Meghan Markle is spotted hand-in-hand with Gloria Steinem at Soho’s Crosby Hotel for lunch

Meghan Markle was all smiles as she walked out of Soho’s Crosby Hotel with political activist Gloria Steinem after having stepping out with her husband at an UN event.

The Duchess of Sussex, 40, grinned as she held hands with Steinem, switching her outfit from the earlier event held in honor of Nelson Mandela.

Both Meghan and Steinem appeared in Vogue two weeks ago in wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Meghan was seething over the ruling and urged men to be ‘more vocal’ with their anger.

Steinem declared the day after the ruling that she would welcome women traveling to New York for an abortion into her own Manhattan home.

She donned a $1,590​ Givenchy patch pocket skirt when appearing alongside her husband as he featured as a keynote speaker at the UN General Assembly. 

With her hair pulled back into a ponytail, Meghan looked typically stylish in her statement garment from the French brand, which she teamed with a simple black blouse, Manolo Blahnik heels and a matching Mulberry handbag.

Prince Harry is expected to talk about Nelson Mandela’s legacy, as well as lecture delegates on climate change and poverty during the two hour meeting. 

South Africa’s UN Mission said Friday his remarks ‘will be around the memories and legacy of Mandela and what has been learned from his struggle and his life that can help up face the new challenges in the world today.’

Meghan, 40, clutched the hand of her friend and fellow activist Gloria Steinem as they left Crosby Hotel after having lunch

Meghan was all smiles on Monday as she held hands with Steinem, switching her outfit from the earlier event held in honor of Nelson Mandela

Meghan was all smiles on Monday as she held hands with Steinem, switching her outfit from the earlier event held in honor of Nelson Mandela

Meghan and Steinem are seen embracing each other Monday as the feminist icon appears to get into a NYC taxi cab

Meghan and Steinem are seen embracing each other Monday as the feminist icon appears to get into a NYC taxi cab

Meghan and Gloria are seen hugging outside a New York City cab on Monday

Meghan and Gloria are seen hugging outside a New York City cab on Monday

She waved at fans who spotted her, and changed her outfit after attending the UN General Assembly this morning

She waved at fans who spotted her, and changed her outfit after attending the UN General Assembly this morning 

Meghan sported a $6,900 Cartier Love bracelet, Princess Diana's Cartier Tank Watch - which costs $23,000 - and a $3,000 Jennifer Meyer gold tennis bracelet

Meghan sported a $6,900 Cartier Love bracelet, Princess Diana’s Cartier Tank Watch – which costs $23,000 – and a $3,000 Jennifer Meyer gold tennis bracelet

Meghan previously wore the same skirt when visiting Dublin, Ireland, on July 10, 2018, but selected a dark green shade rather than the black version she sported Monday. 

She kept her look simple, forgoing a necklace and sporting only dainty golden earrings – however, she did opt for several bracelets, a watch and plenty of rings.

Meghan sported a $6,900 Cartier Love bracelet, Princess Diana’s Cartier Tank Watch – which costs $23,000 – and a $3,000 Jennifer Meyer gold tennis bracelet. 

As for her rings, she was seen wearing her $350,000 Triology engagement ring, as well as her wedding ring, and two Shiffon Duet Pinky Rings, which retail for $525 each.

The mother-of-two completed her look with a smattering of glamorous makeup – including a pink lip, rose blush and a smokey eye. 

Meghan Markle showed she meant business in a sophisticated pencil skirt and blouse as she stepped out with Prince Harry Monday in New York City

Meghan Markle showed she meant business in a sophisticated pencil skirt and blouse as she stepped out with Prince Harry Monday in New York City

The Duchess of Sussex , 40, who shares Archie, three, and Lilibet, one, with the Duke of Sussex, 37, donned a $1,590​ Givenchy patch pocket skirt when appearing alongside her husband as he featured as a keynote speaker at the UN General Assembly

The Duchess of Sussex , 40, who shares Archie, three, and Lilibet, one, with the Duke of Sussex, 37, donned a $1,590​ Givenchy patch pocket skirt when appearing alongside her husband as he featured as a keynote speaker at the UN General Assembly

The couple seemed in good spirits at the event, with Meghan smiling from ear to at her husband

The couple seemed in good spirits at the event, with Meghan smiling from ear to at her husband

With her hair pulled back into a ponytail, Meghan looked typically stylish in her statement garment from the French brand

With her hair pulled back into a ponytail, Meghan looked typically stylish in her statement garment from the French brand

She paired the look with a simple black blouse, Manolo Blahnik heels and a matching Mulberry handbag

She paired the look with a simple black blouse, Manolo Blahnik heels and a matching Mulberry handbag

The pair shared an intimate moment at one point during the event, whispering to one another as she clutched onto Harry's arm

The pair shared an intimate moment at one point during the event, whispering to one another as she clutched onto Harry’s arm

General Assembly spokesperson Paulina Kubiak officially announced the program for Nelson Mandela International Day on Friday. 

