Meghan Markle admits taking measures for 'self-preservation' as she reveals 'complicated relationship'

Meghan sat down with Fortune's Editor-in-Chief Alyson Shontell in the US capital as they chatted about her “complicated relationship” with social media.

In particular, the pair discussed the duchess’s decision to turn off comments on all posts on both her personal Instagram account and that of her lifestyle brand, As Ever.

"There are certain things that I have done, just for my own self-preservation, but also that I've applied to the brand and for the people that are incredibly supportive,” Meghan explained.

She revealed that the decision, beyond shielding herself from “negativity,” was to foster a better environment for her fans and customers.

“By design, I also recognise that a lot of those people aren't going to my page to see negativity, and so not just protecting myself or the people that work with me, but also the supporters. So I don't have the comment section on,” she said.

The duchess admitted the decision conversely meant she also missed the positive feedback.

"I know the question can be around naysayers, but if you really see the groundswell of support that surrounds the brand and me, that's what I feel the most, and that's what I appreciate,” she added.

“That's a choice, and yet, part of that challenge that I was trying to solve,” she confessed to Ms Shontell.

“How do I build a community? That is so key to this brand and it's so key to how I like to show up in the world.

Meghan questioned: “How do we actually connect, if you can't have comments and exchange?"

On stage, the duchess also spoke about her similar soul-searching over the future of her Netflix show, With Love, Meghan.

Meghan explained she was in talks about how the “format” of the show might change in the future.

“So I think looking at that format — again, it's a year of learns — so we're able to say, 'Eight episodes for two seasons — it's a lot of work,” she said.

“And having done Suits for seven years, I remember what goes into a production. I also recognize how much people want content in different sizes.

“Part of what we're testing out now is, it's amazing to sit and watch a show for 30 minutes, but how can I give you a recipe in two minutes? And where can I share that with you? And how that continues to grow As ever,” Meghan added, referring her lifestyle brand.

The summit, which runs until Wednesday, features prominent figures including former Vice President Kamala Harris, actress and singer Selena Gomez, and author Brene Brown.

Meghan's Washington appearance followed a weekend in New York with Prince Harry, where the couple attended mental health awareness events organised by Project Healthy Minds.

The Duke and Duchess participated in both the charity's gala on 9 October and its festival the following day, marking World Mental Health Day.