Meghan Markle doesn't want to be a "lady who lunches".
Meghan Markle
The 35-year-old actress has opened up about the increased spotlight put on her since it was confirmed she is dating Prince Harry and how she wants to "inspire" others and "advocate".
In an essay for Elle UK magazine, she wrote: "With fame comes opportunity, but it also includes responsibility - to advocate and share, to focus less on glass slippers and more on pushing through glass ceilings. And, if I'm lucky enough, to inspire."
The 'Suits' star - who has been dating the flame-haired royal for six months - has been inspired to influence change through her star status ever since she attended an International Women's Day event in March.
She continued: "When I gave a speech for International Women's Day, and Ban Ki-moon led the standing ovation, I thought, 'This right here is the point.'
"To use whatever status I have as an actress to make a tangible impact. I've never wanted to be a lady who lunches; I've always wanted to be a woman who works. And this type of work is what feeds my soul. The degree to which I can do that both on and off camera is a direct perk of my job."
Harry recently hit out at online trolls who had attacked his girlfriend on social media following speculation they were dating.
A statement released by Kensington Palace read: "His girlfriend, Meghan Markle, has been subject to a wave of abuse and harassment. Some of this has been very public ... the outright sexism and racism of social media trolls and web article comments.
"Prince Harry is worried about Ms Markle's safety and is deeply disappointed that he has not been able to protect her. It is not right that a few months into a relationship with him that Ms Markle should be subjected to such a storm. He knows commentators will say this is 'the price she has to pay' and that 'this is all part of the game'. He strongly disagrees. This is not a game - it is her life and his."
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