Meghan Markle has opened up publicly about the death of the Queen for the first time ever in a new magazine interview.
The Duchess of Sussex was the cover star of the latest edition of Variety, and she said : "There’s been such an outpouring of love and support. I’m really grateful that I was able to be with my husband to support him, especially during that time.
"What’s so beautiful is to look at the legacy that his grandmother was able to leave on so many fronts. 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.’
“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.”
Prince Harry and Meghan were in Europe on other engagements when the monarch passed away last month.
This meant the couple were able to join other members of the royal family at the time, with Prince Harry rushing to Balmoral to be with his close relatives shortly after news broke of the Queen's passing.
The pair remained in the UK until the funeral and they delighted crowds who were waiting when they joined the new Prince and Princess of Wales to view floral tributes in Windsor. It was the first time the couples, formerly known as the 'Fab Four', were seen together since their fall out and Meghan and Harry's bombshell Oprah interview.
Speaking on how the royal family is dealing with the Queen's death, Meghan told Variety said: “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 controversial sit down interview with Oprah Winfrey was also touched upon, including Meghan's 'suicidal thoughts' during her time in the royal family and claims her sister-in-law Kate made her cry.
Asked about the days after it aired, she said: "Even before the interview, I hadn’t been out because I was so pregnant. The one thing I really remember was Gloria Steinem’s birthday, a few days after it aired.
"I really wanted to celebrate her at what I thought was just going to be a small and intimate birthday lunch.
"I envisioned it being us eating sandwiches in this cottage she was staying at. Instead, it was an extravaganza — by the way, as she deserves. But I hadn’t really seen people in a long time, and the interview had come out maybe a week before.
"Walking into a room alone is never easy for me, and I remember feeling a bit uncomfortable. But before I could let my uncertainty linger, Pamela Adlon came up to me and greeted me with such warmth and kindness.
"She toured me around the room, and at every turn, more generosity and love was felt. Maybe it’s just a testament to the kind of company Glo keeps, but I also think these women were extraordinary to ensure I felt so welcomed.
"It’s like they knew exactly what I needed to feel in that moment. It meant, and still means, so very much to me. The power of sisterhood and female support can never be underestimated.”
In the chat, Meghan also confirmed she has no plans to return to acting, before adding that she "never says never".
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