Harry is giving the keynote and participants include assembly president Abdulla Shahid, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, New York Mayor Eric Adams and Guinea´s Foreign Minister Morissanda Kouaté.

The General Assembly established July 18 – Mandela’s birthday – as an international day to honour him – not only by celebrating his life and contributions but by carrying out the tradition of participating in a community service activity.

During the event, which begins at 10am EST, the 2020 UN Nelson Mandela Prize will be awarded to Mrs Marianna V. Vardinoyannis of Greece and Dr Morissanda Kouyaté of Guinea. This prize is handed out every five years and recognises people who have dedicated their lives to the service of humanity.

Meghan spoke at a conference at UN headquarters organized by UN Women on International Women’s Day in 2015, before her marriage to the prince.

In January 2020, the couple stepped down as senior members of the royal family and moved to the duchess’ native Southern California, where they continue to live with their two children.

Harry and Meghan visited South Africa in 2019 with their son, Archie, on their first official tour as a family before they gave up their royal duties.

The couple walked hand-in-hand as they entered the event together

The couple walked hand-in-hand as they entered the event together

The couple walked hand-in-hand as they entered the event together

Prince Harry is expected to talk about Nelson Mandela's legacy, as well as lecture delegates on climate change and poverty during the two hour meeting

Prince Harry is expected to talk about Nelson Mandela’s legacy, as well as lecture delegates on climate change and poverty during the two hour meeting

South Africa's UN Mission said Friday his remarks 'will be around the memories and legacy of Mandela and what has been learned from his struggle and his life that can help up face the new challenges in the world today'

South Africa’s UN Mission said Friday his remarks ‘will be around the memories and legacy of Mandela and what has been learned from his struggle and his life that can help up face the new challenges in the world today’

Meanwhile, Harry’s mother, the late Princess Diana, met Mandela in March 1997, just five months before her death in a car crash in Paris.

Harry’s speech comes hours after it was revealed in a new bombshell book that his Eton pals called him ‘f***ing nuts’ for dating Meghan.

Tom Bower, journalist and author of ‘Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the war between the Windsors’, claims Harry invited Meghan to join him at Sandringham for his weekend shoot in 2016.

Their relationship had only just been publicly revealed, and the Prince reportedly invited 16 friends to join him over the weekend.

They mostly included old school pals from Eton, employed by international banks and auction houses, who joined him for dinner, shooting and lunch with the Queen’s permission.

Meghan previously wore the same skirt when visiting Dublin, Ireland on July 10, 2018, but selected a dark green shade rather than the black version she sported Monday

Meghan previously wore the same skirt when visiting Dublin, Ireland on July 10, 2018, but selected a dark green shade rather than the black version she sported Monday

The Duchess (pictured right) kept her look simple, forgoing a necklace and sporting only dainty golden earrings - however, she did opt for several bracelets, a watch and plenty of rings

The Duchess (pictured right) kept her look simple, forgoing a necklace and sporting only dainty golden earrings – however, she did opt for several bracelets, a watch and plenty of rings

The mother-of-two completed her look with a smattering of glamorous makeup - including a pink lip, rose blush and a smokey eye

The mother-of-two completed her look with a smattering of glamorous makeup – including a pink lip, rose blush and a smokey eye

The General Assembly established July 18 - Mandela´s birthday - as an international day to honour him - not only by celebrating his life and contributions but by carrying out the tradition of participating in a community service activity

The General Assembly established July 18 – Mandela´s birthday – as an international day to honour him – not only by celebrating his life and contributions but by carrying out the tradition of participating in a community service activity

Meghan (seen at the even with Prince Harry) spoke at a conference at UN headquarters organized by UN Women on International Women´s Day in 2015, before her marriage to the prince

Meghan (seen at the even with Prince Harry) spoke at a conference at UN headquarters organized by UN Women on International Women´s Day in 2015, before her marriage to the prince

