Meghan Markle’s Best Friend Visits Her New U.K. Home—Weeks After Major Move
Meghan Markle’s best friend has paid a visit to the Sussexes at their new home—just weeks after the Duchess and Prince Harry relocated their family to the U.K.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who settled into California after purchasing a $14.65 million mansion in 2020, arrived in the U.K. on Aug. 26 with their children, Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5.
Their arrival came mere weeks after it was revealed that they were preparing to trade their longtime California base for Harry’s home country.
And while Harry has already returned to the U.S., Markle’s longtime friend Kelly McKee Zajfen, 41, appears to be among the first of her pals to make the trip across the pond to visit the family, documenting the getaway on Instagram.
Zajfen shared several glimpses of her time in the English countryside, including what appeared to be the property where Harry and Markle have been staying, meals out, and sweet moments between the Sussexes and her baby boy, Jack.
“Having the best time. There’s something so special about getting a taste of this magical place with my bestie, and having my sweet Jack along for the adventure,” Zajfen captioned the post.
“I’ve loved seeing this sweet chapter through her eyes and daily adventures! Especially getting to experience so many little firsts with Jack by my side. Family time is just what the heart ordered. With a side of mashed peas and fish n chips! All of it has filled my heart,” she added.
The post also showcased Zajfen spending time with Harry and Markle’s children, Archie and Lilibet, following the family’s move to the U.K. and the children’s start at a new school.
It remains unclear whether the property featured in Zajfen’s images is the Sussexes’ permanent new base or a temporary residence.
Another image featured the couple’s longtime pal Markus Anderson, who could be seen enjoying wine alongside Zajfen, Markle, and Harry.
“You’ve been so good to us. We’re leaving with full hearts and definitely leaving a piece of ours here. To everyone we’ve met or bumped into, thank you for being so loving to my friend. It’s been beautiful to witness. She missed you too!” Zajfen wrote.
Zajfen and her husband, Julian, welcomed baby Jack in March, four years after the devastating death of their 9-year-old son, George, from COVID-19 and viral meningitis. The couple also share George’s twin sister, Lily, 13.
Zajfen has previously opened up about her decadeslong friendship with Markle, revealing that the Duchess was a source of support following George’s death.
“I’ve actually known her for almost 20 years? She even came to my wedding (15 years ago!), and she’s been the most amazing, nurturing, fun, loving human. She’s been by my side, especially since Georgie died, and I cherish our friendship very much,” she previously shared.
The intimate snapshots came days after Harry, 42, returned to the U.S. to take the stage at an event held during United Nations General Assembly week.
During his appearance, the Duke drew on his own experiences as a father while addressing the potential dangers that social media and technology can pose to children.
Harry’s appearance came shortly after Meghan offered a glimpse into some of the couple’s most treasured memories in honor of her husband’s 42nd birthday.
The Duchess took to Instagram to share a heartwarming montage dedicated to her husband, featuring candid moments with Harry, glimpses of Archie, and footage of the Duke skiing alongside the family’s dog, Paula.
The sentimental clip concluded with an intimate moment between the couple as they shared a kiss in a vineyard.
“He’s simply the best. Happy birthday my love,” Markle captioned the post.
The heartwarming message came after it was reported that the couple plan to make “regular” trips back to California to visit Ragland, who will remain stateside.
“Meghan plans to see her mom regularly. They’re incredibly close,” a source close to the couple told People.
Markle is said to be hoping to recreate the lavish lifestyle the couple enjoyed in California, with their potential new property mirroring their sprawling Montecito mansion in more ways than one.
The Duchess reportedly wants the U.K. residence to boast nine bedrooms—the same number found inside their California estate—as well as plenty of luxurious amenities.
And with Markle poised to make her return to acting, she is also said to be seeking a home with its own filming studio, according to the Daily Mail.
Harry, meanwhile, appears to be prioritizing privacy and space, reportedly searching for “a lot, and I mean a lot, of land, and no footpaths going across it to protect their privacy.”
While the couple hunts for their dream dwelling, the family is reportedly staying “indefinitely” in the spare room of a friend’s Cotswolds mansion.
Several sources told the outlet that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have reportedly been eyeing a $16.2 million property, but no deal has been made.
According to People, the family bid farewell to the West Coast on the evening of Aug. 25, traveling to England aboard a private jet.
Before their departure, Harry and Meghan spent their final days in Montecito, surrounded by some of their closest friends, as well as Ragland, an insider told the outlet.
“They wanted to spend time with the people they’re closest to before they left and for the kids to have some special time with friends,” the source said. “It wasn’t a goodbye forever. It was much more, ‘We’ll be back, but this is what we’re doing right now.’”
The insider added that emotions ran high as the Sussexes said goodbye to the life and loved ones they were leaving behind.
“They’ve been planning this for some time, and they feel it’s the right thing for their family, but that doesn’t mean leaving was easy. Meghan really loves their life in Montecito and their home there. They know it’s going to take a little bit of time for everyone to settle in and adjust. There’s excitement about what’s ahead too, especially for the kids,” the source added.
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