Meghan Markle Shares Deeply Personal Tribute to Gloria Steinem After Her Death

Meghan Markle has opened up about a deeply personal friendship following the death of feminist icon Gloria Steinem, describing the trailblazing activist as both a “friend and mentor.”

The Duchess of Sussex was among the many public figures to pay tribute to Steinem after her death was announced on Thursday. Steinem, a pioneering voice of the US women’s liberation movement, died aged 92 on Wednesday.

For Meghan, however, the loss was clearly more than the passing of a celebrated public figure.

In an emotional Instagram post, Meghan reflected on the extraordinary influence Steinem had on her life, while revealing intimate memories of the time they spent together away from the spotlight.

“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.”

Meghan also recalled one of Steinem’s most memorable messages to her: “we are linked, not ranked.”

The words had such significance that Steinem gave Meghan a bracelet bearing the phrase — something the Duchess said she continues to wear “with pride.”

A friendship beyond the cameras

Meghan described the public side of their relationship, recalling how they appeared together for interviews, encouraged young voters to make their voices heard, attended award ceremonies and discussed ways to create a more equitable world.

But it was their private relationship that Meghan appeared to treasure most.

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

She remembered Steinem spending Thanksgiving with her family, introducing her to one of her closest friends and showing love towards her children.

Meghan also revealed that Steinem supported her during difficult times, offering advice and perspective over cups of tea while bringing her trademark wit and cheekiness to their conversations.

The memories offered a rare glimpse into a friendship that extended well beyond their shared public appearances.

Steinem’s extraordinary legacy

Steinem became one of the defining figures of the US feminist movement, spending decades challenging sexism and campaigning for women’s rights.

A renowned writer and magazine editor, she began her journalism career in New York before becoming involved in some of the most influential organisations and publications of the women’s movement.

More than five decades ago, she co-founded the Women’s Action Alliance, which worked to combat sexism and advance women’s rights. She also helped establish Ms. magazine, which became a pioneering publication covering a broad spectrum of women’s issues beyond the traditional focus on housekeeping and beauty.

News of her death was announced through a statement shared on her Instagram account, which praised her ability to make people feel seen and heard.

The statement said Steinem continued working for equality until the very end and remained true to her “independent spirit,” while maintaining her curiosity and sense of humour.

Tributes pour in

Among those also remembering Steinem was former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who described her as one of the architects of women’s equality.

Speaking to CBS Mornings, Clinton said Steinem had helped tear down barriers that prevented young women from pursuing opportunities where their talents and hard work could take them.

“She was at heart an optimist,” Clinton said, describing Steinem’s activism as rooted in optimism and calling that outlook a moral choice she made every day.

For Meghan, that legacy was reflected not only in Steinem’s decades of public activism, but in the personal moments they shared.

The bracelet Meghan still wears, the family memories and the advice offered over cups of tea now stand as deeply personal reminders of a woman whose influence reached far beyond the causes she championed.