As millions of viewers tuned in to watch Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's highly-anticipated interview with Oprah Winfrey Sunday, March 7th 2021, it seems that the Duchess of Sussex was patiently awaiting the world's reaction — and even exchanging a few texts with Oprah herself.

Revealing some behind-the-scenes tidbits about her exclusive sit-down with the royal couple, Oprah appeared on a follow-up segment on CBS' This Morning on Monday, March 8th 2021 to discuss and share more about the shocking pre-recorded interview. Among the more interesting things that the media mogul mentioned was that Meghan had texted her on Sunday night while the interview was airing on the East Coast. Oprah said,

"I haven't really spoken to them since the interview because we're in different time zones. [...] I got a text from Meghan yesterday saying, 'How's it going?' Because she was putting Archie to bed waiting on the West Coast feed and had no idea what was happening on the East Coast. And I said, 'I don't either, from what I can tell it's going well, I know it's airing.' So I will probably have a conversation with them later today."

During her interview, Meghan gave viewers some insight into why she chose to speak out, despite the potential press backlash that had been so damaging to her well-being during her time as a working royal. She told Oprah,

"That's the sad irony of the last four years, I've advocated for so long for women to use their voice, and then I was silent."

Needless to say, it's quite understandable that Meghan texted Oprah asking about the world's reaction to the interview — after all, she and Prince Harry revealed quite a bit of shocking information in their deeply candid conversation with Oprah. During the two-hour special, Meghan and Harry opened up about their relationship with the royal family and their controversial decision to step back from their royal duties, with Meghan revealing the heart-wrenching truth: That at one point, life as a royal drove her to experience suicidal thoughts. She revealed to Oprah

"I was really ashamed to say it at the time and ashamed to have to admit it to Harry especially, because I know how much loss he has suffered, but I knew that if I didn't say it, then I would do it. [...] I just didn't want to be alive anymore. That was a very clear and real and frightening and constant thought."

Ultimately, though, it seems as if the decision to step back as royals saved Meghan's life, and the Duchess of Sussex revealed that she now feels stronger and more hopeful about her future. Further adding,

"It takes so much courage to admit that you need help... to admit how dark of a place you're in... I'm still standing... My hope for people in the takeaway from this is to know that there's another side. And to know that life is worth living."

BBC reports that after 11.1 million viewers in the UK, and 17.1 million in the United States tuned into the interview, "The Firm" is holding "crisis meetings," to determine how to respond. “The Firm” is insider-speak for the monarchy, by the way. Meanwhile, on both sides of the pond, politicians have voiced their support for Meghan and Harry. Hillary Clinton spoke to the Washington Post on International Women's Day, condemning the expectation that Markle should, quote "just keep [her] head down." As Clinton pointed out,

"This young woman was not about to keep her head down. You know, this is 2021, and she wanted to live her life."

If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call or chat online with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Or Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line 741741.

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