Meghan Markle has said not being ranked “means everything” during a new interview in what could be seen as a dig at the Royal Family.
During a chat with US activist Gloria Steinem about female representation in politics ahead of the US election, Meghan was told about historical leadership in the US.
Gloria told the Duchess “there were Native American cultures in which women were equal” where grandmothers chose the Chief of a tribe.
Meghan told Gloria she loved the idea and she continues to reference the US Constitution which she argues is based on a system of balance.
She told Meghan: “In fact, on the land where we are, before Europeans showed up, there were Native American cultures in which women were equal, in which grandmothers chose the Chief.
“It was a system of balance and our Constitution is based on that, which we should remember.
“And it was about a circular idea of consensus, circles of consensus going up rather than hierarchy, which is the source of the linked not ranked.
“Well, you know actually, ‘we are linked not ranked’ is the shortest way I’ve ever found to say what our goal is.”
Meghan goes on to speak about her own personal view, and states: “It means everything to me on every level; we are linked not ranked.”
As the younger son of Prince Charles and Diana, Prince Harry is less senior than William and it’s unlikely he will ever be king.
It has been claimed Meghan and Prince Harry struggled with their position which saw them come after Prince Charles, Camilla and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge when it came to events, publicity and cash.
Gloria adds: “And I thank you for understanding that rank is less important than being linked. That’s a big thing.”
According to a new book about Meghan and Harry, Finding Freedom, the couple’s lower ranking caused upset.
The book claims they “often took a back seat to other family members” despite being the most popular family members within the Royal Family – second only to the Queen.
Authors Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand write: “While they both respected the hierarchy of the institution, it was difficult when they wanted to focus on a project and were told that a more senior ranking family member, be it Prince William or Prince Charles, had an initiative or tour being announced at the same time – so they would just have to wait.”