The soft launch of Meghan Markle’s lifestyle brand not only marked the latest business venture for the Californian royals but revealed insights into the Duchess’ updated friendship circle.
Polo wives, socialites and Britney Spears’ former stylist are among 50 specially selected recipients of the first product of American Rivera Orchard (ARO) – a jar of strawberry jam.
Some such as Netflix star Mindy Kaling, her Suits co-star Abigail Spencer and parenting campaigner Kelly McKee Zajfen took to social media, sharing pictures of the preserve nestled in a hamper.
Others, such as actress and comedian Melissa McCarthy spoke out to defend the Duchess, calling her ‘inspiring’ women suffering ‘hate’ for getting on with ‘her own life’.
Yet despite the beaming pictures and words of praise from some, others have been notably missing from the clamour surrounding Meghan’s new business.
The noticeable absences of some of her former closest pals suggest they may have been ‘Markled’ – the word is cruelly used by critics to describe how she is seemingly able to swiftly move on from some of those once closest to her.
The soft launch of Meghan Markle ‘s lifestyle brand not only marked the latest business venture for the Californian royals but revealed insights into the Duchess’ updated friendship circle
The Duchess of Sussex is in the process of launching her American Riviera Orchard brand by giving jam to friends in limited edition batches
Culture and PR gurus have told that Meghan’s friendship group has evolved to support her new venture, focusing on those who also live in the Californian enclave of Montecito or are women in business.
Culture expert Nick Ede told : ‘As with all friendships and circles they always change.
‘We can see from whose in and whose out that the old guard of celebrity friends from Meghan’s pre Megxit days seem to have been excluded from this PR campaign and there is a new squad who live in and around the Montecito area and support women in business.
‘It makes sense for her and the brand to have a local squad supporting her as this is all about home made produce and a sense of community.
‘With the success of Suits on Netflix and now with the BBC buying it I think she’s missing a trick by not engaging all her old co stars and wedding guests to help support the brand as it launches as this would boost the brand and create demand.’
Meanwhile public relations expert Mark Borkowski said Meghan’s updated circle of friends proves she still has ‘profound influence’ but added she has started to ‘curate’ friends that fit her new ‘narrative’.
Culture and PR gurus have told that Meghan’s friendship group has evolved to support her new venture, focusing on those who also live in the Californian enclave of Montecito or are women in business. Pictured: The Duchess last week
American Rivera Orchard is a lifestyle brand that will sell products such as jams and cookbooks
The PR wiz said: ‘Meghan’s circle proves she has a profound influence and will continue. The lineup of names surrounding her in this endeavor certainly speaks volumes about her evolving inner circle.
‘Mindy Kaling and Tracee Ellis Ross, it’s evident she’s curating a circle of influencers and creatives, signaling a shift towards a more culturally resonant sphere.
‘As for those left out in the cold, it’s a curious mix of former confidants and acquaintances who perhaps didn’t quite fit the new narrative. It’s a strategic move, undoubtedly showcasing Meghan’s knack for reinvention and remaining in the news cycle.’
Who is in Meghan’s closest Californian circle?
Mindy Kaling
Netflix actress Mindy Kaling, 44, who starred in the American Office and The Mindy Show, was one of the first to reveal she had been gifted Meghan’s first product.
Mindy and Meghan have enjoyed a friendship together since she appeared on the first episode of the Duchess’ now-axed Spotify podcast Archetypes 18 months ago.
The award winning comedian posted a snap of her jar of strawberry jam among a bowl of ripe and juicy lemons to reveal she has received the product last week.
Tagging Meghan’s American Riviera Orchard brand, she simply said: ‘Obsessed.’
Earlier this month, Mindy was spotted hanging out with Prince Harry at a life coaching event in San Francisco for BetterUp – a mental health start up which the Duke of Sussex is Chief Impact Officer.
Mindy Kaling, award-winning writer and actress, is among the exclusive group to have received jam from Meghan’s first American Riviera Orchard batch
Last week comedian, writer and actress Mindy posted a snap on her Instagram account of herself with Prince Harry after they met at a life coaching event in San Francisco
She posted a picture of herself beaming next to Harry on Instagram – joking that she had no idea who he was, referring to him as ‘my friend’s husband’ before telling her fans to read Spare – the Prince’s bombshell memoir.
