Meghan Markle’s Inner Circle Revealed: Celebrities Who Are Close Friends with the Duchess

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, have found their happy place in California after stepping back from royal duties.

Settled in their luxurious $11 million mansion in Montecito, Santa Barbara, the couple is enjoying their new life with their two children, three-year-old Archie and one-year-old Lilibet.

While Meghan has friends in her home state, let's take a closer look at the celebrities who have made it into the couple's inner circle in California.

One of Meghan's closest friends is tennis pro Serena Williams.

The two first met in 2014 at a charity football match and instantly hit it off.

Their friendship blossomed over the years, with Meghan describing Serena as a confidante whom she would text while traveling and someone she would support during her tennis matches.

They even enjoyed a casual lunch together in Toronto.

Interestingly, Serena used to be Meghan's neighbor when the Sussexes briefly lived in Los Angeles before moving to Montecito.

Another celebrity friend of Meghan and Harry is Orlando Bloom.

The British actor, known for his roles in movies like “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “The Lord of the Rings,” lives in the same gated community in Santa Barbara.

During an interview on Dax Shepard's Armchair Expert podcast, Harry mentioned how Orlando had reached out to him recently to discuss the paparazzi situation, highlighting the camaraderie between them.

It's no surprise that media mogul Oprah Winfrey is part of Meghan and Harry's inner circle.

She conducted their highly-publicized tell-all interview in 2021, where the couple opened up about their decision to step away from royal life.

Oprah also attended their wedding in 2018 and shares a special bond with the couple.

In fact, their son Archie is a member of Oprah's book club.

With her lavish $40.9 million mansion in Montecito, Oprah's home could serve as a perfect retreat for the Sussexes.

James Corden, the popular British TV host, is another close friend of Prince Harry.

The two have known each other for years and have shared many memorable moments, including Harry's appearance on “The Late Late Show with James Corden” earlier this year.

James, who resides in Brentwood, Louisiana, was likely a comforting presence for Harry when he first moved to California.

However, he recently announced his departure from the show, signaling a change in their dynamic.

Actress Catherine McPhee and her music producer husband David Foster have also formed a bond with Meghan and Harry.

Catherine and Meghan grew up performing in musicals together as children, and their friendship has continued into adulthood.

In October 2020, the couples were spotted dining together at Lucky's Steakhouse in Montecito.

Catherine has spoken highly of her husband's relationship with Prince Harry, describing them as being like father and son.

In other news, it has been reported that Meghan Markle faced difficulties in taking care of her son Archie due to her mental health struggles.

To ensure that her child was well looked after, Meghan made the decision to bring her mother, Doria Ragland, to Prince Harry's home in the UK.

Doria stayed for a couple of months, ensuring the well-being of her daughter and grandson.

A friend of Meghan revealed that Doria was deeply concerned about Meghan's mental health and was willing to support her in any way possible.

After stepping down as senior royals in 2020, Meghan and Harry eventually settled in California.

During a groundbreaking interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan spoke candidly about the racism she and her son Archie experienced within the royal family.

The couple's move to California marked a new chapter in their lives, allowing them to prioritize their well-being and seek a fresh start away from the pressures of royal life.

As Meghan and Harry continue to build their new life in California, their inner circle of celebrity friends provides them with support and companionship.

From tennis champion Serena Williams to media mogul Oprah Winfrey, these friendships offer a glimpse into the couple's world outside of the royal spotlight.