Michelle Obama Gave Meghan Markle Advice About Joining the Royal Family

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."

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:

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

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