Meghan Markle mourned the loss of one of the most important women in her life just days after beginning a new chapter in the UK with Prince Harry and their children.
The Duchess of Sussex, 45, shared a deeply personal tribute to her close friend and mentor Gloria Steinem following the legendary journalist and feminist activist’s death at the age of 92 on September 2.
Gloria died peacefully at her home in New York City surrounded by loved ones, her foundation confirmed, prompting tributes from figures including Hillary Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, Jane Fonda and Meghan.
But Meghan’s tribute offered a particularly intimate glimpse at the woman behind the public figure, revealing that Gloria had spent Thanksgiving with the Sussex family, supported the Duchess through “hard times” and shared a loving relationship with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
“Celebrating the life and legacy of my friend and mentor, Gloria Steinem, and also grateful to know that in these last few weeks and days she knew exactly how loved and admired she was,” Meghan began.
She also shared one of the principles Gloria had passed on to her: “We are linked, not ranked,” revealing that the activist had given her a bracelet carrying the same words. “I still wear it with pride,” Meghan added.
Gloria Steinem’s private bond with Meghan’s family
Meghan and Gloria first connected in 2020 after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved to California and subsequently worked together on causes close to both their hearts, including encouraging voter participation and campaigning for gender equality.
Yet Meghan revealed that it was away from the cameras that their relationship became particularly meaningful. “Privately, she was even better than you would imagine,” Meghan wrote, recalling Gloria “spending Thanksgiving with our family” and “loving our children with her whole heart.”
She also credited her mentor with “counseling me during hard times” and offering advice and perspective, often over a cup of tea. The Duchess accompanied her words with a collection of personal photographs, including a previously unseen image showing Gloria with Prince Archie when he was younger.
© Getty Images Ms. Foundation forIn the touching photograph, Gloria can be seen reaching towards the young royal at the Sussexes’ former Montecito home. Meghan preserved her son’s privacy by covering his face with a white heart.
Meghan shares poignant Gloria Steinem story
Meghan ended her tribute by sharing a story that appeared to encapsulate what she most admired about her friend. She recalled how a woman once approached Gloria in New York and wanted to introduce her to her young daughter, despite worrying that the child might not know who the famous activist was.
According to Meghan, Gloria replied: “It doesn’t matter if she knows who I am. What matters is that she knows who she is.”
The Duchess then offered her own final farewell: “Rest in peace, and rest in pride. Look at what you’ve done for all of us. Thank you.”
© InstagramWho was Gloria Steinem?
Gloria was one of the defining figures of the modern women’s movement, spending more than five decades campaigning for women’s rights and equality.
The journalist and activist co-founded Ms. magazine and helped establish organizations including the National Women’s Political Caucus, the Women’s Media Center and the Ms. Foundation for Women.
In 2013, President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her contribution to equality and social change.
Even in her later years, Gloria continued writing, campaigning and mentoring younger generations of women, something Meghan’s tribute makes clear extended far beyond their public work together.
© Getty Images Ms. Foundation forA poignant time for Meghan’s family
Gloria’s death comes at a time of enormous change for the Duchess, following her family’s recent move from the United States to the UK after six years living in California.
It also fell on the same week as another significant family moment. Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, celebrated her 70th birthday on September 2.
Doria has remained in California following her daughter’s relocation and was photographed in Los Angeles on her milestone birthday.
Meghan did not publicly mark the occasion on social media, although mother and daughter have long shared an exceptionally close relationship.
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