Meghan Markle has hit out at the "cruel" abuse she received when pregnant with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
The Duchess of Sussex was one of the keynote panellists at the South by Southwest (SXSW) series of festivals and conferences.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have travelled to Austin, Texas for the occasion.
During the speech, the duchess said the majority of the online bullying she received was while pregnant.
Meghan Markle travelled to Texas for the event
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Meghan added that she “keeps a distance” from social media as a consequence.
She said: “Oh, it’s really interesting as I can reflect on it. I keep my distance on it right now, just for my own well-being.
“But the bulk of the bullying and abuse that I was experiencing in social media and online, was when I was pregnant with Archie and with Lili.
“And you just think about that and really wrap your head around what people would be so hateful.
Meghan Markle sitting on a star-studded panelYouTube“It’s not catty, it’s cruel, why you would do that? Certainly when you’re pregnant and you have a newborn.”
The Duchess of Sussex also criticised women who are “completely spewing hate” to others online, calling on female executives in tech to do more.
Speaking at an event about women in the media, Meghan said she could not “wrap her head” around how people could be “so hateful” towards her on social media.
She added: “What I find the most disturbing frankly, especially as a supporter of women, is how much of the hate is women completely spewing that to other women. I cannot make sense of that.”
Meghan Markle looked beautiful in a 'Husband Shirt' from Giuliva Heritage
YouTubeThe duchess additionally spoke about how young girls are “drowning” in an online “world of comparison”.
She cited the “important and heartbreaking” work of the Archewell Foundation in working with victims of social media abuse.
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Meghan Markle is an avowed lifelong feministYouTubeMeghan said: “Children have taken their lives because of the abuse they have received in the online space.
“Young girls are going online and drowning in this world of comparison, their sense of self is so small and they don’t see the value of being alive.”
She also praised her husband, Prince Harry, for being such a good “hands-on dad” who gives her an incredible level of support.
