Sharp-eyed onlookers have spotted Meghan Markle wearing a friendship bracelet at the Sundance Film Festival 2026, which could be a subtle hint the Duchess of Sussex is sending an olive branch to the Royal Family.
Members of the Firm including King Charles, Princess Charlotte, and Prince George, have adopted the friendship bracelet trend, and the bracelets have become a symbol of connection, also breaking away from traditional royal jewellery. A friendship bracelet in general suggests a desire to rebuild bridges, and the beaded detail worn by Meghan could mark the first step towards a thaw in the frosty family dynamic.
As Meghan stepped out in Utah wearing a blue trench coat and skinnny jeans, she was spotted with a friendship bracelet featuring a neon green string and white square beads.
The documentary follows a troop of Girl Scouts and their quest to sell cookies, a time-honoured tradition which Meghan herself participated in when she was a young girl.
During the event, Meghan was also spotted comparing another friendship bracelet with a young girl, who sported a purple band on her wrist.
Speaking to the audience about the film, Meghan gave a speech: “Yes, it’s probably the cutest film at the festival. But I’m also going to go out on a limb and say it’s one of the most powerful and meaningful depictions of an American tradition.”
Meghan and Harry stepped back as working royals in 2020 and eventually resettled in Montecito, California, where they live with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Since stepping down, the couple have been involved with airing their version of events inside the Firm. They gave a tell-all interview with US host Oprah Winfrey detailing their own version of events while working as senior members of the Royal Family.
Since their departure, Harry has often expressed his desire for reconciliation with observers suggesting Harry’s efforts are driven by a need for “access” to the Royal Family for commercial reasons.