A Personal Connection Beyond the Public Eye
Following the passing of legendary feminist activist and journalist Gloria Steinem on September 2 at the age of 92, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has shared a deeply personal tribute, revealing a long-standing private mentorship between the two women. Steinem died peacefully at her home in New York City, according to her foundation.
While the pair were known for their collaborative public work—including voter registration efforts and advocacy for gender equality following Meghan’s move to California in 2020—the Duchess emphasized that their bond was most significant away from the spotlight. In an Instagram tribute, Meghan described Steinem as a mentor who provided counsel during “hard times” and shared quiet moments over tea.
This report draws on information published by hellomagazine.com and rollingstone.com.
“Privately, she was even better than you would imagine,” Meghan wrote, detailing how the activist had spent Thanksgiving with the Sussex family and formed a loving relationship with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The tribute included previously unseen photographs, one of which depicted Steinem interacting with a young Prince Archie at the family’s former Montecito residence.
Legacy of a Feminist Trailblazer
Gloria Steinem’s career spanned over five decades, during which she co-founded Ms. magazine and played a pivotal role in establishing the National Women’s Political Caucus and the Women’s Media Center. In 2013, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama for her contributions to equality and social justice.
Tributes from prominent figures across the globe, including Hillary Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, and Jane Fonda, underscored the scale of her impact. Clinton, who recalled Steinem’s support during her 2016 campaign, noted that Steinem helped pave the way for generations of women in fields ranging from space exploration to competitive sports.
Reflecting on a Lasting Influence
Meghan’s tribute highlighted a specific lesson she carried from her friend: the principle that people are “linked, not ranked.” The Duchess noted that Steinem had gifted her a bracelet bearing those words, which she continues to wear. She also recounted a poignant story about a chance encounter in New York, where Steinem reportedly told a mother that it did not matter if her daughter recognized her, provided the child knew “who she is.”
This loss occurs during a period of transition for the Duchess, as she and Prince Harry have recently moved back to the United Kingdom after six years in California. The news also coincided with the 70th birthday of Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, who remained in California.