Meghan Markleis opening up aboutQueen Elizabeth.
On Wednesday,Varietyunveiled its Power of Women cover featuring the Duchess of Sussex, 41. There, Meghan addressed the death of her grandmother-in-law for the first time.
When asked what the grieving process had been like, theArchetypeshost voiced her gratitude for the global outpouring of support and that she was able to be there for her husband,Prince Harry.
“What’s so beautiful is to look at the legacy that his grandmother was able to leave on so many fronts,” Meghan said of the Queen’s legacy. “Certainly, in terms of female leadership, she is the most shining example of what that looks like. I feel deep gratitude to have been able to spend time with her and get to know her.”
“It’s been a complicated time, but my husband, ever the optimist, said, ‘Now she’s reunited with her husband,’ " she added, referring toPrince Philip, who died in April 2021 at age 99.
Reflecting on what she learned from the late monarch, who died “peacefully” at age 96 on Sept. 8, Meghan said she’s been thinking back to theirfirst solo outing togetherin 2018.
Meghan Markle.Ramona Rosales for Variety
“I’ve reflected on that first official engagement that I had with her, how special that felt. I feel fortunate,” she toldVariety.“And I continue to be proud to have had a nice warmth with the matriarch of the family.”
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On how she and Harry, 38, were mourning as a family, Meghan added, “In big moments in life, you get a lot of perspective. It makes you wonder what you want to focus your energy on. Right now, we feel energized and excited about all of the things we’ve been building toward. We’re also focused on our foundation. So much of the work we do includes the philanthropic space.”
The magazine announced Meghan asan honoreefor the special issue on Sept. 14, though the release of her cover was postponed “out of respect for the recent passing ofQueen Elizabeth II.“Varietyalso said Meghan would not attend the Power of Women event in Los Angeles on Sept. 28, which fell the day after the royal family’s mourning for the late Queen officially ended.
Alongside theArchetypes host, the entertainment magazine honoredHillaryandChelsea Clinton,Oprah Winfrey,Ava DuVernay,Malala YousafzaiandElizabeth Olsenin this year’s Power of Women circle. Photos of the six women were included in the celebratory issue as planned, and the Clintons graced the front cover.
In August, Meghan also appeared on the cover ofThe Cut’sfall issue.
Meghan was in Europe withPrince Harryfor a series of engagements with longstanding charities when the Queen died in Scotland in early September. Harry traveled toBalmoral Castleon the day of his grandmother’s death and remained in the U.K. with his wife for thefunerary eventsthat followed.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.Victoria Jones - WPA Pool/Getty
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The coupleflew backto California soon after thestate funeralon Sept. 19.
source: people.com