‘Met my friend’s husband at a work event. Seemed pretty cool. Said he wrote a book. Gonna go check it out,’ she wrote.
Kelly McKee Zajfen
Kelly McKee Zajfen, 44, is a parenting campaigner who co-founded the Alliance of Moms, which supports pregnant and parenting teenagers in the foster care system.
The mother took to Instagram to share a video of Meghan’s jam being spread on a slice of toasted sourdough in a clip captioned ‘mornings with American Riviera Orchard’.
Kelly is seen spreading the jam thickly on a slice of white toasted bread – with a gold spoon shaped like a flower.
Prior to this she had also shared a snap of the product online, saying she was ‘so proud’ of her friend ahead of the launch.
The jam was presented in a bowl of lemon’s surrounded by flowers, and Kelly wrote: ‘Ohhhhh Just a taste of what’s to come!!! So proud of you M.’
Meghan Markle ‘s close pal Kelly McKee Zajfen received the duchess’s American Riviera Orchard strawberry jam
Last year, Kelly posted a heartfelt tribute to Meghan on her account, praising the Duchess of Sussex for her support and praising her for being such an ‘incredible friend and mother’
Kelly’s nine-year-old son George passed away after being found ‘unresponsive’ at his family home in 2022
Kelly tragically lost her nine-year-old son Georgie to Covid and meningitis in 2022,
Meghan was amongst those to support Kelly after her son was found unresponsive in their family home.
Kelly – who is also mother to George’s twin sister Lily – has been open with her grief on Instagram, telling her followers in October last year that she was ‘not really okay’.
Last year, she posted a heartfelt tribute to Meghan on her account, praising the Duchess of Sussex for her support and praising her for being such an ‘incredible friend and mother’.
‘You are always the first to say yes and support those you love. You are a fierce advocate for those who are in need,’ Kelly she added.
The kind words were shared alongside an image of herself and the Duchess of Sussex both wearing ‘Community Motherhood’ T-shirts in support of an Alliance of Moms campaign.
Harry and Meghan donated $5,000 to a GoFundMe fundraiser in the names of their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet after the Zajfen family lost George.
In March, Meghan and Kelly were seen on a ski trip together alongside their other friend Helen Dorak.
Kelly and Meghan became close through the Duchess’ ex-husband Engelson, who is pals with the former model’s entertainment lawyer husband Julian.
Delfina Blaquier
Meghan’s fellow ‘polo wife’ Delfina Blaquier is another A lister in Meghan’s corner who was praising her friend’s business venture last week.
Delfina is married to Prince Harry’s best pal, Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Figueras – otherwise known as ‘the David Beckham of polo’.
Nacho and Harry have played each other in charity polo matches together and against each other over the last decade, with Nacho later becoming involved in Harry’s charity Sentebale.
As the polo players became friends, the friendship between their wives also grew significantly over the last few years with the duo being spotted cheering their husbands on the sidelines.
Delfina Blaquier and Nacho Figueras at Harry and Meghan’s wedding in Windsor in May 2018
Delfina Balquier’s video also showed the strawberry jam spread on a piece of bread
Delfina Balquier also posted a photo on Instagram and said: ‘Strawberry jam makes me happy’
In one gushing Instagram post the Argentine socialite referring to the Duchess as her ‘sister’ and fellow ‘pwife’ (polo wife).
Posting a photo of herself and the Duchess watching their husbands compete at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, she wrote: ‘M – looking forward to many more of these times with you and H.
‘Getting to spend time together over these two months was so special. I wish everyone knew you the way you are.’
She continued: ‘My sister, my now fellow ‘pwife’ (polo wife) -genius of you to come up with this. Can’t wait to see you again soon, to share thrill, hikes, and just more chill time.’
Delfina added: ‘You also have my respect. Keep walking, steady and strong. Listen to your heart, that will guide you well, because you have a big one and it’s a beautiful one. I love you my darling.’
