Meghan Markle says the Queen was the ‘most shining example’ of female leadership

Duchess of Sussex feels ‘fortunate’ to have spent time with the late monarch

The Duchess of Sussex has described Queen Elizabeth II as “the most shining example” of female leadership as she reflects on the late monarch’s death.

Queen Elizabeth passed away at her Balmoral estate in Scotland on 8 September, aged 96, from old age.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were in the UK at the time for several charity events and extended their stay to attend the Queen’s state funeral.

Reflecting on the loss in a new interview with Variety, Meghan Markle said the outpouring of love for the monarch following her death is a testament to her 70-year legacy.

In the days leading up to the Queen’s funeral, the queue to see her coffin lying-in-state reached 10 miles long. More than 29 million people in the UK watched the live broadcast of her funeral.

“I’m really grateful that I was able to be with my husband to support him, especially during that time,” Meghan said.

“Certainly, in terms of female leadership, she [the Queen] is the most shining example of what that looks like.”

Meghan added that Harry had found comfort in knowing that his grandmother is now “reunited with her husband”.

The Duke of Edinburgh died at Windsor Castle on 9 April 2021.

Speaking of her relationship with the Queen, Meghan said she feels “deep gratitude to have been able to spend time with [the Queen] and get to know her”.

There have been widespread rumours of a rift between Harry and Meghan and members of the royal family since the couple announced in January 2020 that they would step down as senior members.

Affirming that the couple had a positive relationship with the Queen, Meghan said: “I’ve reflected on that first official engagement that I had with her, how special that felt. I feel fortunate.

“And I continue to be proud to have had a nice warmth with the matriarch of the family.”

In the days following the Queen’s death, Meghan and Harry joined the Prince and Princess of Wales to view floral tributes left for the monarch outside Windsor Castle.

The reunion marked the first time the couples had been pictured together publicly since 2020.

In a statement, released on 12 September, Harry described his grandmother as his “guiding compass” and praised her “unwavering grace and dignity”.

“Granny, while this final parting brings us great sadness, I am forever grateful for all of our first meetings – from my earliest childhood memories with you, to meeting you for the first time as my commander in chief, to the first moment you met my darling wife and hugged your beloved great-grandchildren,” Harry said.

“Thank you for your commitment to service. Thank you for your sound advice. Thank you for your infectious smile.”

Elsewhere in the Variety interview, Meghan shared a rare insight into her family life with Harry, and revealed that Harry’s favourite snack is from American burger chain, In-N-Out.