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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sabrina Barr

Meghan Markle: 11 of the Duchess of Sussex's best feminist quotes

Aside from being the Duchess of Sussex, starring on US legal drama Suits and her philanthropic work, over the years Meghan Markle has become widely known for her strong stance on feminism.

When the former actor married Prince Harry in May 2018, the biography about her life which appeared on the royal family's website that same day included a line from a speech delivered by the duchess at the 2015 UN Women Conference: "I am proud to be a woman and a feminist."

At 11 years old, the native Californian wrote a letter to soap manufacturer Procter & Gamble imploring them to change the wording of a sexist advertisement, which they subsequently did. 

As the duchess looks set to mark International Women's Day on Sunday, we have taken a look back at the numerous moments throughout her life during when the royal championed gender equality.

Click through the gallery above to read 11 of the duchess' best feminist quotes, from being an advocate of female education to celebrating women's suffrage.

Duchess of Sussex turns 38: A look back over the past year

In October 2018, the duchess was praised for delivering a "powerful" speech about women's suffrage in New Zealand in commemoration of the 125th anniversary of women achieving the right to vote in the country.

In 1893, New Zealand became the first self-governing country in the world to grant women the right to vote.

“The achievements of the women in New Zealand who campaigned for their right to vote, and were the first in the world to achieve it, are universally admired,” Meghan said at Government House in Wellington.

“Women’s suffrage is about feminism, but feminism is about fairness. Suffrage is not simply about the right to vote, but also about what that represents: the basic and fundamental human right of being able to participate in the choices for your future and that of your community.”

The duchess has also guest edited the September issue of British Vogue, titled: "Forces for Change."

The royal selected 15 women to appear on the cover, all of whom she "admires".

The roster included Jacinda Ardern, prime minister of New Zealand; Laverne Cox, LGBT+ advocate and actor; Greta Thunberg, climate change campaigner and student; and feminist author Chimamanda Ngozie Adichie, among others.

In her guest editor's letter, Meghan said she was "deeply honoured" to have worked on the magazine issue over a seven-month period alongside British Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enninful.

“To the women who have taken my aspirations for this issue and brought them to life by being a part of this time capsule, both on the cover and in-book, I am so grateful; you are inspirations to me and I’m humbled by your support. And to you, the reader, thank you – and I hope you enjoy," the duchess wrote.

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