Michelle Obama Gave Meghan Markle Advice About Joining the Royal Family

When Meghan Markle joined the royal family, former First Lady Michelle Obama gave her advice during an interview with Good Housekeeping.

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When you make a big life change, you turn to people who have been there for advice. But what about when that big life change is of the trailblazing variety—like being an American woman of color joining the British royal family, for example?

For Meghan Markle, the advice for how to handle such a monumental life shift came from none other than beloved former First Lady (and best-selling author and all-around badass) Michelle Obama

In a Q&A for the "Forces of Change" issue of British Vogue that Meghan guest-edited, the Duchess of Sussex and former First Lady discussed everything from motherhood to empowering other women.

During the interview, Meghan asked the Obama matriarch about what motherhood has taught her.

“Being a mother has been a masterclass in letting go," she replied. "Try as we might, there’s only so much we can control. And boy, have I tried—especially at first. As mothers, we just don’t want anyone or anything to hurt our babies. But life has other plans."

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(Image credit: PETER LINDBERGH)

The Vogue Q&A wasn't the first time these strong women have shared their connection in print, however. In a 2018 interview with Good Housekeeping, Obama shared her advice for Meghan on joining the royal family:

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(Image credit: @SUSSEXROYAL)

Well said—not that we would expect anything else from a living legend like Michelle Obama.

For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.

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Weekend Editor at Cosmopolitan

Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with over 10 years of professional experience covering entertainment of all genres, from new movie and TV releases to nostalgia, and celebrity news. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.