Priyanka Chopra reveals why she and Nick Jonas used a surrogate to welcome their baby

Priyanka Chopra has opened up about her journey to motherhood, explaining why she and Nick Jonas used a surrogate to welcome their daughter, Malti.

After being accused of "outsourcing" her pregnancy and "renting" a womb out of vanity, Priyanka revealed to British Vogue that this wasn't the case. "I had medical complications," she explained, adding that using a surrogate was a "necessary step".

"I’m so grateful I was in a position where I could do this," the first-time mum went on. "Our surrogate was so generous, kind, lovely and funny, and she took care of this precious gift for us for six months."

Touching on the impact of the harsh comments about her surrogacy, Priyanka said: "I’ve developed a tough hide when people talk about me. But it’s so painful when they talk about my daughter. I’m like, 'Keep her out of it'."

She continued: "I’ve been really protective of this chapter of my life with my daughter. Because it’s not about my life only. It’s hers too."

At the start of last year, the couple took to social media to let fans know they'd become parents. "We are overjoyed to confirm that we have welcomed a baby via surrogate," they wrote on Instagram. "We respectfully ask for privacy during this special time as we focus on our family. Thank you so much."

Since welcoming their daughter, who was born prematurely at six months and had to spend three months in the NICU, Priyanka and Nick have kept their family life relatively low-key, ensuring Malti stays out of the spotlight.