Meghan Markle Shares Rare Archie Photo as She Pays Emotional Tribute to Gloria Steinem

Meghan Markle has shared a rare glimpse of Prince Archie while mourning the death of her close friend and mentor, feminist icon Gloria Steinem, who died at the age of 92.

The Duchess of Sussex posted three personal photographs on Instagram as she remembered Steinem and reflected on the influence the pioneering campaigner had on her life. One of the images shows a framed photograph of Steinem with Archie when he was little, while the other two capture Meghan and Steinem together.

Steinem died peacefully at her home in New York City on September 2, surrounded by people who loved her, according to a statement from her foundation. No cause of death was given.

Meghan remembers a friend who became a mentor

In an emotional caption accompanying the photographs, Meghan described Steinem as both a “friend and mentor” and said she was grateful that, during the final weeks and days of her life, Steinem knew how loved and admired she was.

Meghan reflected on the activist’s extraordinary contribution to women’s equality, recalling one of the messages Steinem had shared with her: “we are linked, not ranked”. Meghan said she still proudly wears a bracelet Steinem gave her bearing that message.

The Duchess also looked back on the work they did together publicly. Their activities included appearing in interviews, encouraging young voters to make their voices heard, attending award ceremonies and discussing ways to make society more equitable.

But Meghan’s memories also extended far beyond their public appearances.

She recalled Steinem spending Thanksgiving with her family, introducing her to one of her closest friends and showing genuine affection towards her children. Meghan also said Steinem supported her through difficult periods, offering advice and perspective over cups of tea, alongside what she described as her distinctive wit and cheekiness.

The story Meghan says she will never forget

Among all her memories, Meghan singled out one particular story as her favourite.

She recalled an occasion in New York when a woman approached Steinem and excitedly said she wanted to introduce her young daughter to the feminist icon. The woman was apparently embarrassed because she was unsure whether her daughter would even know who Steinem was.

According to Meghan’s recollection, Steinem responded that the girl’s knowledge of her identity was not what mattered. What mattered, she said, was that the young girl knew who she herself was.

Meghan ended her tribute by thanking Steinem for everything she had done for women and for the wider community.

The post was accompanied by Dolly Parton’s song Just Because I’m a Woman.

Meghan and Steinem’s friendship

Meghan had previously spoken warmly about Steinem’s influence during a 2022 interview with Vogue, explaining that her mentor had taught her to channel anger into something capable of creating meaningful change.

The pair met shortly after Meghan and Prince Harry moved to California in 2020 following their decision to step back from their roles as senior working members of the Royal Family. Their friendship quickly developed into a relationship that combined personal support with shared advocacy work.

In 2023, Steinem presented Meghan with a Women of Vision award in recognition of her advocacy for women and girls.

During her acceptance speech, Meghan thanked Steinem for her leadership, mentorship, advice, humour and friendship.

The tribute is consistent with how Meghan has previously described Steinem — not simply as a celebrated feminist figure, but as someone who offered personal guidance and encouragement during difficult moments. Other coverage of Meghan’s tribute has likewise highlighted the private nature of their relationship.

Gloria Steinem’s lasting legacy

Steinem became one of the most recognisable figures of the modern feminist movement during the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Her career began in journalism, and one of her most famous early investigations came in 1963, when she went undercover as a Playboy Bunny for 11 days and subsequently published a two-part exposé examining her experience.

She later became a leading advocate for women’s equality, campaigning on issues including equal pay and reproductive rights. She co-founded Ms. magazine in 1971 and helped establish organisations including the National Women’s Political Caucus and the Ms. Foundation for Women.

Steinem remained active for decades, continuing to write, organise and advocate for equality well into later life. She received numerous honours, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2013.

Following news of her death, tributes came from figures including Sandra Bullock, Julianne Moore, Patti Smith and Hillary Clinton, among many others.

Her foundation said Steinem’s greatest gift was her ability to listen and make people feel seen and heard, while describing her as someone who remained committed to equality until the end of her life.

For Meghan, however, Steinem’s legacy appears to be deeply personal. Alongside memories of decades of activism, her tribute preserves a much more intimate picture of the woman who advised her, spent time with her family and became a cherished presence in her life — while the rare photograph of Archie offers a glimpse into that private friendship.