Meghan Markle will feature as a narrator in the new Disney documentary due to be released today. This is three days after she and Prince Harry officially quit as senior royals. However, her real reason for taking the role may be surprising.
Meghan Markle was inspired to narrate the Disney’s documentary Elephant because she was “intrigued by the female empowerment” of the animals, according to filmmakers.
Speaking to People, Elephant filmmaker Vanessa Berlowitz explained that the Duchess of Sussex was inspired after learning about the role of female elephants in a herd during her visit to Botswana with Prince Harry back in 2017.
During their time in Botswana, the couple worked with wildlife organisation Elephants Without Borders (EWB).
This is where the family of elephants featured in the documentary begin their journey, before travelling across the Kalahari Desert in search of water.
According to Berlowitz, during the couple’s visit, she and co-filmmaker Mark Linfield explained to Meghan the importance of matriarchal leadership among elephants.
It is always the female elephants that lead the herd.
The duchess was also showed portions of the upcoming documentary.
“She was absolutely intrigued by the elephants and transfixed, especially by the female empowerment side,” Berlowitz said.
“How important the matriarchs are to the story; it really is all about female leadership. It’s a different form of power – it’s about consensual leadership.
“It’s also very inclusive, as well – very contemporary.
“She was absolutely fascinated by that.”
During this time filmakers suggested the duchess would be a good fit for the role.
However, it wasn’t until last October that Meghan recorded her narration of the film.
Meghan finally recorded the voiceover in London’s Pinewood Studios after much anticipation.
What’s more, Meghan resonated even more with the animals after having her first child with Prince Harry, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor.
“She had a small child,” says Berlowitz.
“You could totally tell she was identifying with [elephants] Shani and Jojo, and keeping little ones in tow.
“She felt like a normal mom going through the normal trials and tribulations of bringing up a baby. Like one of us.”
The news comes as a cruise ship carrying passengers with suspected coronavirus has finally been given permission to dock in Florida after being turned away from South American ports.
The Zaandam and sister ship the Rotterdam, which was sent to help it, were given the green light to disembark people at Port Everglades after days of negotiation with local officials.
Passengers have not been able to leave the ship for almost three weeks.
Speaking at the White House’s daily coronavirus briefing, President Trump said he would ask the governor to allow the ships to dock in Florida.
He said: “They’re dying on the ship.
“I’m going to do what’s right. Not only for us, but for humanity.”