Delfina Blaquier with her husband Nacho Figueras alongside Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Royal Salute Polo Challenge for Sentebale in Wellington, Florida, last Friday
Nacho Figueras, known as ‘the David Beckham of polo’ and Prince Harry’s close pal, joined the promotional bandwagon for Meghan’s American Riviera Orchard jam
In another time she praised the royal mother-of-two for being ‘stronger than she knows’ during an interview with Hello! magazine.
‘[Meghan] is so wonderful and strong. Stronger than she knows. I love being around my friends, and I will always support her,’ she said.
Following Meghan’s soft-launch, Deflina posted a picture of the jam on her Instagram story, saying ‘strawberry jam makes me so happy’, as she held up the jar marked number 10 out of 50.
A few days later, her husband Nacho shared a picture of him biting into a slide of buttered toast with the jam.
Abigail Spencer
Abigail Spencer, 42, is one of Meghan’s Suits co-stars she appears to have kept close contact with after ditching her acting career for royal life. Other actors from the series have been notably cut from the Duchess’ life.
The actress was gifted the sixth jar in Meghan’s batch revealing two days ago in an over-the-top photoshoot that showcased her reclining in the grass with the precious preserve.
The jar of preserve was presented in a bowl of lemons surrounded by flowers, smiling in a sunny garden alongside her dog.
‘This jam is my jam,’ she told her followers. ‘A delicious taste of what’s to come indeed… love you so M.’
Meghan’s long-term co-star was one of those who starred in the Sussexes’ Netflix documentary Harry & Meghan.
Meghan Markle ‘s close friend and former Suits co-star Abigail Spencer is one of the lucky 50 to have received a limited edition jar of the Duchess’ new American Riviera Orchard strawberry jam
Abigail, 42, was gifted the sixth jar in the batch, she revealed today in an over-the-top photoshoot that showcased her reclining in the grass with the precious preserve
In her Instagram post alongside Meghan, Kellythanked the actresses for ‘supporting this campaign and our youth’
In it Abigail said ‘she wasn’t allowed to say anything’ and did not know how to help Meghan’s struggles.
Their friendship was made incredibly apparent in the docuseries, with Abigail revealing that she was one of the first people to learn about Meghan’s then-secret relationship with Harry.
Tracy Robbins
Fashion designer Tracy Robbins was one of the first of Meghan’s friends to share her new product.
Tracy and her husband Paramount boss Brian Robbins are friends with the Sussexes and invited them to the Bob Marley film premiere in Jamaica in January.
Posting a picture of the jam, the designer shared on her Instagram story : ‘American Riviera Orchard Breakfast, lunch and dinner just got a little sweeter.’
Showing it in a basket with lemons, Mrs Robbins added: ‘Thank you for the delicious basket! I absolutely love this jam so not sure I’m sharing with anyone. @American RivieraOrchard Thank you, M! #MontecitoGoodness #AmericanRivieraOrchard.’
Tracy Robbins with her husband Paramount boss Brian Robbins alongside Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Bob Marley: One Love premiere in Kingston, Jamaica, on January 23
Fashion designer Tracy Robbins posted a picture of the jam, which had the logo for American Riviera Orchard and ‘Montecito’ underneath. The label also had the words ’17 of 50′
Showing the strawberry jam in a basket with lemons, Tracy Robbins added: ‘Thank you, M!’
Tracee Ellis Ross
Actress and daughter of Diana Ross, Tracee Ellis Ross, also revealed that she had been gifted a jam jar from the Duchess.
Tracee, star of hit comedy Black-ish, posted her jar of jam on her Instagram story, she revealed the product on a bed of plush lemons.
It appears the jam was also delivered with a card or a letter, which has her name written on it in calligraphy that resembles Meghan’s.
Although it is not immediately clear how Meghan and Tracee became friends, the actress was also on the roster of speakers at the BetterUp event last week.
The Duchess and Tracee also attended one of Beyoncé’s LA concerts last summer although they were not pictured together at the event.
