Meghan Markle Talks Returning to Work and Why 'Elephant' Doc Is So Important to Her
Meghan Markle is opening up about returning to Hollywood with the Disney+ documentary, Elephant. Appearing in a pre-taped interview for the documentary, which aired on Monday's Good Morning America, Markle shared why this new animal doc meant so much to her.
"I'm really grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of bringing the story of Elephants to life," the Duchess of Sussex said. "I've been very lucky to be able to have hands-on experience with elephants in their natural habitat."
Markle elaborated on her personal experiences with the massive animals and how it has given her a special understanding of their unique characteristics.
"When you spend time connecting to them and the other wildlife, you really understand we have a role to play in their preservation and their safety," she said. "These creatures are so majestic and at the same time they are so sensitive and so connected. We see in this film just how remarkable they are. Their memories are amazing. The close connection of the herd, the protectiveness of their young. I think they're a lot more like us than they are different."
Markle also shared her hopes for the documentary, saying, "I hope that when people see this film, they realize how connected we all are and if we had more of an awareness about the obstacles they're facing, I think we'd take care of each other, this planet, and animals in a very different way."
This job marked her first professional endeavor since she and her husband, Prince Harry, announced they would step down as senior members of the royal family. The exit came into play on March 31, just days before the premiere of Elephant, which follows a herd of elephants journeying to find water in Africa.
The former Suits star donated the money she earned for the film to Elephants Without Borders.
Markle recorded her top-secret voice over at London’s Pinewood Studios in October, and, according to the documentary’s director and producer, Mark Linfield, Harry was there to watch -- and occasionally make suggestions.
“We had Harry from the cheap seats in the back sort of suggesting some alternative pronunciations,” Linfield shared.
Producer Vanessa Berlowitz clarified, "Only on the African words because obviously he's spent so much time in Botswana."
Markle and Harry have since commenced their new life away from England, first heading to Canada and now settling in the Los Angeles area.
Since moving to L.A., the pair have also been volunteering with Project Angel Food, bringing meals to people with critical illness amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
In an interview with ET on Monday, royal expert Katie Nicholl opened up about Meghan and Harry's future in Los Angeles.
"They've been pretty busy since they arrived in L.A. Of course they had a new home to settle into, get Archie into a routine, and I think [it's] very surprising for a couple so keen to being hands-on," she said.
"I think both Harry and Meghan are seeking a different life -- that's why they decided to stand down from the royal family. They clearly want to start a new life and they're very excited about the new chapter," Nicholl added.
"I think this is bigger than celebrity. I think this is wanting to use their very unique platforms to do some good, to go and do their charity work and to really make a difference," she shared. "There are enough celebrities in LA. L.A. doesn't need any more celebrities, but they do now have royalty. Meghan and Harry may have agreed not to be using their title, but they are still royals, and that gives them a completely different currency."
See the video below for more on their recent charitable efforts.
RELATED CONTENT:
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Share Subtle PDA While Volunteering in Los Angeles
Meghan Markle Reconnects With Women of Hubb Community Kitchen in U.K. Via Video Chat
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Donate More Than $112K From Wedding Broadcast Amid Coronavirus
Related Gallery
