Meghan Markle reveals Gloria Steinem’s deeply personal place in the Sussex family

For Meghan Markle, Gloria Steinem was far more than a celebrated feminist icon. She was a trusted mentor, confidante and friend whose connection with the Duchess extended into the private life of her family.

Just days after beginning a new chapter in the UK with Prince Harry and their children, Meghan, 45, shared an emotional tribute to Steinem following the activist and journalist’s death at the age of 92 on September 2.

Steinem died peacefully at her home in New York City surrounded by loved ones, according to her foundation. Tributes quickly followed from prominent figures including Hillary Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, Jane Fonda and Meghan.

Meghan’s tribute, however, offered a more intimate portrait of their relationship. She revealed that Steinem had spent Thanksgiving with the Sussex family, supported her through difficult periods and developed a warm relationship with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

“Celebrating the life and legacy of my friend and mentor, Gloria Steinem,” Meghan wrote, adding that she was grateful Steinem knew in her final weeks and days “exactly how loved and admired she was.”

A friendship built on shared values

Meghan and Steinem first connected in 2020, after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had moved to California. Their public work together included encouraging young people to vote and discussing gender equality and ways to create a more equitable society.

But Meghan made clear that their friendship went well beyond their shared public causes.

One of the principles Steinem passed on to her was “we are linked, not ranked.” Steinem gave Meghan a bracelet bearing the phrase, which the Duchess said she still wears with pride.

The words became a lasting reminder of the values that shaped their relationship.

“Privately, she was even better than you would imagine,” Meghan wrote.

She recalled Steinem spending Thanksgiving with her family, introducing her to one of her closest friends and embracing Archie and Lilibet wholeheartedly. Steinem also became someone Meghan could turn to during difficult periods, offering advice and perspective over cups of tea.

That private side of their friendship was especially important to Meghan. Behind the public appearances and activism was a woman she describes as warm, witty and generous with her time.

Meghan’s tribute was accompanied by several personal photographs, including a previously unseen image of Steinem with Prince Archie when he was younger.

The photograph was taken at the Sussexes’ former home in Montecito, California. Steinem is shown reaching toward the young Archie, while Meghan protected her son’s privacy by placing a white heart over his face.

The story Meghan chose to remember Gloria Steinem by

Among the memories Meghan shared was a story that captured what she admired most about Steinem.

She recalled a woman approaching Steinem in New York who wanted to introduce the feminist icon to her young daughter. The woman was concerned that the child might not recognize the famous activist.

Steinem’s response, as remembered by Meghan, was simple: “It doesn’t matter if she knows who I am. What matters is that she knows who she is.”

For Meghan, the story reflected the quality that made Steinem such an influential mentor. Her focus was never simply on recognition or personal fame, but on helping other people understand their own worth and find their own voice.

Meghan closed her tribute with a final expression of gratitude: “Rest in peace, and rest in pride. Look at what you’ve done for all of us. Thank you.”

Gloria Steinem’s extraordinary legacy

Steinem was one of the defining figures of the modern women’s movement. Over more than five decades, she campaigned for women’s rights, equality and broader social change.

As a journalist and activist, she helped shape the feminist movement through both her writing and organizing. She co-founded Ms. magazine and played a role in establishing organizations including the National Women’s Political Caucus, the Women’s Media Center and the Ms. Foundation for Women.

Her influence extended across generations. Steinem continued writing, campaigning and mentoring younger women well into later life, maintaining the personal commitment to supporting others that Meghan described in her tribute.

In 2013, President Barack Obama awarded Steinem the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of her contribution to equality and social change.

Her death at 92 prompted tributes from political leaders, entertainers, activists and journalists around the world. Hillary Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, Jane Fonda and numerous others reflected on Steinem’s influence and her decades of work on behalf of women and equality.

For Meghan, though, Steinem’s legacy was also deeply personal.

She remembered the woman who shared holidays with her family, offered advice when life became difficult and formed a loving connection with her children.

A significant loss during a major transition

Steinem’s death came at a particularly significant moment for Meghan and her family.

The Duchess and Prince Harry had recently returned to the UK with their children after six years living in California, marking a new chapter for the family.

The timing also coincided with another important family milestone. Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, celebrated her 70th birthday on September 2, the same day Steinem died.

Ragland has remained in California following her daughter’s relocation and was photographed in Los Angeles on her milestone birthday.

Meghan did not publicly mark her mother’s birthday on social media. Mother and daughter, however, have long maintained a notably close relationship.

Against that backdrop, Meghan’s tribute to Steinem offered a rare look at another important relationship in her life: one rooted in friendship, mentorship and family.

The photographs she chose to share brought that connection into particularly sharp focus. Alongside images of Meghan and Steinem together, the inclusion of Archie showed just how far their relationship had extended beyond the public work that first brought the two women together.

Steinem’s public legacy will be remembered through the institutions she helped build and the generations of women she inspired. For Meghan, her memory will also remain tied to quieter moments: Thanksgiving with the family, conversations over tea, advice during hard times and the affection she showed toward Archie and Lilibet.

It is that private legacy that Meghan chose to place at the heart of her farewell.