People: Duchess Meghan ‘is deliberately keeping her circle tight’ these days

Gwyneth Paltrow attends the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards, Golden Globes, at Hotel Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, USA, on 05 January 2020. | usage worldwide

First of all, it pleases me that People Magazine’s photo editors are on the same wave-length with me. Last week, I got tired of using the most recent photos we have of Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan, so I started going through our photo archives. I think that’s what I’ll do in lieu of new Sussex photos, and it could be a while before we get new shots of them at any kind of event. This cover shot it from their trip to Ireland in 2018 (I also used these photos in a post last week!). Anyway, what’s going with the Sussexes? Turns out, they’re fine. Some highlights from the cover story:

Their new life: “Engagements” are casual and unannounced, free time is spent hiking in the woods near their Vancouver Island home with 9-month-old son Archie, and the rules governing their old life no longer apply. “This decision [to leave] had been weighing on them for a long time, and they are relieved to have it done,” a friend tells PEOPLE in this week’s issue. “A weight has been lifted off their shoulders.”

Harry’s sad about being stripped of his military titles: “The military was a part of his upbringing and his life. He brought a lot to those guys and understood things. It is sad,” says a palace insider.

They’re happy with what they got from Sussexit: Despite the sacrifices—Harry also left behind the rest of his family and closest friends—the couple ultimately negotiated “almost everything they asked for,” says the palace insider, with the ability to live and work where they want at the top of the list. As for the loss of their HRH titles, “Harry doesn’t care about the titles,” says a source in their circle. “It doesn’t interest him; it never has.”

Meghan’s circle: Meghan is deliberately keeping her circle tight. “She’s keeping a low profile while things settle down,” says an insider.

Life on Vancouver Island: “They both love to be outside and have been loving it there,” says the friend. When they’re not doing yoga or eating in, Harry will pick up sandwiches at a local spot, and Meghan walks her beagle Guy and the couple’s new Labrador. “They are enjoying living a quiet life,” an insider says of the couple. “They go for long walks, they do yoga, and Meghan cooks. They are real homebodies who love to chill out with Archie and the dogs.”

They’re also building their own charity foundation. “These plans take a lot of time, and staff are putting in the legwork to prepare it properly and make sure it delivers on the expectations and the couple’s ambitions,” says a royal household source. Harry has already collaborated with Oprah Winfrey for an upcoming Apple TV+ mental-health project. “He really cares about his work. He’s a good guy,” says the member of their circle. From potential speaking engagements and publishing deals to their own production company, anything is possible. “It’s full throttle for them right now,” says a close friend. “They have a lot happening in 2020, and it will be really exciting to see.”

[From People]

Yeah, I think it’s probably 100% true that Harry was hurt more by losing his military titles than “not using” his HRH. As for Meghan’s “tight” circle… as I said before (to much criticism), I do wonder. I feel like it’s much more complicated than “Meghan runs a tight ship, no leaks whatsoever from her crew.” There are leaks AND there are made-up stories, especially as she is making calls and setting up the new Sussex-Private life and she cannot possibly contain every rumor and second-hand story. I still sort of believe that there are Hollywood people and Canadian film/TV industry people leaking and rumormongering about her. We’ll see. Also: it’s still quite clear that Meghan uses People Magazine – historically, the friendliest outlet for her interests – to get messages out.

Sussex Ireland visit

Sussex Ireland visit

Photos courtesy of WENN.

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.

79 Responses to “People: Duchess Meghan ‘is deliberately keeping her circle tight’ these days”

Comments are Closed

We close comments on older posts to fight comment spam.

  1. Laughysaphy says:

    She is STUNNING in these pics. Good for them, live your beautiful life kids.

    • MeghanNotMarkle says:

      She is absolutely radiant in these photos. I hope that when new photos are eventually released, that she is fresh and beaming once again.

      • notasugarhere says:

        She was fresh and beaming in the photos on SussexRoyal from her two charity visits in Canada.

    • Turm alin says:

      She is such a natural beauty. And she is beaming from inside.

      I can absolutely understand Camp Camb’s panic when they first encountered with the prospect of her joining The Family.

  2. MeghanNotMarkle says:

    Of course she is. I don’t blame her one bit for it, as I’d do the same and have when things have gotten rough. They need support right now.

