Meghan Markle has paid tribute to Gloria Steinem following the death of the pioneering feminist, sharing personal memories and previously unseen family photos that offered a glimpse into their close friendship.
Steinem died on September 2, 2026, at the age of 92 at her home in New York City. Her team said she died peacefully surrounded by loved ones. A cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
The news prompted tributes from prominent figures across politics, entertainment and activism. Among them was Markle, who described Steinem not only as an influential figure but also as a “friend and mentor”.
Meghan Markle Remembers Gloria Steinem as a Friend and Mentor
Markle shared her tribute on Instagram shortly after Steinem’s death.
Rather than focusing solely on Steinem’s public achievements, the Duchess of Sussex highlighted the personal relationship they developed over the years.
She recalled Steinem’s influence on her thinking about equality and friendship. Markle also referred to a bracelet Steinem gave her, carrying a message that reflected the activist’s philosophy about human relationships.
The tribute showed that their connection extended beyond their public appearances and conversations about social issues.
Markle said Steinem was someone she could turn to during difficult moments and remembered her for her advice, humour and warmth.
Rare Photo of Prince Archie Appears in Meghan’s Tribute
One of the most personal elements of Markle’s post was a framed photograph showing Steinem with a young Prince Archie.
The image offered a rare look at the relationship between Steinem and Markle’s family. Markle and Prince Harry are also parents to their daughter, Princess Lilibet.
Other photographs showed Markle and Steinem spending time together in more relaxed settings, including sitting outdoors and together inside a home.
The family images added a different dimension to the public story of their friendship. Instead of presenting Steinem only as a celebrated activist, Markle remembered her as someone who became part of her family’s private life.
Their Friendship Went Beyond Public Events
Markle and Steinem’s relationship became publicly known through their shared interest in women’s rights and civic participation.
The two were involved in conversations encouraging young people to vote and discussing ways to promote greater equality. Their public connection began receiving particular attention after Markle and Harry moved to California.
However, Markle’s latest tribute suggests that their relationship was not limited to activism.
She remembered spending Thanksgiving with Steinem and described how the feminist icon interacted with her children. Markle also recalled receiving personal guidance from Steinem during challenging periods in her life.
That private connection appears to be what Markle wanted to emphasise most in her farewell.
Gloria Steinem’s Legacy Extended Far Beyond Feminism
Steinem was one of the most recognisable figures in the modern American women’s movement.
As a journalist and activist, she became a prominent voice on issues including women’s equality, reproductive rights and equal pay. She also helped establish organisations that became influential in the fight for gender equality.
She was also a co-founder of Ms. magazine, which became an important publication in the feminist movement.
Her work continued for decades, and she remained involved in discussions surrounding equality and social justice well into later life.
In 2013, Steinem received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of the United States’ highest civilian honours.
Steinem’s Team Confirms Her Death
Steinem’s representatives confirmed her death on September 3, saying she had continued working for equality until the end of her life.
The statement also reflected on her personality, describing a woman remembered not only for her activism but also for her curiosity, independence and sense of humour.
Her death has since prompted an outpouring of tributes from people who worked with her, knew her personally or were influenced by her decades of advocacy.
Markle’s message stood out because it offered a glimpse beyond Steinem’s public legacy.
For Meghan, the loss was not simply that of a historic feminist leader. It was also the loss of someone she regarded as a trusted mentor, family friend and source of wisdom.
A Personal Farewell to an Influential Woman
Through her photos and memories, Markle presented a more intimate portrait of Gloria Steinem.
The tribute connected Steinem’s historic public work with the quieter role she played in Markle’s personal life. That combination makes the message particularly significant as people around the world reflect on Steinem’s legacy.
For Markle, remembering Steinem meant celebrating both the activist who helped shape generations of women’s rights advocacy and the woman she knew privately.