Meghan Markle Honours Gloria Steinem After Trump Brands Her 'Terribly Disrespectful'

Meghan Markle has hailed feminist leader Gloria Steinem as her 'friend and mentor' following the 92-year-old's death in New York, sharing an emotional tribute to the woman she says helped shape her life and advocacy.

Her message comes as Donald Trump separately renews his attack on the Duchess of Sussex, accusing her of being 'terribly disrespectful' towards the Royal Family.

Steinem died at her home in New York at the age of 92, prompting tributes from political figures, celebrities and activists. Meghan's message offered a more personal insight into their relationship, highlighting the influence Steinem had on her life and advocacy work.

Meghan Markle Pays Emotional Tribute to Gloria Steinem

Sharing her tribute on Instagram, Meghan celebrated the legacy Steinem left behind. 'Celebrating the life and legacy of my friend and mentor, Gloria Steinem,' Meghan wrote.

The Duchess revealed that Steinem had given her a bracelet featuring one of the feminist icon's best-known messages: 'we are linked, not ranked.' Meghan said the bracelet remains meaningful to her, adding that Steinem had become an important part of her family life. 'I still wear it with pride,' she wrote.

The former 'Suits' star recalled how Steinem had spent Thanksgiving with her family, introduced her to one of her closest friends and developed a close relationship with her children. Meghan also remembered the advice Steinem gave her during difficult moments, describing her guidance as extraordinary.

The Duchess of Sussex's tribute focused on Steinem as both an influential public figure and a significant personal presence in her life.

What Did Trump Say About Meghan Markle?

Meghan's tribute comes against the backdrop of Donald Trump's latest criticism of the Duchess and her husband, Prince Harry. While speaking to reporters at the Oval Office, the former US president said he was 'happy' that the Sussexes had left the United States and returned to Britain, while making clear that he had not been a fan of the couple.

Trump also contrasted his relationship with the late Queen Elizabeth II with his view of Harry and Meghan's approach to the Royal Family. He accused the couple of showing 'great disrespect' towards the monarchy and specifically criticised Meghan, claiming 'she was terribly disrespectful to the Queen, to King Charles.'

Meghan and Gloria Steinem's Friendship

Markle and Steinem's relationship became publicly known in 2020, when the pair appeared together to encourage voters to participate in the US election. Their connection continued beyond that campaign.

In 2023, Steinem presented Meghan with the Women of Vision Award from the Ms Foundation, recognising her advocacy work involving women and girls.

Meghan's latest tribute indicates their relationship developed privately as well as through their public appearances.

One memory Markle highlighted involved Steinem being approached by a woman who wanted her daughter to meet the feminist icon but was concerned that the child might not know who she was.

According to Meghan, Steinem's response reflected her broader philosophy: what mattered was not whether the girl recognised her name, but whether she understood her own worth.

Gloria Steinem's Extraordinary Legacy

Steinem became one of the most recognisable figures in the modern women's rights movement after emerging as a prominent feminist writer, organiser and activist during the 1960s and 1970s.

She co-founded Ms magazine and was involved in establishing organisations including the National Women's Political Caucus and the Women's Media Centre. Her career also saw her receive honours including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013.

For Meghan, Steinem's impact appears to be deeply personal. The Duchess ended her tribute by thanking the activist for what she had done for generations of women.

'Rest in peace, and rest in pride. Look at what you've done for all of us. Thank you,' Meghan wrote.

Meghan's tribute was prompted by Steinem's death rather than being presented as a direct reply to Trump's remarks, although the timing has brought the two stories together in public discussion.

As Trump restates his criticism of the Duchess, Meghan's public focus has been on the life and work of a woman she credits with helping to shape her views on equality, women's rights and public service.