floyd.

Harry has kept in touch with some of his UK charities, including telling volunteers linked to a sports based charity that "helping makes you feel better”.