  3. S808 says:

    That look is one of her BEST. Absolutely knockout from head to toe.

  4. Valiantly Varnished says:

    Im still trying to figure out what these supposed “leaks” are. We know that Meghan has surrogates who speak on her behalf – like with this piece – but outside of that most of the other stories have been utter bull$hit.

    • Ali says:

      There hasn’t been many confirmed leaks from Meghan’s friends.

      I cant imagine having to read lies about your friend and not being able to speak out against it.

      • (TheOG)jan90067 says:

        Wouldn’t surprise me if Harry had put out something to his staff to get to KP and even CH in order to get proof that his brother and father were the source of leaks. When it came out, he had his proof.

    • C-Shell says:

      VV, I agree, and I’m getting a little exasperated. Lies/rumors ARE NOT LEAKS. None of the bullshit that’s been coming out lately is a “leak” FFS — UNLESS, it’s bullshit that Meghan and Harry (or their team) are knowingly putting out to see who can and cannot be trusted. This People piece seems to be another artfully positioned release of info H&M want the public to know, placed by their surrogates/professional staff.

      • SofiaEP says:

        “Meghan and Harry (or their team) are knowingly putting out to see who can and cannot be trusted.”
        ^^^^^^^ THIS right here. I think that’s exactly what’s happening, putting out info to see who in the industry can be trusted. If they are going to working with American/Canadian media, knowing who can remain discreet is absolutely key.

      • morrigan01 says:

        I don’t think Harry or Meghan are above putting out false info to see where any leaks are. The industry *can* leak like nobody’s business, they are not above it, and some are probably jockeying for positions to be “in” and work with them. Best to find out where the holes in the ship are now wrt leaks before they start announcing anything big.

    • Dani says:

      I saw on Daily Mail that her friend Jessica Mulroney (I think?) has a new show of sorts about bridal something or the other that she will be featured on.

      • Sass says:

        @Dani that has been flatly denied.

      • GuestWho says:

        So, if you read it in the Daily Mail, you can dismiss it out of hand. It is a lie. Even without all the denials that came out about it, you can be SURE it is untrue – because you read it in the Daily Mail.

      • Pineapple says:

        Also, many writers here have been kicked off of commenting on a the Daily Mail site … because they are pro-Meg. That is not allowed there. Truth and liking Meghan … not allowed. 😜😜😜

      • pottymouth pup says:

        not only was it flatly denied, Mulroney’s husband made it clear that they, unequivocally, denied the story to DM prior to DM publishing the story which means the DM knowingly published a lie

      • morrigan01 says:

        When it comes to the Sussexs, NO British Tabloids have any real news on them anymore. KPs leaks wrt them have compelty dried up, and Meghan and Harry aren’t leaking to them either. Especially the Daily Mail, whom Meghan is suing.

        Canadian and American news and publications are where everyone should look now for info IMO. That Bridal Show thing was flatly denied by Netflix, CTV and Ben Mulroney himself. And it was denied even before the Daily Mail published it.

  5. Anna says:

    It contrasts to what the Daily Fail reporting where Harry is missing his old friends and is constantly using the Whatapp group chat.

    • Some chick says:

      Shocking!!!

    • BayTampaBay says:

      The Daily Fail is so desperate to run stories on Meghan that they actually have a Jeremy Clarkson (The Grand Tour dude) interview story where 90% of what was written is Clarkson commenting about Meghan.

      The Daily Fail is DESPERATE!

    • Guest with Cat says:

      I saw that article on my Apple News feed. Daily Mail tried to spin it the homesickness angle. But the actual comment they were trying to spin was a very basic statement of fact that Harry uses the app to keep in touch. It is actually a fair denial of the other wretched rumors that Meghan’s influence had him dumping all of his friends. On his last days in London he was seen with friends. It makes sense he’s going to use an app to keep in touch with them since he’s the Muggle Harry and not Wizard Harry who would send an owl. Lol. But leave it to DM to try and make him sound miserable. That means he’s probably having the time of his life.

    • Olenna says:

      By making up stories about Harry’s Whatsapp use, I think the Fail is fishing for “help” to get information about his contacts, conversations, etc. I won’t be the least bit surprised if news breaks that his account has been compromised or hacked like Jeff Bezos’.

