Meghan Markle Breaks Her Silence Days After UK Return With Emotional Tribute to Two Icons
The Duchess returned to the UK along with Prince Harry and her children last week. Since then she has been keeping a low-profile.
Meghan Markle has broken her social media silence after landing in the UK, sharing a poignant, emotional post. The Duchess of Sussex honored the late feminist icon Gloria Steinem, who passed away at age 92, with a heartfelt tribute on her Instagram. They had developed a strong connection since meeting in 2020 to thank voter registration organizers. They then went on to film a conversation about suffrage that summer, and later announced their plan to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. In 2023, Steinem awarded Meghan the Women of Vision award for her contribution to global advocacy for women and girls. And her choice of song could be an intended tribute to the icon, Dolly Parton, who also passed away last week.
“Celebrating the life and legacy of my friend and mentor, Gloria Steinem, and also grateful to know that in these last few weeks and days she knew exactly how loved and admired she was,” Markle began her lengthy post. The Duchess went on to reveal that the icon had gifted her a bracelet that she still 'proudly wears'. "We are linked, not ranked’ she would tell me," she continued, lauding Steinem for inspiring generations. She then went on to describe how their bond blossomed in public and private.
“Publicly, we did interviews together, called young voters to encourage them to have their voices heard, attended award ceremonies, and brainstormed how to help this beautiful yet complicated world to become more equitable. But privately, she was even better than you would imagine — spending Thanksgiving with our family, introducing me to one of my best friends (forever the champion of female friendship), loving our children with her whole heart, counseling me during hard times, and giving extraordinary advice and perspective with a cup of tea and an unrivaled cheekiness and wit.”
Woman of Vision Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex speaks onstage with Gloria Steinem and Teresa Younger during the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards: Celebrating Generations of Progress & Power at Ziegfeld Ballroom on May 16, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images, Ms. Foundation for Women)
Markle then highlighted her tribute with a story about Steinem's kind and magnanimous approach towards people. She described how, while traveling in New York City, a woman expressed her admiration and wished to introduce her daughter to Steinem, despite the child's potential unawareness of her identity. Steinem responded, emphasizing the importance of the girl's self-awareness rather than her knowledge of Steinem herself.
"Rest in peace, and rest in pride. Look at what you’ve done for all of us. Thank you," the Duchess concluded. According to Town & Country Magazine, Markle had previously released a behind-the-scenes clip from her October 2025 trip to New York, featuring herself and Gloria showcasing their connection.
Steinem had defended Markle and the media narrative surrounding her. "I think Meghan has been subject to the British tabloids," Steinem said, "and so people may not know just how wonderful she is." Meanwhile, the Duchess also paid a subtle tribute to country legend Dolly Parton by including her song Just Because I'm a Woman. Parton passed away last week after a brief illness.
Markle returned to the UK with Prince Harry and her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, and it is believed they plan to stay for an extended period.
