Yes. Meghan and Harry are married. We've seen the pics. Scoured the hashtag. And gleaned everything we could from Serena Williams' Instagram story. And, as it's been discussed, the ceremony on Saturday was a break from tradition symbolizing a kind of togetherness we've been wanting and waiting for.
But before she was Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle was proud feminist, defender of equal rights. Even as a wee 11-year-old Markle. And the royal fam isn't shying away from these details.
In the newly added "About the Duchess of Sussex" section on the official royal website, Meghan's official "About" explains how she protested a sexist Procter & Gamble ad for dish soap.
“From a young age, The Duchess had a keen awareness of social issues and actively participated in charitable work,” the page states. “Aged 11 she successfully campaigned for a company to alter their television advert that had used sexist language to sell washing-up liquid.”
The page also talks about her charity work and her role as the UN Women's Advocate for Women’s Political Participation and Leadership. "In this role," the page states, "she gave a speech on the importance of gender equality on International Women’s Day for UN Women in New York City."
And then, pulled and bolded for the world to read is a quote from Meghan's speech that day: "I am proud to be a woman and a feminist."
Sure, royals aren't "allowed" to have political opinions*, in public, but in making that statement Meghan's pull quote on the very visible and very official royal website is, in-and-of itself a bold statement.
The "About" section goes on to say "In 2017, Her Royal Highness undertook a second learning mission with the organisation when she visited India with World Vision to bring a greater awareness to girls' lack of access to education. In the slum communities of Mumbai, The Duchess witnessed the work of the Myna Mahila Foundation who empower women through access to menstrual hygiene products and employment opportunities. Struck by her experience, she wrote an op-ed for Time Magazine about the stigmatization of menstrual health management and its long term hindrance to girls’ education."
If there was ever a question about the role Meghan would play in the family, consider this a step in a very positive, very feminist direction. The Royals, and their PR peeps, know people are reading and watching. And it appears as if someone is keen on making her voice heard. (As if there was any doubt from our end.)
*Feminism isn't really a political statement.
