Meghan Markle Pays Tribute to Gloria Steinem With Previously Unseen Photo of Prince Archie

Meghan Markle has remembered the late feminist icon Gloria Steinem as a cherished friend, mentor and source of guidance, sharing a previously unseen photograph of Prince Archie with the influential activist.

The Duchess of Sussex made the emotional tribute in her first social media post since returning to the United Kingdom. Alongside a series of photographs, Meghan reflected on Steinem’s extraordinary life, her decades of activism and the deeply personal relationship they developed over the years.

One of the images showed Meghan and Gloria together during their first memorable meeting in 2020. The pair came together to discuss women’s rights, political participation and the importance of voting. Their conversation took place in Meghan’s backyard in Montecito, California, during the coronavirus pandemic.

The meeting was particularly meaningful because the two women had discovered that they lived relatively close to one another, only around 45 minutes apart. What began as a conversation about social and political issues eventually developed into a lasting friendship.

In the photograph from that occasion, Meghan and Gloria can be seen sitting comfortably in wooden chairs outside while enjoying the California sunshine. Meghan’s beloved rescue beagle, Guy, was also nearby, resting beside her. The dog, who had been an important part of Meghan’s life for years, died in 2025.

Among the photographs Meghan shared was a framed image of Gloria interacting with her son Archie. At the time, Archie was still a toddler. His face was concealed with a white heart in the image, preserving the privacy of the young royal.

The photograph offered a glimpse into the personal relationship that had developed between Gloria and Meghan’s family. Meghan remembered how warmly Steinem had embraced both Archie and Princess Lilibet, describing the feminist leader as someone who loved her children wholeheartedly.

A Friendship That Went Beyond Public Events

Meghan also included a more recent photograph showing herself and Gloria embracing during a visit to New York. The image reflected the closeness the two women maintained until the final years of Steinem’s life.

In her tribute, Meghan explained that their relationship extended far beyond public appearances and interviews. Together, they participated in political campaigns, spoke with young voters and attended high-profile events. They also discussed ways of creating a fairer and more equal society.

However, Meghan emphasized that her private memories of Gloria were even more meaningful than their public work.

She recalled spending Thanksgiving with Steinem and receiving emotional support during difficult periods. Gloria also introduced Meghan to one of her close friends and became a trusted source of advice. Their conversations could apparently range from serious discussions about social issues to relaxed moments over tea, accompanied by Steinem’s characteristic humor and sharp wit.

One particular story stood out as Meghan’s favorite memory of Gloria.

She recalled an occasion when a woman approached Steinem in New York and excitedly asked whether she could introduce her young daughter to the famous feminist. The woman was apparently worried that her daughter might not recognize Gloria.

Steinem’s response, according to Meghan, perfectly represented her philosophy. Rather than being concerned about whether the child knew her name or recognized her achievements, she emphasized that what truly mattered was whether the girl understood her own identity and potential.

For Meghan, the story captured the essence of Gloria’s approach to empowering women and girls.

Remembering an Influential Feminist

Gloria Steinem died peacefully at her home in New York City at the age of 92, surrounded by people who loved her. News of her death prompted tributes from supporters and organizations connected to her extraordinary career.

For more than half a century, Steinem had been one of the most recognizable voices in the American feminist movement. She became a prominent journalist, writer and activist whose work helped shape discussions about gender equality, women’s rights and social justice.

Her career gained widespread attention in the 1960s when she worked undercover as a Playboy Bunny for 11 days. Her experience became the basis for a two-part investigative article examining the working conditions, low wages and sexist treatment experienced by women employed at the Playboy Club.

Steinem subsequently devoted much of her life to activism. She traveled extensively across the United States, speaking at universities, community centers, political rallies and demonstrations. Her distinctive appearance, including her long hair parted in the middle and large aviator-style glasses, eventually became closely associated with her public image.

She also played a major role in establishing several influential organizations. In 1971, Steinem helped establish the National Women’s Political Caucus alongside Bella Abzug, Shirley Chisholm and Betty Friedan.

Throughout her career, she was involved with numerous organizations dedicated to women’s rights, political participation and equality, including the Women’s Media Center, Voters for Choice, the Ms. Foundation for Women and the Coalition of Labor Union Women.

Her contributions were formally recognized in 2013, when President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States.

How Meghan and Gloria First Connected

Meghan’s friendship with Steinem began publicly with their 2020 conversation for the Makers Women platform. Filmed during the pandemic, the discussion focused heavily on women’s rights and the importance of voting.

Sitting outdoors in Meghan’s garden, the two women maintained social distancing while discussing the upcoming American election. Steinem warmly greeted Meghan by saying, “Welcome home,” as the Duchess expressed her happiness about being back in the United States.

During the conversation, Meghan praised Steinem for the decades she had spent fighting for women. She pointed out that people sometimes overlooked the enormous amount of work activists had undertaken to create better opportunities for future generations.

Their relaxed conversation was occasionally interrupted by Meghan’s dogs. Guy and Pula wandered into the frame, providing a light-hearted moment during the serious discussion.

At the conclusion of their meeting, Steinem gave Meghan a bracelet engraved with the words “We are linked, not ranked.” Meghan said the message had profound significance for her.

The meeting marked the beginning of a friendship that would continue for several years.

A Shared Commitment to Women’s Rights

Meghan and Steinem later continued to collaborate publicly. In 2022, they spoke together with Vogue following the United States Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, a ruling that had previously protected constitutional abortion rights.

During that conversation, Meghan encouraged men to speak more openly about their feelings concerning the decision and to join women in defending reproductive rights. She also revealed that Prince Harry had been deeply upset by the ruling.

The pair continued to meet privately as well. They were photographed together in New York after sharing lunch at the Crosby Hotel, where they were seen walking arm in arm before saying goodbye.

Steinem also encouraged Meghan to support efforts surrounding the Equal Rights Amendment, a proposed amendment intended to guarantee equal legal rights for American citizens regardless of sex.

Steinem had previously spoken positively about Meghan, suggesting that the public image of the Duchess did not necessarily reflect the person she knew privately. She described Meghan as intelligent, funny and committed to social causes, adding that she considered her a genuinely good person.

Meghan later presented further evidence of their close bond when she received a Women of Vision award from Steinem in New York in 2023. The two women shared a warm embrace before Meghan accepted the honor.

Even after that event, their friendship continued. Meghan visited Steinem again during a trip to New York in October of the following year.

Through her tribute, Meghan has now offered a more intimate portrait of the woman she considered both a mentor and a close friend. While Gloria Steinem’s public legacy will remain closely connected to the fight for women’s equality, Meghan’s memories reveal another side of the celebrated activist: a woman who offered friendship, humor, wisdom and emotional support to those around her.

For Meghan, Steinem’s greatest legacy may ultimately be the encouragement she gave others to understand their own worth, speak with confidence and use their voices to create change.