Meghan Markle Reveals Gloria Steinem’s Deeply Personal Place in Her Family’s Life

Meghan Markle’s tribute to Gloria Steinem has revealed a side of their friendship that went far beyond their public work together — including the feminist icon’s remarkably close bond with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

The Duchess of Sussex, 45, paid an emotional tribute to Steinem after the pioneering journalist and activist died peacefully at her New York City home on September 2, 2026, aged 92. Steinem’s foundation confirmed her death, prompting tributes from prominent figures including Hillary Clinton, Oprah Winfrey and Jane Fonda.

For Meghan, however, the loss was deeply personal. She described Steinem not simply as a celebrated feminist leader, but as a close friend and mentor who had become part of her family’s private world.

A friendship that extended far beyond the spotlight

Meghan and Steinem first connected in 2020, after Meghan and Prince Harry moved to California. Their shared interest in gender equality and civic participation soon led to public collaborations, including conversations encouraging young voters to make their voices heard.

But Meghan made clear that their strongest connection developed away from cameras and public events.

In her tribute, she recalled Steinem spending Thanksgiving with the Sussex family, offering guidance during difficult periods and sharing long conversations over tea.

She also revealed that Steinem had formed a loving relationship with the Sussex children, writing that she loved Archie and Lilibet “with her whole heart.”

That private connection was illustrated by one of the most striking images Meghan shared: a previously unseen photograph of Steinem with a young Archie at the Sussexes’ former home in Montecito, California.

The photograph was carefully edited to protect Archie’s privacy, with his face covered by a white heart.

The bracelet Meghan still wears

Among the most personal details in Meghan’s tribute was a gift Steinem had given her.

The bracelet carries the words, “We are linked, not ranked,” a phrase that Steinem had shared with Meghan as a reflection of her beliefs about equality and human connection.

Meghan revealed that she still wears the bracelet with pride.

The message offered a glimpse into the influence Steinem had on Meghan personally — not only through her activism, but through the advice and perspective she offered as a trusted friend.

The advice Meghan says she will remember

Meghan also recalled a story that she felt captured Steinem’s outlook on life.

She described an occasion when a woman approached Steinem in New York and wanted to introduce her young daughter, while worrying that the child might not know who the famous activist was.

According to Meghan, Steinem’s response was simple: what mattered was not whether the girl knew who she was, but whether the girl knew who she was herself.

For Meghan, that sentiment appeared to capture much of what made Steinem so influential — her ability to focus attention away from celebrity and toward confidence, identity and purpose.

She ended her tribute with a personal farewell, thanking Steinem for everything she had done for her and for so many others.

A legacy that changed the women’s movement

Steinem spent more than five decades campaigning for women’s rights and equality.

She 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 in recognition of her contribution to equality and social change.

Her influence extended across generations, with her work continuing well into her later years through writing, activism and mentorship.

That legacy was reflected in the many tributes that followed her death, but Meghan’s offered something more intimate: a portrait of Steinem as someone welcomed into her family’s home, trusted during difficult moments and cherished by her children.

A significant moment for Meghan’s family

Steinem’s death came during a period of major change for Meghan and her family.

The loss followed the Sussexes’ reported move from California to the UK after six years in the United States. At the same time, Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, marked her 70th birthday on September 2.

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

While Meghan did not publicly mark her mother’s birthday on social media, she has long maintained a close relationship with Doria.

Against that backdrop, Meghan’s tribute to Steinem offered an unusually personal glimpse into the people who have shaped her life — and, perhaps most poignantly, into the woman who became a cherished presence in the lives of Archie and Lilibet as well.