Another A-lister to have receives a jar of strawberry jam from Meghan’s first batch is Tracee Ellis Ross
Jamie Mizrahi
Amongst Meghan’s new friendship group is her new stylist Jamie Mizrahi, who also worked for Britney Spears, Jennifer Lawrence and Adele.
Last month it was revealed the Duchess had hired the ex-Juicy Couture creative director to ensure her wardrobe lined up with American Riviera Orchard.
The stylist, who also lives in Montecito, California, also has had a long-term working relationship with Meghan’s neighbour Katy Perry.
It came after the Duchess was seen having dinner with Jamie ahead of Katy Perry’s Las Vegas concert in November 2023, which was also attended byPrince Harry.
A source at the time said: ‘They were deep in conversation. It looked like Meghan is going for a restyle and Jamie is the go-to stylist for every Hollywood A-Lister, including Katy Perry and Britney Spears.’
Melissa McCarthey
American actress and comedian Melissa McCartney is also another close friend of Meghan’s who last week defended American Riviera Orchard.
Speaking at the Broadway opening of ‘Suffs’ the Bridesmaid star said criticism of Meghan is because people are ‘threatened’ by her, adding that the Duchess of Sussex is ‘wonderful’ and ‘awesome’.
‘It bums me out for every woman and every person, that for no reason people just like to attack. A smart interesting woman that has her own life, for some reason, is incredibly threatening to some people’,’ she said.
She told Page Six: ‘I always think, how inspiring. I’ve never once been threatened by someone who is amazing. I just think how inspiring. It’s really on the people throwing the hate’.
Melissa, who marked Meghan Markle’s 40th birthday by helping launch her 40×40 mentorship scheme, has been vocal in her support for Meghan and Prince Harry.
Melissa McCarthy has defended Meghan Markle, insisting she is a brilliant woman and critics are threatened by her
Melissa successfully made her friend Meghan laugh by wearing different hats and outfits – often with a nod to Meghan’s brief time as a frontline royal – to mark her 40th
The Duchess Of Sussex had celebrated her milestone birthday by announcing a new initiative to help women back into work.
The duchess asked 40 activists, athletes, artists and world leaders to participate by contributing 40 minutes of mentorship to women re-entering the workforce, saying that millions of women have been ‘shouldered the brunt’ of the Covid-19 pandemic and need help returning or regaining employment.
At the start of a Zoom-style call in her spotless LA mansion, Meghan told Melissa McCarthy: ‘It’s my 40th birthday and I’ve got an idea. Because I’m turning 40, I’m asking 40 friends to give 40 minutes of their time to mentor a woman who is remobilising back into the workforce.
‘Over 2million women in the US alone and tens of millions around the world have lost their jobs due to Covid. And I think if we all do it, and all commit 40 minutes to an act of service, it can have a ripple effect.’
Who has been ‘Markled’?
Jessica Mulroney
Meghan and stylist Jessica Mulroney were once best friends and were pictured at a number of high-profile events together after meeting in 2011.
In the early days of Harry and Meghan’s relationship, Jessica and her husband were often seen spending time with the royal couple in Toronto and were thought to hang out with the pair before their relationship went public in 2016.
Jessica went on to play a key role in the royal wedding – flying into London four days before hand to help her get fitted for her dress.
Meghan also asked her three children John, Brian and Isabel to be in her wedding party – while the stylist was given a starring role as she entered St George’s Chapel alongside Kate Middleton.
Jessica was also amongst the famous faces to have helped organise Meghan’s baby shower in new York 2019 and defended the couple when they were called out for using private jets – saying they had been targeted by ‘racist bullies’.
Once an incredibly close friend of the Duchess, Jessica Mulroney has been ‘dumped’ by Meghan after getting caught up in a white privilege row
The Duchess and Jessica once were spotted out and about in Toronto at glamorous parties and events
Priyanka Chopra seen arriving at Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s wedding in Windsor in May 2018
Jessica Mulroney and her daughter Iris seen arriving at the Royal Wedding with the Princess of Wales
Yet the pair drifted apart after Jessica became embroiled in a ‘white privilege’ row with lifestyle blogger Sasha Exeter.
