Meghan Markle’s Friends: Meet the 36 People in the Duchess’ Inner Circle

abigail spencer

Source: MEGA

During her appearance on The Kelly Clarkson ShowAbigail Spencer opened up about the time she became friends with Meghan Markle years before she wed Prince Harry.

“It was just something between us,” said Spencer, recalling the time they auditioned for Suits. “Our friendship really developed during that time, and deepened. She’s an incredible person.”

Amal Clooney

amal clooney

Source: MEGA

In 2018, a source told People that Meghan and Amal Clooney “had known each other for a while” and became close pals.

“Amal has been helping Meghan settle into London life. It was a very natural friendship from day one,” the insider continued.

Clooney was also seen attending Meghan’s New York City baby shower the following year.

Brian Robbins and Tracy James

brian robbins and tracy james

Source: MEGA

In May, Prince Harry and Meghan went on a double date with Brian Robbins and Tracy James after they attended the Bob Marley: One Love premiere in Jamaica.

The royals also received support from the TV power couple when they promoted a jar of American Riviera Orchard strawberry jam from Meghan’s lifestyle brand.

Chrissy Teigen

chrissy teigen

Source: MEGA

Meghan’s friendship with Chrissy Teigen started after the Duchess of Sussex penned an essay for The New York Times about experiencing a miscarriage in July 2020.

Gushing about the royal, Teigen told Andy Cohen how “really wonderful and so kind” Meghan is.

“That’s why you look at everything and you’re like: ‘My God, what is absolutely wrong with people that they have to make this person out to be so malicious or so crazy?’ when it’s just as simple as them being as kind as everybody says they are,” she continued.

Daniel Martin

daniel martin

Source: @danielmartin/Instagram

Makeup artist Daniel Martin grew close to Meghan after he got her ready for her 2018 royal wedding to Prince Harry.

When the royal couple won the Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope Award, Martin wrote on Instagram, “Couldn’t be more proud of you friends!”

David Foster and Katharine McPhee

david foster and katharine mcphee

Source: MEGA

“Meghan and I did musicals together as kids,” Katharine McPhee revealed on Instagram. “She grew up to be the Duchess of Sussex and I grew up to star on the West End, so same life if you ask me. #TBT.”

Their relationship bloomed, and their husbands also became friends.

Over the years, McPhee and David Foster have been spotted enjoying double dates with Meghan and Prince Harry.

Delfina Blaquier and Nacho Figueras

delfina blaquier and nacho figueras

Source: MEGA

Nacho Figueras is one of Prince Harry’s longtime friends, leading to their wives becoming friends, too.

Speaking with Hello! in 2022, Figueras said, “I have known him for so long and he has always wanted someone to love and marry and have a family with, so it makes me so happy to see them happy and with two beautiful children.”

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi

ellen degeneres and portia de rossi

Source: MEGA

In 2023, Meghan and Prince Harry attended Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi‘s vow renewal ceremony. The foursome became friends after their meeting at a dog shelter.

Heather Dorak

heather dorak

Source: MEGA

Meghan is often spotted out and about with her friend and Pilates instructor Heather Dorak.

In 2021, Dorak defended the Suits alum amid tabloid scrutiny.

“It’s hard for me to watch her go through all that she has to as the Meghan the press can love to hate….” said Dorak. “Mostly because it’s so far from the Meghan that I know. Sweet. Kind. Always showing up!”

She added, “Two weeks ago, she was the first to surprise me with a gift after my knee surgery. 17 years ago, she walked into my fledgling Pilates studio and instantly became my rock in all things early 20s – career, love, figuring out how to adult. Since that day, she has never stopped being one of my brightest sources of light. It may be hard to see, but she lives for the little, thoughtful things – flowers for no reason, a random sweet, handwritten note. She’s always been truly wonderful … M, I love you.”

Jamie Kern Lima

jamie kern lima

Source: MEGA

Meghan is also friends with IT Cosmetics CEO Jamie Kern Lima.

In July, the entrepreneur shared a sweet photo of Meghan beside her, writing, “Love this pic because it captures the essence of friendship. Thank you Meg for being such a supportive and loving friend…”

The caption continued, “In this pic for holding my arm with such love as I was about to walk up to stage and speak, and in real life for how generously you show up for your friends!”

Janina Gavankar

janina gavankar

Source: MEGAMEGA

Janina Gavankar has also been part of Meghan’s close circle of friends in California for over a decade.

She once defended Meghan from the tabloids and haters, writing, “I have known Meghan for 17 years. Here’s what she is: kind, strong, open. Here’s what she’s not: ‘a bully.’ ANY of us who know her, feel the same thing from her broken silence: Relief.”

Jessica Mulroney

jessica mulroney

Source: MEGA

Before she became a royal, Meghan had her close confidant Jessica Mulroney beside her for almost a decade.

However, their friendship reportedly ended after Mulroney was accused of using “white privilege” amid racism accusations from Sasha Exeter in 2020. At the time, a source told Page Six the duchess “cut ties” with her BFF as she felt like Mulroney was “trying to make a career out of the friendship.”

Justin Trudeau and Sophie Grégoire Trudeau

justin trudeau

Source: MEGA

Both Justin Trudeau and his wife, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, were part of Meghan’s inner circle before they seemingly distanced themselves from each other a little.

In a November 2022 episode of her “Archetypes” podcast, Meghan talked about her friendship with Sophie and compared their connection to being “giddy like absolute school girls” while enjoying their pool time with their kids.

“Sophie has become a dear friend and someone who I think so emblematic of strength that comes from embracing your humanity even in the face of all these family and home and public pressures,” said Meghan.

She added, “[Sophie is] the type of person who cares really deeply about her friends. She used to send me these little meditations during my pregnancy and voice notes, just these moments of encouragement. And I’ve gone to her over the years for advice. She knows what it feels like to be a mom and partner, and specifically, a mom and a partner in the public eye.”

Kelly McKee Zajfen

kelly mckee zajfen

Source: MEGA

In 2023, Kelly McKee Zajfen called Meghan “an incredible friend and mother” as she praised her online. They have been friends for years, and Meghan supported Kelly even more after the latter’s son, George, died in July 2022.

Kimberly Williams-Paisley

kimberly williams paisley

Source: MEGA

In July, Meghan was spotted enjoying a date with her pal Kimberly Williams-Paisley.

“They had a lovely experience, chatting and laughing together. The pair was low-key and was left unbothered by the other guests,” a source told People.

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