Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, once the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have been in the limelight for various reasons since their dramatic exit from the U.K. royal family. One of the most recent topics of discussion has been the couple's evolving circle of friends. As they navigate their new lives in Montecito, California, away from the royal spotlight, the couple seems to be redefining their relationships, seeking a close-knit group they can genuinely trust.
Following their move to the U.S., the couple developed strong ties in Hollywood. However, as they continue to reevaluate their careers and personal lives, their support system appears to be undergoing a transformation. This shift in relationships isn't just limited to their Hollywood connections. Reports suggest that Prince Harry now maintains close ties with only a handful of friends from Britain. Some of his long-standing friendships have reportedly taken a backseat, with insiders suggesting that few confront the prince about decisions they perceive as misguided.
Meghan, too, has seen changes in her friendships. The Duchess was once close to "Made in Chelsea" star Millie Mackintosh but is believed to have distanced herself from her. Additionally, the couple's relationship with Victoria Beckham, once considered tight-knit, has reportedly soured. Rumors suggest that the Sussexes believe Beckham leaked information to the media, causing a rift.
Relationship expert Hope Flynn weighed in on the couple's evolving friendships. According to Flynn, as people grow older and face changing circumstances, it's entirely normal for relationships to evolve. "It can be hard enough and overwhelming for individuals to maintain friendships on a day-to-day basis, let alone when you meet someone new and now have to give time to them on top of other life commitments," Flynn shared. She further elaborated on the unique challenges faced by the Sussexes, such as becoming parents, moving countries, stepping down from royal duties, and living under constant public scrutiny. These factors, Flynn believes, have understandably led the couple to reassess certain friendships.
Flynn sees the Sussexes' transition as a relatable experience. "It appears that Meghan and Harry are looking for a completely fresh start, and if this is by distancing themselves from former friends and circles then I'm sure this is a decision they've made based on what's right for them," she noted. The couple's changing lifestyle is reflected in their evolving circle of friends, with an emphasis on trust and confidentiality.
As the couple plans for the future, they continue to make headlines. Their recent appearance at the 2023 Invictus Games marked a new chapter for them. Meghan's PR team emphasized her relatability, noting that she did her own hair and makeup for the event. This move was seen as a strategic effort to highlight her star power, independent of her royal connections.
While some analysts believe Meghan is keen on establishing a brand separate from Prince Harry, others argue that her global recognition is intrinsically linked to her association with the royal family. Royal commentator Kinsey Schofield opined, "We loved and accepted Meghan because we have loved Prince Harry since he was a little boy."