Following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, Sasha posted on her Instagram Stories and encouraged her followers and fellow influencers to speak out about the Black Lives Matter movement.
The blogger claimed Jessica ‘took offence’ from her ‘generic call to action’ post. In a follow-up video, Ms Exeter said: ‘What happened next was a series of very problematic behaviour and antics […]
‘I’m by no means calling Jess a racist but what I will say is this: She is very well aware of her wealth, perceived power and privilege because of the colour of her skin and that, my friends, gave her the momentary confidence to come for my livelihood in writing. Textbook white privilege really, in my personal opinion.’
Jessica made three public apologies but was dropped by numerous television networks including ABC’s Good Morning America and Canadian TV network CTV.
Despite publicly supporting Meghan as she adapted to life as a Royal, the stylist was not among the women featured on the Duchess’ Archetypes podcast and was noticeably absent from the Sussexes’ Netflix documentary.
Millie Mackintosh
Made In Chelsea star Millie Mackintosh became friends with Meghan after they met at a hotel event in Turkey, and ‘gave her all of her contacts’ when the actress was in London.
She and Meghan met up in the capital and she shared her favourite hotspots, and they were even pictured together during a girls’ weekend at Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire in 2016.
Millie said she and Meghan bonded over their marital troubles, as she was married to rapper Professor Green at the time, and Meghan had split from her first husband Trevor Engelson.
Made In Chelsea star Millie Mackintosh previously revealed she and Meghan had bonded after experiencing break-ups, but said they didn’t stay in touch
But Millie later said that she felt ‘snubbed’ by Meghan when she began dating Harry.
She claimed that she sent Meghan a message offering her well-wishes, but was surprised to receive an ‘abrupt’ response and decided not to contact her again.
Millie said: ‘It’s not like I messaged her asking if it was true, that was none of my business. What I read from that message was that she needed a bit of space, to cool off.
‘I didn’t message her again, but I did expect that we would stay in touch. I thought she’d message back and say, ”Sorry everything is a bit stressful right now.”
‘I never heard from her again. I felt like she’d basically told me to f**k off in that message. So I did. And we haven’t spoken since.’
Priyanka Chopra
Before Meghan Markle met Prince Harry, the Suits actress counted Priyanka Chopra among her closest friends.
The two actresses made regular appearances on each other’s Instagram feeds – including posing for a photo on the streets of New York after watching the musical Hamilton on Broadway.
The stars first became friends after bonding at an Elle Women in Television event in January 2016. Meghan previously revealed they became friends easily.
‘You know when you meet someone and you just click?’ Meghan told the Press Trust Of India. ‘It was just an easy, natural progression. We’ve managed to keep in touch via email and text, and try to see each other whenever we’re both in the same town.’
However in February 2019, it was reported that Priyanka was ‘crushed’ when Meghan Markle didn’t attend her wedding to Nick Jonas the year before.
Pictured: Meghan Markle and Priyanka Chopra pose outside Hamilton on Broadway in New York
The stars (pictured on Meghan’s deleted Instagram) first became friends after bonding at an Elle Women in Television event in January 2016
Around this time, rumours of a fall-out between the two friends began to swirl after Priyanka was noticeably absent from Meghan’s New York baby shower.
A source told Page Six that ‘Priyanka was crushed’ and therefore skipped the $500,000 baby shower held for the royal at the Mark Hotel.
It was previously reported that Priyanka had been absent from her friend’s celebrations due to work commitments across the country in Los Angeles, according to TMZ.
The actress had been busy attending meetings for a book she was writing, the publication reported.
In November 2021, Priyanka was seen laughing as comedian Jack Whitehall labelled her husband Nick Jonas ‘The Meghan Markle of pop’ for breaking up the band.
Despite appearing to grow apart from Meghan Markle, Priyanka Chopra still supports the Duchess’ former BFF Jessica Mulroney by following her on Instagram.
When Priyanka posted images from her wedding day on Instagram, Jessica left a gushing comment reading: ‘Perfect dress choice. Love to the happy couple.’
