Though some know Meghan Markle as the actress from Suits, or simply as Prince Harry’s new wife, the Duchess of Sussex has been an active feminist since age 11 (yes, you read that right), has a degree in International Relations from the prestigious Northwestern University under her belt, regularly writes moving essays about race relations, women’s rights, and self-acceptance, and works with charities such as the U.N. and World Vision.
In fact, it was her charity work that first caught Prince Harry’s attention, who – like the rest of us – probably couldn’t help seeing his mother, Princess Diana, in the naturally beautiful 36-year-old American.
Of course, as protocol the royal family avoids all political matters, that’s why it was a shock to see Meghan Markle firmly supporting the Me Too and Time’s Up movement at her first official event with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry.
“I think right now in the climate we are seeing so many campaigns. I mean #MeToo and Time’s Up, and there is no better time to really continue to shine a light on women feeling empowered, and people really helping to support them – men included,” she said, proving that just because she was about to join the royal family, she wouldn’t be giving up her firm feminist beliefs.
Now, just days after the royal wedding, Kensington Palace has uploaded Meghan’s official bio – something all members of the family have, including newborn Prince Louis.
Instead of avoiding mention of Meghan’s feminism, as you’d expect, the palace highlighted it. Literally:
Early experiences “helped to shape her lifelong commitment to causes such as social justice and women’s empowerment,” the article reads.
“In 2015, The Duchess became the UN Women’s Advocate for Women’s Political Participation and Leadership. In this role, she gave a speech on the importance of gender equality on International Women’s Day for UN Women in New York City.”
“Ahead of her appointment to this role, Her Royal Highness spent time at the UN’s New York office to understand the organisation’s day-to-day work before embarking on a learning mission to Rwanda. On this trip The Duchess met female parliamentarian leaders in Kigali and visited Gihembe refugee camp, where women were working on leadership and empowerment at a grassroots level.”
“In 2017, Her Royal Highness undertook a second learning mission with the organisation when she visited India with World Vision to bring a greater awareness to girls’ lack of access to education,” it continues.
“In the slum communities of Mumbai, The Duchess witnessed the work of the Myna Mahila Foundation who empower women through access to menstrual hygiene products and employment opportunities. Struck by her experience, she wrote an op-ed for Time Magazine about the stigmatization of menstrual health management and its long term hindrance to girls’ education.“
As Priyanka Chopra once put it, it’s safe to say, Meghan Markle is far more than just Prince Harry’s girlfriend wife.
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