Meghan Markle paid an emotional tribute to Gloria Steinem on Thursday, honoring her late friend and mentor following the legendary activist’s death at age 92 in New York City. The Duchess of Sussex shared previously unseen photographs, including a picture of Prince Archie with the feminist icon.
A Lasting Friendship Beyond the Public Spotlight
The Duchess of Sussex reflected on a deep personal bond that extended far beyond their public collaborations on voting rights and gender equity. While the two figures frequently appeared together in public—including joint interviews, award ceremonies, and voter outreach calls—Meghan emphasized that their private interactions revealed an even more remarkable side of the activist.
Steinem passed away peacefully on Wednesday at her home in New York City, according to an announcement from her foundation. News of her death prompted tributes, with Meghan sharing her gratitude on Instagram that Steinem knew how deeply she was loved in her final weeks and days.
Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, stated that publicly, they did interviews together, called young voters to encourage them to have their voices heard, attended award ceremonies, and brainstormed how to help that beautiful yet complicated world to become more equitable.
Intimate Memories, Thanksgiving Dinners, and Family Life
The relationship between the trailblazing feminist and the royal family member took root after they discovered they lived 45 minutes from each other, leading to a historic backyard chat at the duchess’s home in Montecito in 2020.
Meghan recalled spending Thanksgiving with her family and credited the activist with introducing her to one of her best friends. Describing Steinem as forever the champion of female friendship, the duchess noted that the icon loved their children with her whole heart and provided extraordinary advice and perspective under the genot of a cup of tea.
That mentorship also included counseling during hard times, paired with what Meghan described as an unrivaled cheekiness and wit. Meghan also spoke of a bracelet that Steinem gave her.
Unseen Photographs Reveal Personal Moments With Prince Archie
In her first post since returning to the UK, the “Suits” and Deal or No Deal
alum shared photographs of ‘Glo’, reflecting on the renowned journalist’s life and legacy. The visual collection included a sunny outdoor photograph taken during a backyard chat at the duchess’s Montecito home, where the pair discussed women’s rights and voter representation alongside Meghan’s beloved beagle Guy, who died in 2025.
Another image offered a glimpse into family life: a framed photograph showing Steinem reaching over to Prince Archie, now seven, when he was around two years old, with his face covered with a white heart. The post also featured a picture of the pair hugging during a visit to New York last March, as the duchess shared her favorite memories with Gloria over the years.
A Defining Legacy for Generations of Women
Steinem’s death marks the passing of a foundational figure whose foundation announced she passed away peacefully at her home in New York City on Wednesday at 92. The American journalist’s life’s work reshaped landscapes, leaving an indelible mark on activists across generations.
Recalling her favorite story about “GLO,” Meghan shared an interaction where a woman approached the activist in absolute awe and said she wanted to introduce her young daughter, though she was embarrassed the young girl may not know who she was. Gloria replied that it did not matter if the girl knew who she was, adding that what mattered was that the girl knew who she was.
The lengthy caption concluded with the message that she should rest in peace and rest in pride, urging her to look at what she had done for all of them while expressing gratitude.
