Meghan Markle’s Variety cover story was finally published on Wednesday, October 19, after it was delayed in the wake of Queen Elizabeth II’s death on September 8. Markle was honored as a part of the magazine’s 2022 Power of Women issue, and reflected on her podcast, Archetypes, her and her husband’s foundation, Archewell, as well as settling into her new, post-royal life in L.A.
In the piece, which was updated following the official period of mourning, Markle also opened up about the legacy of the late monarch. “I feel deep gratitude to have been able to spend time with her and get to know her,” the duchess said. “In terms of female leadership, she is the most shining example of what that looks like.”
Following her marriage to Prince Harry, the queen’s grandson, Markle had several occasions to spend time with royal matriarch. On their first official outing together in 2018, the pair were photographed looking cozy and comfortable with one another, giggling like two old gossips.
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“It’s been a complicated time, but my husband, ever the optimist, said, ‘Now she’s reunited with her husband,’” she added. The queen’s late husband, Prince Philip, died in 2021.
When asked how her family has responded to the loss, Markle said, “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 41-year-old also discussed her and Harry’s new Netflix docuseries, directed by Liz Garbus, which has been the subject of much tabloid speculation in recent weeks. On Monday, Deadline reported that the series—which was “unofficially” slated for December release—had been delayed to next year.
