Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has been a lightning rod for public fascination since her marriage to Prince Harry in 2018. Recently, a sensational claim has surfaced, alleging that her ex-husband, Trevor Engelson, revealed she was unable to have children, sparking a frenzy of speculation about her fertility and the legitimacy of her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. This narrative, largely driven by social media posts on platforms like X, has ignited debates among royal watchers, with some questioning the credibility of these claims while others seize on them to fuel ongoing controversies surrounding the Sussexes. But what’s the truth behind these allegations, and how do they fit into the broader scrutiny of Meghan’s personal life?
The Claim: Trevor Engelson’s Alleged Revelation
The rumor originates from posts on X, where users like @TribesBritannia and @TheFakeDuchess claimed in 2024 that Engelson, Meghan’s ex-husband from 2011 to 2013, confirmed she had a hysterectomy, rendering her unable to bear children. These posts suggest that this issue caused tension in their marriage, as Engelson reportedly wanted kids. For instance, @TribesBritannia wrote, “Trevor did confirm that Meghan Markle had a hysterectomy, a fact that caused difficulty in their relationship as he wanted to have children.” Similarly, @B0NQUIQUI stated, “According to Tom Markle Jr, it was a problem in the relationship with her X husband Trevor because ‘they couldn’t have children.’”
These claims have been echoed by other users, with some, like @TheFabBookLover, alleging that an article quoting Engelson on this topic was “wiped” from the internet. The narrative gained traction with assertions that Meghan’s alleged infertility explains why she and Harry used a surrogate for Archie (born May 6, 2019) and Lilibet (born June 4, 2021), a theory pushed by users like @KSLPinto, who claimed Meghan admitted to a hysterectomy at 26 on her now-defunct blog, The Tig.
However, these claims lack credible evidence. Engelson, a film producer who married nutritionist Tracey Kurland in 2019 and has three children, has never publicly spoken about his marriage to Meghan, let alone her fertility. A 2021 Daily Record article noted Engelson’s feelings of being “like something stuck to the bottom of her shoe” after their divorce, but it contains no mention of children or infertility. Similarly, royal biographer Andrew Morton’s Meghan: A Hollywood Princess describes the marriage’s end due to long-distance challenges, with Meghan filming Suits in Toronto while Engelson was in Los Angeles, but makes no reference to fertility issues.
The Context of Meghan’s Family and Fertility
Meghan’s fertility has been a topic of speculation since her pregnancy with Archie was announced in 2018. Contrary to the claims of infertility, Meghan has given birth to two children, with Kensington Palace confirming Archie’s birth at a London hospital and Lilibet’s at a California hospital. Meghan also shared in a 2020 New York Times op-ed that she suffered a miscarriage in July 2020, a personal loss that contradicts the narrative of a hysterectomy or inability to conceive. Her diagnosis of postpartum preeclampsia after Lilibet’s birth further confirms her pregnancies.
The rumor of a hysterectomy appears to stem from unverified social media claims rather than primary sources. No archived posts from The Tig, which Meghan shut down in 2017, have surfaced to support the assertion that she disclosed a hysterectomy. Moreover, Engelson’s silence on the matter aligns with his low-profile approach post-divorce. A 2025 GB News article noted that Engelson was offered a lucrative deal for a tell-all memoir but declined, suggesting he’s uninterested in publicizing details about Meghan.
Meghan’s estranged family, particularly her father, Thomas Markle, and half-siblings, Samantha and Thomas Jr., have fueled related controversies. Thomas Sr. told The Mail on Sunday in 2025 that he “really liked Trevor” and believed Engelson “never understood why she dumped him,” but he made no mention of fertility issues. Samantha has made inflammatory claims, including allegations about their mother Doria Ragland’s behavior during Meghan’s pregnancy, but these are unrelated to Engelson or Meghan’s ability to have children. Thomas Jr.’s comments about Meghan’s infertility, cited in X posts, lack corroboration from credible outlets and appear speculative.
