‘Complicated time’: Meghan Markle opens up about Queen’s death in a new interview with Variety

The Duchess of Sussex has revealed more about her controversial Netflix series and her hopes for her kids in a wide-ranging interview.

Meghan Markle has given her first interview on the Queen’s death and opened up about how it was a “complicated time” for her and husband Prince Harry.

On Wednesday, Variety unveiled its Power of Women cover featuring the Duchess of Sussex, 41. The issue cover was delayed after the magazine previously revealed it would be held “out of respect for the recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II” , who died aged 96, on September 8.

During the interview, Markle appeared to distance herself and Prince Harry from their upcoming controversial $157m Netflix series.

Meghan Markle’s Variety magazine cover. Picture: Ramona Rosales

The Duchess of Sussex suggested that the fly-on-the-wall series was now in the hands of filmmaker Liz Garbus.

She said: “It’s nice to be able to trust someone with our story — a seasoned director whose work I’ve long admired — even if it means it may not be the way we would have told it. But that’s not why we’re telling it. We’re trusting our story to someone else, and that means it will go through their lens.”

“It’s interesting. My husband has never worked in this industry before. For me, having worked on Suits, it’s so amazing to be around so much creative energy and to see how people work together and share their own points of view. That’s been really fun.”

For the photo shoot accompanying the interview, Markle opted for high glamour, wearing a Carolina Herrera gown and a Jason Wu cocktail dress.

A TikTok showing outtakes from the shoot showed Markle modelling the outfits to the backdrop of Altgeo’s remix of the Britney Spears song Circus.

One TikTok user commented: “We love a powerful woman.” Another described Markle as “a gorgeous human inside and out”.

Others said Markle was “giving off Wallis Simpson vibes” and that she was “loving life because it’s all about her”.

MEGHAN REFLECTS ON THE QUEEN’S DEATH

At the time of the Queen’s death, the Sussexes were on a work trip in the UK. They had reportedly not made any plans to visit the royal family amid a widening rift between the couple and Prince William and King Charles.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Queen’s funeral. Picture: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Meghan Markle has opened up in a wide-ranging interview with Variety. Picture: Variety

But Markle and Prince Harry instead found themselves thrust into a family gathering of epic proportions when the Queen’s health suddenly declined and she died.

Both a state and a private funeral were held for the long-reigning monarch in the days that followed, with the Duke and Duchess extending their stay to attend them.

Markle was able to reflect on the Queen’s death after sitting down with the magazine for a second interview more recently.

The Archetypes podcast host told Variety she was grateful that she was able to be there for her husband, Prince Harry, 38.

Meghan Markle meets members of the public on the long Walk at Windsor Castle after viewing flowers and tributes to the Queen. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

“What’s so beautiful is to look at the legacy that his grandmother was able to leave on so many fronts,” Markle said of the Queen’s legacy.

“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.

“It’s been a complicated time, but my husband, ever the optimist, said, ‘Now she’s reunited with her husband’.”

The Duchess of Sussex says the Queen’s death has given her “perspective”. Picture: Neil Mockford/GC Images

In April the previous year, Prince Philip died aged 99.

“In big moments in life, you get a lot of perspective,” Markle continued.

“It makes you wonder what you want to focus your energy on. Right now, we feel energised and excited about all of the things we’ve been building toward. We’re also focused on our foundation. So much of the work we do includes the philanthropic space.”

Markle described her relationship with the Queen as “special” and warm.

“I’ve reflected on that first official engagement that I had with her, how special that felt. I feel fortunate,” she told Variety.

“And I continue to be proud to have had a nice warmth with the matriarch of the family.”

MEGHAN SAYS SHE’S ‘DONE’ WITH ACTING

During the wide-ranging interview, Markle, who hosts her own Podcast, Archetypes, produced by the company she owns with her husband, Archewell, also revealed she was “done” with acting.

But she has advice for any actress who may play her in the future.

“I hope that in preparing for that role, she finds the softness and the playfulness and the laughter,” she said.

“The silliness. I just hope she finds the dimensions. Also, she can call me!”

Meghan Markle during her interview with Variety. Picture: Variety

The Duchess of Sussex says she is trusting director Liz Garbus to tell her story. Picture: Variety

MEGHAN ON HER HOPES FOR HER KIDS

When asked if she would encourage Archie and Lilibet if they wanted a career in the entertainment industry, Markle gave a cryptic comment about tradition and family expectations.

She told Variety Magazine that if either Archie of Lilibet wanted to work in entertainment, she would say: “’Great!’”, adding “When you become a parent, you genuinely want your kids to find the things that bring them complete joy.”

Meghan Markle and Archie are featured briefly in Prince Harry's docuseries. Picture: Apple TV

But she continued: “They’re our kids, obviously, and they’re part of a legacy and a tradition and a family that will have other expectations.

“But I want them to be able to carve out their own path. If it’s the entertainment industry, great. And also, good luck.

“There are so many people that will talk about what opened the door for my children. But it still takes talent and a lot of grit. We’re creating multi-dimensional, interesting, kind, creative people. That’s who our kids are.”

LIFE AT HOME WITH HARRY

Markle revealed that she and Prince Harry work from home in a shared office, describing them as “commuters” who need to drive for two hours for meetings in LA.

She said: “We do a lot of joint calls and Zooms, but also try to divide what we can focus our energies on so we can accomplish even more. My husband is on a 24-hour time zone, where half of your life is waking up as the other half is going to sleep.

“It’s kind of the reverse of what I went through living in the UK.

“He’s very good at responding on text. Me, I try to be as fast as possible on email. I’ve always said, if it takes less than five minutes, do it now.”

Originally published as ‘Complicated time’: Meghan Markle opens up about Queen’s death in a new interview with Variety