In January 2020, the couple stepped down as senior members of the royal family and moved to the duchess' native Southern California, where they continue to live with their two children

In January 2020, the couple stepped down as senior members of the royal family and moved to the duchess’ native Southern California, where they continue to live with their two children

Harry's speech comes hours after it was revealed in a new bombshell book that his Eton pals called him ‘f***ing nuts’ for dating Meghan. The two are seen at the event

Harry’s speech comes hours after it was revealed in a new bombshell book that his Eton pals called him ‘f***ing nuts’ for dating Meghan. The two are seen at the event 

Tom Bower, author of 'Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the war between the Windsors', claimed Harry invited Meghan to join him at Sandringham for his weekend shoot in 2016 where she 'challenged every guest' who 'contravened her woke values'

Tom Bower, author of 'Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the war between the Windsors', claimed Harry invited Meghan to join him at Sandringham for his weekend shoot in 2016 where she 'challenged every guest' who 'contravened her woke values'

Tom Bower, author of ‘Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the war between the Windsors’, claimed Harry invited Meghan to join him at Sandringham for his weekend shoot in 2016 where she ‘challenged every guest’ who ‘contravened her woke values’

Meghan 'lacked any sense of humour' and was a 'dampener on the party', Bower said in his new book, according to The Times newspaper. She is seen celebrating Nelson Mandela International Day at the United Nations on Monday

Meghan ‘lacked any sense of humour’ and was a ‘dampener on the party’, Bower said in his new book, according to The Times newspaper. She is seen celebrating Nelson Mandela International Day at the United Nations on Monday

Bower’s bombshells: What are the claims in author Tom’s new ‘Revenge’ book

Tom Bower’s new book Revenge features a number of extraordinary claims about the Royal Family and Meghan and Harry.

The Queen privately expressed relief that Meghan would not be attending Prince Philip’s funeral, the new biography alleges.

Mr Bower writes that the grieving monarch told ‘trusted royal aides’ on the morning she was due to lay her husband of 73 years to rest at Windsor: ‘Thank goodness Meghan is not coming.’

The book also claims Meghan called her PR team in hysterics after Buckingham Palace reacted with ‘fury’ to her Vanity Fair interview about Prince Harry.

She had been ‘ecstatic’ when she was asked to appear on the cover of Vanity Fair’s September 2017 issue and do an interview with the magazine.

But when the magazine ran with the headline ‘Wild About Harry’ on its cover –  focusing on Meghan’s relationship with the British prince rather than her work as an actor, activist and philanthropist – Bower says the Palace was taken aback.

Within hours of the magazine’s pre-publication copies being sent to Buckingham Palace, Bower says Meghan phoned her PR firm and ‘hysterically’ told them of the Palace’s fury.

Harry invited Meghan to join him at Sandringham for his weekend shoot in 2016 – shortly after the pair’s relationship was publicly revealed.

The 37-year-old allegedly invited 16 friends, mostly old school pals from Eton who were employed by international banks and auction houses, to join him for dinner on Friday, shooting on Saturday and then lunch on Sunday after getting the Queen’s permission.

Bower says the Duke of Sussex was ‘looking forward’ to ‘endless banter’ with his friends – but Meghan, 40, was less than impressed and ‘challenged every guest’ who ‘contravened her woke values’. 

Bower claims the Duke of Sussex had been excited for a weekend of ‘endless banter’ with his pals, but Meghan, 40, was less than impressed and ‘challenged every guest’ who ‘contravened her woke values’

Meghan ‘lacked any sense of humour’ and was a ‘dampener on the party’, Bower says in his new book, according to The Times newspaper.

She also reportedly ‘reprimanded them for their jokes about sexism, feminism and transgender people’, with Bower writing that Harry had ‘not anticipated’ Meghan’s reaction.

He wrote: ‘She lacked any sense of humour. Driving home after Sunday lunch, the texts pinged between the cars: “OMG, what about HER?” said one. “Harry must be f***ing nuts”.’

Bower claims Meghan ‘reprimanded guests’ if they made the ‘slightest inappropriate comment’ and ‘nobody was exempt’.

The claims comes after it was revealed Meghan ‘called her PR team in hysterics’ after Buckingham Palace reacted with ‘fury’ to ‘her Vanity Fair interview about Prince Harry’.