The “Pregnancy Contract” Rumor
A 2018 DailyMailTV report claimed Meghan asked Engelson to sign a “pregnancy contract” to ensure she had a personal trainer and nutritionist to maintain her figure during and after a potential pregnancy, reflecting her career concerns as an actress. A friend allegedly told DailyMailTV, “It came up at a time when they were considering having a family, at some point in the near future.” This suggests discussions about children occurred, undermining claims that Meghan was unable to conceive during their marriage. However, the couple divorced in 2013, citing “irreconcilable differences,” before any pregnancy materialized.
The contract rumor, while unverified beyond the DailyMailTV source, indicates Meghan was open to motherhood but prioritized her physical appearance and career, a common concern for actresses. There’s no evidence linking this to infertility or a hysterectomy, and the claim has not been substantiated by Engelson himself.
Social Media’s Role in Amplifying Rumors
The narrative that Meghan “can’t have children” has been propelled by X users, many of whom align with anti-Meghan sentiments. Posts like @blue99heart’s claim that “Markle had a hysterectomy 20 yrs ago” and “pr Harry is sterile” are inflammatory and lack evidence, relying on hearsay or fabricated details. Similarly, @AppleoniaPics asserted, “She was never pregnant, Trevor her x husband said she had hysterectomy,” without citing a source. These posts often tie into broader conspiracy theories, such as claims that Meghan used surrogates or that Archie and Lilibet don’t exist, which have been debunked by official announcements and photos shared by the Sussexes.
The spread of such rumors reflects a pattern of online trolling targeting Meghan, as noted by Harry in his 2023 memoir Spare, where he described the “national sport” of tormenting his wife. The lack of primary evidence from Engelson, combined with Meghan’s documented pregnancies, suggests these claims are rooted in speculation rather than fact.
Contrasting Narratives: Meghan’s Public Image
The fertility rumors contrast sharply with Meghan’s public narrative as a mother. In her Netflix series Harry & Meghan (2022) and With Love, Meghan (2025), she shares moments with Archie and Lilibet, emphasizing her role as a hands-on parent. Her 2025 appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show included praise for Harry as an “amazing father,” reinforcing their family life in Montecito. These portrayals clash with the infertility narrative, which critics use to question her authenticity, much like the backlash to her cooking show, where dishes were labeled a “disaster” despite positive recreations by outlets like This Morning.
Meanwhile, the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, faces less scrutiny for similar domestic roles, with her baking mishaps framed as “relatable” by outlets like Woman & Home. This double standard, evident in X posts comparing the two women, highlights the disproportionate criticism Meghan endures, with fertility rumors adding another layer of personal attack.
The Truth: No Credible Evidence
No verifiable evidence supports the claim that Trevor Engelson revealed Meghan was unable to have children. Engelson has remained silent about their marriage, and his reported feelings of hurt, as cited in Morton’s biography, relate to the divorce’s abruptness, not fertility issues. Meghan’s pregnancies with Archie and Lilibet, her miscarriage, and her preeclampsia diagnosis provide concrete evidence of her ability to conceive and carry children. The hysterectomy claim, attributed to a supposed Tig blog post, lacks any archived proof and appears to be a fabrication spread by X users with an anti-Meghan agenda.
The rumor’s persistence reflects the broader challenges Meghan faces as a public figure, where personal milestones are weaponunique pressures of public life. As she continues to navigate her role as a mother, wife, and entrepreneur, her story underscores the resilience required to rise above unfounded gossip, with or without a royal title.
Conclusion
The claim that Meghan Markle’s ex-husband Trevor Engelson revealed she was unable to have children is a baseless rumor driven by social media speculation, not credible evidence. Engelson has never publicly discussed Meghan’s fertility, and her documented pregnancies with Archie and Lilibet directly contradict the narrative of a hysterectomy or infertility. Fueled by X posts and amplified by Meghan’s estranged family, these allegations reflect a pattern of scrutiny that overshadows her achievements. As Meghan forges ahead with her Netflix series and lifestyle brand, her ability to weather such rumors mirrors the strength she’s shown since stepping into the global spotlight. In a world eager to dissect her every move, the truth remains: Meghan is a mother, a creator, and a force undeterred by gossip.