Leaving one’s homeland is never easy, even when it’s a conscious and joyful decision. In 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made the significant choice to leave the United Kingdom, where Harry had spent nearly his entire life. Four years later, the couple has settled in California, reportedly enjoying the private, serene life they sought when they stepped back from their roles in the British royal family. They are now focused on their chosen business ventures and raising their two children, Archie and Lilibet, away from the public eye and the constraints of royal duties.
Adjusting to life in the U.S. has required Harry and Meghan to build a new circle of trusted friends. Harry’s close friends from Eton College and his military days remain in the U.K., while Meghan, who has a strained relationship with her family, has had to reconnect with old friends and make new ones. Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, has been a constant support, often helping to care for Archie and Lilibet. Ragland, who used to live in View Park-Windsor Hills, now spends extended periods in Montecito, close to the Sussexes’ home.
Living near Los Angeles has allowed Meghan to reconnect with friends from her acting days. One of her closest friends is Abigail Spencer, a TV actress she met while filming “Suits.” Spencer has been a steadfast supporter of Meghan, even attending her wedding to Prince Harry and the celebration of Archie’s birth. Spencer has spoken publicly about their friendship, describing Meghan as an incredible person and a dear friend.
Meghan has also launched a new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, and to promote it, she sent jars of jam to a select group of friends and acquaintances, including celebrities like Kris Jenner, Mindy Kaling, Chrissy Teigen, and Tracee Ellis Ross. While these celebrities are not part of the Sussexes’ inner circle, they have helped to publicize Meghan’s new venture.
Kelly McKee Zajfen, a businesswoman and founder of the charity Alliance of Moms, is another close friend of Meghan’s. The two, along with Spencer, have been photographed together supporting each other’s endeavors. Meghan and Harry even made a $5,000 donation to a fund set up in memory of Zajfen’s son, who tragically passed away in 2022.
Photographer Misan Harriman, another friend from Meghan’s acting days, has also reconnected with the couple. Harriman’s photograph was used to announce Meghan’s second pregnancy, and he has described her as like a sister. Meghan supported Harriman’s directorial debut by hosting a private screening of his short film, “The After.”
Prince Harry has also played a role in building their new network of friends. His friendship with polo player Nacho Figueras dates back to 2007. The two share a love of polo and have been seen together at various events worldwide. Figueras and his wife, Delfina Blaquier, are close friends of the Sussexes and have been featured in the Netflix documentary series “Harry & Meghan.”
Serena Williams, another close friend of Meghan’s, has also been a significant support. Williams attended Meghan’s wedding and was the first guest on her podcast “Archetypes.” The two were recently seen together at a charity polo match in Florida, enjoying each other’s company.
While some friends have played important roles at specific times, they are no longer as close to the couple. Oprah Winfrey, who helped the Sussexes choose Montecito as their home and interviewed them in 2021, now has a more professional relationship with them. Similarly, their relationships with English comedian James Corden and musician David Foster have cooled over time.
Prince Harry will soon return to the U.K. for a ceremony for the Invictus Games, a sports competition he created for injured soldiers. While Meghan will not accompany him, Harry is expected to meet with old friends and possibly some family members. He has invited them to the event at St. Paul’s Cathedral, but they are not expected to attend. Harry’s cousin, Princess Eugenie, remains a close family member and friend. The two have been inseparable since childhood, and Eugenie has visited Harry in California. The Sussexes even left their former home, Frogmore Cottage, to Eugenie and her husband.
In the U.S., friends have become like family for Harry and Meghan. Despite the challenges of building a new life far from their homeland, they have managed to create a supportive and loving community around them. Their focus remains on providing a happy and private life for their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, while pursuing their passions and business ventures.
Source: El PaÃs, BBC
