A close friend of Meghan Markle has shared an insight into what the Duchess is like away from the prying eyes of cameras and outside of the royal fold, having known her for nearly two decadesDaniel Bird Assistant Celebrity and Entertainment Editor
19:45, 21 Mar 2026
A close friend of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has spoken about what she’s really like(Image: Variety via Getty Images)
Meghan Markle’s close friend has revealed what she’s really like. Kelly McKee Zajfen has known the Duchess of Sussex for almost two decades and has given an extremely rare insight into life with the former actress.
Kelly appeared alongside the Duchess on her Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, and said that the royal “always shows up” for her. Earlier this week, Prince Harry’s wife and Kelly attended the Alliance for Children’s Rights 34th Annual Champions for Children event in Beverly Hills.
The two friends stepped out to honour Kelly’s work with the Alliance of Moms and had no issues showing their appreciation for one another as they posed on the red carpet together. The Duchess, 44, wrapped her arms around Kelly, who is currently pregnant with a baby boy.
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The Duchess of Sussex wrapped her arms around her closest friend Kelly McKee Zajfen(Image: WireImage)
Meghan was on hand to support Kelly(Image: Variety via Getty Images)
Speaking about the Duchess, Kelly said that she is always “doing things quietly”. Speaking to HELLO! Magazine, Kelly added: “She’s an incredible role model in living a life of service. She does not necessarily do everything loudly; she does things quietly, so it’s really beautiful to watch.
“I think we feed off of each other because we love to give back, and we love to support and be of service to others.” Reflecting on Meghan attending the event, Kelly commented: “Meghan is one of my best friends, and I’m honoured that she said yes [to presenting] and that she’s been along this journey with me as well.
“She supports the alliance, and she’s been doing this for a few years now.” Kelly also expressed her joy of seeing the Duchess being a mum to her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. “She not only shows up for my family, but it’s a real privilege to be able to watch her mother too,” Kelly said.
Shortly after the event, the Duchess took to her Instagram page to share her joy at having attended the event honouring Kelly. Sharing a video from the day, Meghan said: “Proud to honor my forever friend @_heartmom_ for her outstanding work for @allianceforchildrensrights and @allianceofmoms
“Kelly, you are one of one. Such a special evening + kudos to the gals in the ladies’ room doing a TikTok video (!) Sorry, we crashed your party, but it was too good not to share.” Meanwhile, on her own page, Kelly said: “Some nights stay with you forever…
“Last night was one of those moments I wish I could bottle up. To be honoured by my forever Meghan, with my Alliance family all around me… I felt like every step that led me here, every person who held me up along the way. Having Lily and Julian by my side made it all even more meaningful… my home, my heart, right there with me.
“Shiré, our angel of a social worker and my dear friend and our youth, who continue to teach me what love and resilience really look like… you are why I show up.
“Sharing the stage with Katherine Pope was such an honor, and having Kumail Nanjiani host (and somehow lead the room in a birthday moment I’ll never forget) brought so much joy and light to the night.”
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