Bower says Meghan was ‘ecstatic’ when she was asked to appear on the cover of Vanity Fair’s September 2017 issue and do an interview with the magazine.

But when the magazine ran with the headline ‘Wild About Harry’ on its cover – focusing on Meghan’s relationship with the British prince rather than her work as an actor, activist and philanthropist – Bower says the Palace was taken aback.

Within hours of the magazine’s pre-publication copies being sent to Buckingham Palace, Bower says Meghan phoned her PR firm and ‘hysterically’ told them of the Palace’s fury.

Bower reports that Meghan was furious that the piece was not more focused on her philanthropy but says this was due to the fact Vanity Fair researchers were unable to substantiate two key stories she had told about her activism as a young child.

After first discussing Meghan’s speech at the United Nations and a letter she sent to Procter & Gamble as an 11-year-old requesting that they change a slogan promoting washing-up liquid that was deemed sexist, she was asked about Harry.

As reported by Vanity Fair in 2017, Meghan said: ‘We’re a couple. We’re in love.

‘I’m sure there will be a time when we will have to come forward and present ourselves and have stories to tell, but I hope what people will understand is that this is our time.

‘This is for us. It’s part of what makes it so special, that it’s just ours. But we’re happy. Personally, I love a great love story.’

‘Just like Madiba, he’s been through a lot’: Prince Harry is mercilessly mocked by South African newspaper for preachy keynote speech honoring Nelson Mandela 

 BY JENNIFER SMITH, CHIEF REPORTER

The choice of Prince Harry as the keynote speaker at the UN event honoring Nelson Mandela was mocked by many around the world, including a South African newspaper which sarcastically compared the prince’s plight to that of the civil rights hero.

Harry was invited to speak at the UN in New York City by the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the charitable organization run by Mandela’s family.

He was joined by wife Meghan, who showed up in a glamorous designer outfit worth some $3,000.

Harry used his 15-minute speech to lecture the sparse crowd on climate change, disinformation, the war on Ukraine, COVID and the decision by SCOTUS to reverse Roe vs Wade.

He might have resisted the chance to compare himself to Mandela, but South African newspaper The Sunday Times jumped at the opportunity.

In a column on Sunday, before Harry spoke, EditoR-at-Large Aspasia Karras wrote: ‘He’s in exile. Just like Madiba.

‘No, sorry, of course, he was imprisoned for 27 years on Robben Island. Same, same-ish.

South African columnist Aspasia Karras pokes fun at Prince Harry in a column on Sunday, before Harry spoke. She compared Harry’s Montecito mansion to Robben Island and the icy treatment of Harry and Meghan by the royal family to the hardships of apartheid 

Harry was invited to speak at the UN in New York City by the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the charitable organization run by Mandela's family, some of whom Harry maintains friendships with.

Harry was invited to speak at the UN in New York City by the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the charitable organization run by Mandela's family, some of whom Harry maintains friendships with.

‘He’s in exile. Just like Madiba. No, sorry, of course, he was imprisoned for 27 years on Robben Island. Same, same-ish. Harry is imprisoned in his gilded pleasure palace in Montecito with a podcast schedule and documentary team following him around,’ wrote Sunday Times columnist Aspasia Karras 

‘Harry is imprisoned in his gilded pleasure palace in Montecito with a podcast schedule and documentary team following him around.’

She labeled him the ‘self-styled Duke of L.A.’ and said: ‘Just like Mandela, he’s been through a lot.

‘As told to Oprah in his cri du coeur interview, his family and the British press have been giving him and his lovely wife Meghan such a hard time. All they wanted was to represent. And bring some fast paced LA management style to the fuddy-duddy palace.

‘You know what? They just had to leave. It was too much to bear.’

‘I think Harry is a perfect fit, what with the UN being such a very effective organization for world peace.

‘I’m really pleased he can grab hold of the global spotlight on such an important day, when we remember the sacrifices Mandela made for all of us and our rights. OK?

‘But especially for Harry’s right to a security entourage. That will show them,’ she wrote.

Other critics asked why Harry, who regularly uses private jets, had been chosen to give a speech on climate change.

‘Our world is on fire!’ he told the UN on Monday after arriving in New York City with Meghan, who wore more than $3,000 in designer clothes.

It’s unclear whether the couple arrived in New York City on a private jet.

Representatives for the pair did not immediately respond to inquiries about their travel, nor did spokespeople for The Nelson Mandela Foundation.

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Read more at DailyMail.co.uk