Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has paid tribute to Gloria Steinem, describing the late activist as a "friend and mentor" following Steinem's death on Wednesday at the age of 92.
In a heartfelt Instagram post shared on Thursday, Markle expressed gratitude for Steinem's presence in her final weeks and days, stating, "in these last few weeks and days [Steinem] knew exactly how loved and admired she was." The Duchess reflected on their shared efforts to "brainstorm how to help this beautiful yet complicated world to become more equitable."
Markle described Steinem as "even better than you would imagine" in private, recounting how the feminist icon spent Thanksgiving with her and Prince Harry. She credited Steinem with introducing her to one of her "best friends" and for being a "forever the champion of female friendship."
According to Markle, Steinem "lov[ed] our children with her whole heart, counsel[ed] me during hard times and [gave] extraordinary advice and perspective with a cup of tea and an unrivaled cheekiness and wit."
Markle also shared a favorite anecdote about Steinem, recalling a moment when a woman introduced her daughter to Steinem, concerned the girl might not know who she was. Steinem's response, Markle recounted, was: "It doesn’t matter if she knows who I am. What matters is that she knows who SHE is."
Markle concluded her tribute by wishing Steinem peace and pride, acknowledging her profound impact. The social media post included several photos, one of which featured Markle and Steinem in lawn chairs. Another image showed Steinem with Prince Archie, and a final photograph depicted the two women sitting together on a couch.
News of Steinem's death was announced Thursday via a statement on her Instagram account. The statement indicated she passed away peacefully at her New York City home, surrounded by loved ones. Her cause of death has not been disclosed. Steinem, born in 1934 in Toledo, Ohio, was a pivotal figure in the modern women's movement, advocating for abortion rights and the Equal Rights Amendment. She also co-founded Ms. magazine and helped establish the National Women's Political Caucus.