Meghan Markle Talks Queen Elizabeth II’s Death In Rare Interview

queen elizabeth, meghan markle — Image Credit: David Fisher/Shutterstock

Free for Editorial Use Only. See terms of release, which must be included and passed-on to anyone to whom this image is suppliedMandatory Credit: Photo by REX/Shutterstock (9687843c)This official wedding photograph released by the Duke and Meghan Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, shows - the Duke and Duchess pictured together on the East Terrace of Windsor Castle.The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Official Portraits, Windsor, Berkshire, UK - 19 May 2018News Editorial Use Only. No Commercial Use. No Merchandising, Advertising, Souvenirs, Memorabilia Or Colourably Similar. Not for Use After 31 December 2018 Without Prior Permission From Kensington Palace. No Cropping. Copyright in the photograph is vested in The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Publications are asked to credit the photograph to Alexi Lubomirski. No charge should be made for the supply, release or publication of the photograph. The photograph must not be digitally enhanced, manipulated or modified in any manner or form and must include all of the individuals in the photograph when published. — Image Credit: David Fisher/Shutterstock

Meghan Markle looked back fondly on her relationship with the late Queen Elizabeth II in a new interview with Variety published on Wednesday, October 19. The Archetypes podcast host, 41, said that she was so grateful to get to know the Queen before she passed away at 96. Meghan also praised Her Majesty as a leader and opened up about what her husband Prince Harry, 38, was feeling since his grandmother’s passing.

Most of all, Meghan revealed Queen Elizabeth’s legacy as a leader will always be one of her lasting remembrances. “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,” she said.

Queen Elizabeth speaks to Meghan and Harry at an event in 2018. (David Fisher/Shutterstock)

Along with the “deep gratitude” of getting to know her, she opened up about how the Queen made her feel during their time knowing each other. The Duchess of Sussex revealed that the two got along great. “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,” she said. During the Queen’s funeral, Meghan wore the earrings that she gave her during their first meeting.

Despite what’s undoubtedly been a period of mourning for the Royal family, she revealed that Prince Harry was thinking about the Queen’s relationship with Prince Philip, with the news of her passing. “It’s been a complicated time, but my husband, ever the optimist, said, ‘Now she’s reunited with her husband,’” Meghan explained.

Meghan opened up about her relationship with the Queen in her ‘Variety’ cover story. (Ramona Rosales for Variety)

After the Queen’s death, Meghan and Harry both returned to England to mourn along with the rest of the Royal family. The couple were seen attending the funeral, and Meghan was spotted crying as she stood alongside other members of the family.

Following the Queen’s death, Prince Harry released a lengthy statement on his and Meghan’s Archewell website to mourn the passing of his grandmother. “She was globally admired and respected throughout her life and now her everlasting legacy,” he wrote in part, before recalling her meeting Meghan for the first time. “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. I cherish these times shared with you, and the many other special moments in between.”