Meghan Markle has shared a rare, previously unseen photograph featuring her son, Prince Archie, as part of a heartfelt tribute to the late feminist icon Gloria Steinem. The Duchess of Sussex posted the image on Instagram on September 2, 2026, following Steinem’s death at the age of 92.

The photograph, taken at Meghan and Prince Harry’s home in Montecito, California, shows Steinem reaching toward Archie, whose face is covered with a white heart emoji. The image was one of three photos Meghan shared in a carousel post celebrating the life of her “friend and mentor.”

Why Meghan Markle Shared the Photo

Meghan’s tribute came hours after Steinem’s foundation announced that the pioneering feminist activist had passed away peacefully at her New York City home on September 2, 2026. In her emotional Instagram caption, Meghan wrote: “Celebrating the life and legacy of my friend and mentor, Gloria Steinem, and also grateful to know that in these last few weeks and days she knew exactly how loved and admired she was.”

The Duchess reflected on both their public collaboration and private friendship: “Publicly, we did interviews together, called young voters to encourage them to have their voices heard, attended award ceremonies, and brainstormed how to help this beautiful yet complicated world to become more equitable.”

“But privately, she was even better than you would imagine—spending Thanksgiving with our family, introducing me to one of my best friends, loving our children with her whole heart, counseling me during hard times, and giving extraordinary advice and perspective with a cup of tea and an unrivaled cheekiness and wit.”

The Archie photograph illustrated Steinem’s affection for Meghan and Harry’s children. The Duchess wrote that Steinem loved their children “with her whole heart.”

Meghan Markle’s Connection With Gloria Steinem

Meghan and Steinem’s friendship began in 2020 when the pair recorded a “historic backyard chat” at Meghan’s Montecito home shortly after the Sussexes moved to California. They discovered they lived only 45 minutes apart. Steinem described Meghan as “smart, authentic, funny [and] political.”

In 2023, Steinem presented Meghan with a Women of Vision award. During her acceptance speech, Meghan thanked Steinem for “the inspiration that you are, for your mentorship, your sage advice, your extraordinarily cheeky sense of humor, and of course, for your incredible friendship.”

Steinem had a framed photo of Prince Harry and Meghan with their children in her office, spotted during a home tour in 2025.

The Significance of the Archie Photo

The photograph is notable because the Sussexes have largely kept their children out of the public eye since stepping back from royal duties in 2020. The image showed Steinem in a private moment with Archie, who was around two years old at the time.

What We Know About the Archie Photo — and What We Don’t

What We Know:

• Meghan shared a previously unseen photograph of Prince Archie as part of a tribute to Gloria Steinem.
• The image was taken at Meghan and Harry’s home in Montecito, California.
• The photograph shows Steinem reaching toward Archie.
• Archie’s face was covered with a white heart emoji.
• The image was posted on Instagram on September 2, 2026.

What We Don’t Know:

• The exact date the photograph was taken.
• Whether Archie had an ongoing relationship with Steinem beyond the documented visit.
• If Meghan plans to share additional photographs of her children in the future.

Meghan’s tribute concluded: “Rest in peace, and rest in pride. Look at what you’ve done for all of us. Thank you.” The post included Dolly Parton’s Just Because I’m a Woman.

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FAQ

1. Did Meghan Markle share a photo of Prince Archie?
Yes, Meghan Markle shared a previously unseen photograph featuring Prince Archie as part of her tribute to Gloria Steinem on September 2, 2026.

2. Why did Meghan Markle share the Archie photo?
Meghan shared the photo as part of a tribute to her “friend and mentor” Gloria Steinem, who died at age 92. The photograph illustrated Steinem’s affection for Meghan’s children.

3. Who was Gloria Steinem to Meghan Markle?
Gloria Steinem was Meghan’s friend and mentor. They met in 2020 and developed a close friendship over five years, with Steinem describing Meghan as “smart, authentic, funny [and] political.”

4. When did Gloria Steinem die?
Gloria Steinem died on September 2, 2026, at her home in New York City at the age of 92.

5. How old was Gloria Steinem?
Gloria Steinem was 92 years old at the time of her death.

6. What is Gloria Steinem known for?
Steinem was a journalist, activist, and co-founder of Ms. magazine. She was a leading figure in the feminist movement and advocated for equal pay, reproductive rights, and social justice.

7. Has Meghan Markle shared many photos of Prince Archie?
Meghan and Harry have largely kept their children out of the public eye. Meghan has shared occasional glimpses of Archie and Lilibet, but photographs remain relatively rare.

8. What did Meghan Markle say about Gloria Steinem?
Meghan called Steinem her “friend and mentor” and described her as someone who “loved our children with her whole heart,” offering advice, perspective, and wit.