Gina Tores
The Suits cast were the talk of Tinseltown this awards season when they reunited at the Golden Globes ceremony – but there was one notable absence as Meghan, who played Rachel Zane in the drama, did not join her former co-stars.
Gina Torres – who played lawyer Jessica Pearson in the US legal drama – revealed at the LA ceremony that the ex-castmates simply ‘don’t have [Meghan’s] number’ when asked if anyone had reached out to the former actress.
An insider told Page Six that the Duchess of Sussex was invited to the event, but ‘unfortunately’ wasn’t able to make an appearance because of a ‘previous commitment’.
Speaking to Variety on the red carpet, Gina was asked: ‘Who texted Meghan and said ‘you’ve gotta come to the Golden Globes, Meghan Markle’.’
Gina Torres starred alongside Meghan in Suits, and played lawyer Jessica Pearson
‘We don’t have her number. We just don’t so. She’ll see. She’ll watch. She’ll be happy that we’re here,’ said the 54-year-old US actress, who attended the Royal wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan in 2018.
The interviewer also asked: ‘Did you plan this? Are you all texting each other?’ She explained: ‘When it all came through, we were all texting each other. Yes, our text thread is insane right now. So it’s very exciting.’
Discussing Meghan’s absence, a Globes insider told Page Six: ‘We asked the Duchess, but we were told that, unfortunately, she had a previous commitment.’
Gina’s comments at the Golden Globes weren’t the first time that the actress had referenced her lack of contact with Prince Harry’s wife.
She told Glamour in 2019: ‘No, I’m not in touch with Meghan. There’s no story in why I’m not in touch with Meghan.
‘What I will say is – if I could offer a window into what it is to be an actor and live this crazy life – when you’re an actor, you meet hundreds of people during your career.
‘The public only sees the characters that are on TV, but there are hundreds of people that make a show happen. If you’re as fortunate enough of an actor as I am, that has had a varied career, you can’t bring all those people with you.’
She added that she ‘enjoyed Meghan’ when they worked together, adding they had a ‘great time’.
Sarah Raferty
Sarah Rafferty, who starred as fan favourite Donna Paulsen – a close friend of Meghan’s character Rachel, was previously described by the Duchess as ‘not just my Suits sister wife, but my sister’.
The actress, 51, attended the royal wedding in 2018 alongside her husband Santtu Seppala.
Reminiscing on the grand event, the Falling for Grace actress penned: ‘Hard to believe that yesterday at this time we were preparing to head out to the Royal Wedding. I’m still speechless. Still processing.’
The auburn beauty continued to gush over the pair’s union: ‘Santtu and I were honored to witness such a sublime and emotional event. We wish the happy couple every blessing with all our hearts.’
Speaking on Today in 2018, the actress explained just why the Suits co-stars were so close, with the females on the show referring to one another as ‘sister wives.’
Sarah Rafferty starred as Donna Paulsen, a close friend of Meghan’s character Rachel Zane, in Suits
‘We worked so many years together on a show. We were with each other for longer than we went to college or high school,’ she said. ‘We became family in a way. We’re still family. This is a wonderful family affair.’
But in 2019, when asked if she still talks to the Duchess, Sarah told Closer Weekly: ‘She’s really busy. She’s super busy.’
In September 2022, after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Sarah thanked the monarch for ‘normalizing having a respected woman in power’ as she paid her respects to Her late Majesty.
She penned: ‘Living a life of service, leading by example with dignity, strength, and devotion while inspiring many…Thank you for normalizing having a respected woman in power, Your Majesty. Rest In Peace.
‘Sending my heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones, and to all who are mourning in the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and around the world.
Patrick J Adams
Patrick J. Adams, whose Suits character Michael Ross was in a relationship with Meghan’s Rachel Zane, has confirmed he’s had ‘no communication’ with the Duchess following the legal drama’s streaming success.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter on the set of T-Mobile’s Super Bowl commercial, in which he featured alongside Gabriel Macht, who played Harvey Specter, the pair were asked: ‘Have you spoken to Meghan Markle recently?’
