Meghan Markle Says Queen Elizabeth Was 'The Most Shining Example' Of Female Leadership

Meghan Markle opened up about the Queen's death and praised her leadership.

The Duchess of Sussex graced the cover of Variety as one of the honorees of the 2022 class of Variety's Power of Women for her philanthropic and creative works, including her podcast "Archetypes." In the interview, Markle was asked about the Queen's death while the world mourned the loss.

"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," Markle told the outlet.

She also acknowledged the legacy of the late monarch, especially her leadership as a woman.

"What's so beautiful is to look at the legacy that his grandmother was able to leave on so many fronts," Markle continued. "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."

Markle's statement about the Queen's leadership came after American journalist Kinsey Schofield, the host of "To Di For Daily" podcast, called her out for not acknowledging Queen Elizabeth in her podcast. "Archetypes" had been on hiatus for weeks during the Queen's funeral, and when it aired new episodes, Markle didn't mention Prince Harry's grandmother.

"All 'Archetypes' podcast episodes were recorded before the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Since Meghan's brand seems to highlight feminism and the podcast is about fighting misconceptions and labels on women that hold them back, it wouldn't have hurt to add a simple intro or goodbye thanking the Queen for her lifetime of service," Schofield told Fox News Digital.

Schofield pointed out the Queen's responsibilities as a female leader and how she worked until her last breath. The "R is for Revenge Dress" author questioned Markle's feminism, pointing out that "every opportunity" reportedly presented to her in the last five years was "a direct result of the man that she married."

Meanwhile, Markle also mentioned her husband, Prince Harry, and praised his positive outlook in life following the loss.

"It's been a complicated time, but my husband, ever the optimist, said, 'Now she's reunited with her husband,'" Markle said.

When asked about her relationship with the Queen, Markle said she remembered her first engagement with Her Majesty.

"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," the Duchess of Sussex added.

The Queen invited Markle to join her for a day of events in Cheshire less than a month after she married Prince Harry in 2018. They spent the night on the royal train, opened the new Mersey Gateway Bridge and watched performances from local school children, Town & Country reported.