Meghan Markle’s Close Friend Shares Candid Photos of Sussexes’ New UK Life
Meghan Markle’s longtime friend Kelly McKee Zajfen posted intimate photos on Wednesday showing the Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry settling into their new life in the United Kingdom. The images capture casual moments, including Markle playing mahjong outdoors, Harry interacting with Zajfen’s infant son Jack, and the pair visiting a local pub. While Harry has made several public appearances since the family’s return in late August, Markle has remained largely out of the public eye, with these photos offering the first detailed look at her domestic routine in Britain.
Key points
- Kelly McKee Zajfen, a close friend of Meghan Markle for over 20 years, shared an Instagram carousel on September 23 featuring photos from her recent visit to the UK with her son, Jack.
- The photos show Markle and Harry in relaxed settings, including a rustic indoor space, an outdoor mahjong game, and a visit to a pub, with Harry seen playing with Jack on the floor.
- Zajfen’s caption emphasized the warmth of the local community toward Markle, noting that the Duchess has 'missed' the UK and that locals have been 'loving' to her.
- Prince Harry has participated in public engagements, including the Invictus Spirit Awards, while Markle has kept a low profile, having been spotted only briefly with Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi in Oxfordshire.
- The family moved to the UK in late August for an extended period, with their children, Archie and Lilibet, recently enrolled in a new school after a brief stint in California.
Background
The Sussexes relocated from Montecito, California, to the UK in late August 2026, following the expiration of their Netflix deal in 2025. This move follows their initial departure from royal duties in 2020. Earlier this month, Markle shared a brief Instagram video of family activities, and the couple was spotted at a pub in Burford, Oxfordshire, marking Markle’s first public appearance in the UK since the relocation.
How outlets are covering it
Page Six and Town & Country focused on the intimate, domestic nature of the photos shared by Zajfen, highlighting the casual and 'magical' atmosphere of the family’s new routine. Harper’s Bazaar emphasized the contrast between Harry’s active public schedule and Markle’s continued privacy, noting that these photos were the first significant glimpse of her life in the UK. Elle provided broader context on the family’s settlement, citing sources that described the move as 'busy' but ultimately 'happy,' with a primary focus on settling their children into their new home and school.
Why it matters
The photos provide a rare, unfiltered look at the Sussexes’ transition back to the UK, offering insight into their daily lives and the reception they are receiving from the public. The contrast between Harry’s public engagements and Markle’s privacy highlights the couple’s differing approaches to their return, while the warm reception from locals suggests a positive start to their extended stay in Britain.
What to watch
The family is expected to remain in the UK for the autumn, with their children continuing their education in the country. Future public appearances by Markle may follow as the family settles further into their new routine, though no specific events have been announced.
- Meghan Markle’s BFF gives rare glimpse inside Sussexes’ new UK life with intimate photos Page Six
- Meghan Markle’s Best Friend Shares Sweet New Photos of the Sussexes in the UK Town & Country Magazine
- Duchess Meghan Has “Missed” England, According to One of Her Closest Friends Harper's BAZAAR
- Meghan Markle’s Best Friend Shares Intimate New Photos of the Family’s British Life: ‘She Missed You Too!’ people.com
- Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Look at Ease in New U.K. Photos Her Friend Shared ELLE
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