Patrick, who attended Meghan’s wedding with his wife Troian Bellisario, said: ‘ Zero. No, no communication.’
The actor then jokingly pretended he was getting a call, saying: ‘Oh, hold on. There she is. Oh, got to go.’
In 2020, the Canadian actor, 42, admitted he is ‘too intimidated’ and feels a ‘little scared’ to phone the Duchess.
Patrick J. Adams starred as Michael Ross in Suits. His character was in a relationship with Meghan’s Rachel Zane
Patrick and Meghan were an onscreen couple, however he has said he feels ‘intimidated’ to reach out to the Duchess in recent years
Patrick, who played Meghan’s on-screen love interest for seven years, said it had been ‘wild’ to watch how ‘enormous’ her life has become since she left the show in 2018.
He revealed the friends exchanged messages and gifts when their children were born but admitted ‘pure fear’ stopped him picking up the phone and calling her at the time.
The actor told the Radio Times: ‘Quite frankly, I think I’m intimidated. I have no doubt I could pick up the phone and call her at any moment, but I don’t know what I would say.
‘After our children were born, there were some texts sent and gifts sent, but I guess I’m a little scared. I think it’s pure fear.
‘I guess I’m scared about the idea of breaking through whatever walls exist to have that conversation.’
He said it had been ‘wild to watch’ her life unfold but explained they are not in regular contact, adding: ‘We’ve spoken and texted a couple of times, but Meghan’s life is incredibly full and she’s been navigating a lot.
‘We don’t spend any time together, but that’s not because of anything other than how completely enormous her life has become in so many ways.’
Ninaki Priddy
Meghan’s childhood friend Ninaki Priddy was maid of honour at Meghan’s first wedding to Trevor Engelson in front of more than 100 guests on a beach in Jamaica.
She told the Daily Mail in 2017: ‘Meg literally shone with happiness. We’d been like sisters since we were two years old, so I knew she’d always wanted to get married.
They had been inseparable from their first days at Hollywood’s private Little Red School House, which they both joined at the age of two, before moving on together at 11 to the Immaculate Heart girls’ high school in Los Angeles.
But Ninaki said they fell out after she disapproved of the manner of Meghan’s break-up from her first husband Trevor Engleson.
The Duchess of Sussex married first husband Trevor Engelson in 2011 in Jamaica (pictured at their wedding)
15-year-old Meghan Markle poses in front of Buckingham Palace, with friend Ninaki Priddy, during a European trip in 1996
She added: ‘All I can say now is that I think Meghan was calculated — very calculated — in the way she handled people and relationships.
‘She is very strategic in the way she cultivates circles of friends. Once she decides you’re not part of her life, she can be very cold. It’s this shutdown mechanism she has. There’s nothing to negotiate. She’s made her decision and that’s it.’
The Beckhams
Years ago when Meghan was still running her now defunct blog The Tig, she had a group she called her ‘closest friends’ and this included David and Victoria Beckham.
They were guests to Harry and Meghan’s wedding in 2018, yet more recently that friendship apperas to have died.
Meghan and Harry were not guests at the Beckham’s son Brooklyn’s wedding to Nicole Peltz in April 2022 and neither Sussexes’ have been seen celebrating other occasions with the couple.
Like many in Meghan’s world, the Beckhams appear to have been ‘Markled’.
David and Victoria Beckham were guests at Meghan’s wedding to Prince Harry at Windsor in 2018 (pictured)
Suspicions were raised that the couple may have leaked stories about the Sussexes that left David ‘absolutely furious’, according to Mail on Sunday sources.
A source close to the Beckhams said: ‘David and Victoria went to Meghan and Harry’s wedding and were very supportive when Meghan arrived in the UK.’
Following the allegations there was allegedly a tense phone call, that fractured the Beckham friendship. The source added: ‘Any making up now is so unlikely.’
A source in Montecito said at the time however: ‘Victoria is a dynamic force. She’s someone who built a business but has also overcome adversity in her private life. She and Meghan bond on many levels. They are extremely close, they adore each other.’