New duchess maintains her feminist stance
MEGHAN MARKLE IS THE NEWEST ROYAL DETERMINED TO MAKE HER MARK
Meghan Markle does not appear to be reining in her feminist views since becoming the Duchess of Sussex after her traditional-yet-modern nuptials to Prince Harry.
On her new page on the British monarchy’s official website — in pulled-out quotes — Markle says, “I am proud to be a woman and a feminist,” referencing a line from a 2015 speech she made to the United Nations.
The website talks about her early activism, including how, at age 11, she took on Procter & Gamble for a commercial claiming that “women all over America are fighting greasy pots and pans.” After Markle’s intervention, they changed it to “people all over America.”
“These early experiences helped to shape her lifelong commitment to causes such as social justice and women’s empowerment,” the website says.
The website also notes her volunteer work at soup kitchens in Los Angeles, her hometown, and Toronto, where she filmed “Suits,” as well as her work as a women’s advocate for the United Nations and a global ambassador for World Vision Canada.
The prominent inclusion of such causes on the official Royal Family website indicates the charitable direction the new Duchess plans to take. She has been working behind the scenes for months to create a blueprint for her focus as a working member of the family, which could also involve her promoting the work of the Diana Award for youngsters who champion social change.
Many campaigners in Britain are looking to see whether Markle dials back her activism upon joining the Royal Family.
On the one hand, she now has a new, global platform. On the other, she will be expected to stay clear of party politics. She once called President Donald Trump a “misogynist” and posted an anti-Brexit picture on her (now-deleted) Instagram feed. These kinds of political interventions are now a no-no, but many are curious to see whether she will continue to speak out as forthrightly as she has on other issues.
Markle is not downplaying her biracial heritage, which was on display at the wedding ceremony Saturday. Watched by 18 million Britons and 29 million Americans — more than the 22 million in the U.S. who tuned in for Prince William’s wedding in 2011 — the ceremony at St. George’s Chapel featured a passionate sermon by the Most Rev. Michael Curry (who seemed to blindside some royals with enthusiastic talk of love and emotion), a gospel choir, a black cellist and a black Church of England priest,
And after at the reception, held at Frogmore House, Markle reportedly bucked tradition by giving her own speech where she is said to have thanked Harry and the royals for their kindness and generosity. According to the Daily Mail, Harry responded with a speech of his own, saying “we make such a great team” and “I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.” (In what is probably another royal first, they reportedly handed out slippers to guests who wanted to swap out their high heels.)
She told guests at the reception that she would “love” to get involved in their campaign work, saying: “That’s why I am here, bring it on.”
Other royals have actively supported women’s issues. Prince Charles’s wife, Camilla, for instance, is president of the Women of the World Festival and is active on such issues as domestic violence and female genital mutilation.
But this is the first time a senior royal has loudly declared herself a feminist on the monarchy’s official web page. Some feminists said they hope this is just the beginning.
“I hope as a member of Royal Family she still believes in feminism, and will work for women’s equal rights,” tweeted the author and feminist Taslima Nasreen.
Carole Easton, chief executive of the Young Women’s Trust, said that it was “fantastic” that Markle is “so committed to championing women’s rights. Now really is the time for action on this issue.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex left Windsor Castle Sunday but are delaying their honeymoon in order to return briefly to the public eye Tuesday for the Prince of Wales’s 70th birthday party.