  6. Ravensdaughter says:

    The pictures from 2018 are exceptional! No wonder Harry fell hard for her.
    I wonder if they’ll make another baby soon. All that time cocooning!
    It seems like they made the right choice and they’re not looking back. I’m so happy for them!

    • Genuine Dinosaur says:

      While I’d love it if they choose to have another baby, hopefully it’s not too close to Archie. He was born in March and her body hasn’t finished recovering from pregnancy and birth.

      Gosh she’s a hard worker! I take my hat of to her

  7. Gen says:

    That is my dream life what is described in that article…. cozy cooking etc.

  8. kerwood says:

    I hope they’re enjoying their downtime but I’d like them to get back to work soon.

    • Guest with Cat says:

      I miss seeing them. But Archie is at a cute age so I imagine it’s a lot of fun watching him have his little adventures. I miss those days with my own daughter. But the teenaged years are fun, too, so far.

      I hope they’re finding it fun and exciting setting up their foundation. I’m sure it’s a lot of work and a little stressful but it is also something they’ve wanted to do since they met. It must have been devastating when they realized it was never going to go right with the Cambridges doing shady things with the finances and the workload.

      • kerwood says:

        @Guest with Cat, You’re right. These are precious days with wee Archie and they should enjoy them. And considering how much stress they’ve been under, ‘downtime’ must be a blessing for them.

        To be perfectly honest, I want them to come back for ME. I’m sick of the Cambridges and all the haters who think they have the field to themselves.

        However, the truth is that Normal Bill, Keen Katie and the rest of the BRF are fucking up quite nicely on their own. We have a FUTURE (not NEXT) king and his FUTURE (not NEXT) queen consort who can’t stand each other’s touch. Normal Bill decides he’s an expert on racism and then an American ACTOR schools him to his face. And Prince Charles thinks that Katy Perry is STILL a thing. You can’t make this shit up!

    • Jaded says:

      I’ve no doubt they’re back at work but for now they want to be behind the scenes. They’ve had enough with scurrilous media/press/photogs for a while but setting up their foundation and targeting favourite charities, having meetings, etc. is consuming their time. They both seem to be able to sip under the radar and pop over to Vancouver, even Toronto, without pap problems. Even local stores have signs in the window stating “NO MEDIA ALLOWED” so we locals are looking after them and keeping the hounds at bay.

      • kerwood says:

        I’m so proud of the people in Vancouver who have taken the Sussex family under their protection. It’s self-interest too, because nobody wants paps crawling all over the countryside. But I’m sure the Sussexes appreciate the kindness and care after receiving so little of it from Harry’s family OR his country.

      • I agree Jaded. I’ll bet they’re working plenty getting their Foundation up and running. When they roll it out it will be well designed, well planned, and fully operational. They will hit the ground running. One thing is for sure, we are not going to have to wait 2-8 years while they consult with experts and get a half-assed, embarrassing ‘5-question survey of the century’ asking the public what they should focus on in their areas of philanthropic interest. Also, the RR CONSTANTLY take something most everyone might do and twists it into a nasty story with unnamed sources and friends, e.g., Harry chatting with friends through social media. — After coming up with this sort of brainiac idea, the Rabid Rota then runs with it like it is a sure sign of the Sussexes in crisis? The RR take a possible kernel of truth — Zara’s husband at one time mentioned all of them on WhatsApp — so, hey let’s run a story that Harry is communicating with friends constantly on WhatsApp because he’s desperately lonely. Harry may very well be using WhatsApp, but I would lay a bet that whomever first ran with this story has no proof of it. I agree with C-Shell, all of these stories aren’t leaks. They are lies and innuendo. Even the positive stories, like this one from PEOPLE, are things already said (palace sources) or fit a storyline (sourced once again by Meghan’s unnamed, mouthy friend) that could easily be assumed. For example, they might be hiking, cooking, working, planning but does the writer really know this from a reliable, nameable source or are they just imagining what they might be doing. I understand the weather in BC area has been particularly nasty and yet the Sussexes are out enjoying it with Archie. What I guess I’m saying is I’m taking all this stuff with a grain of salt. When the Sussexes say it, I’ll buy it. 😎

  9. THEREALME says:

    They make it sound like they are enjoying the outdoors but I live close not on the island but just across on the ferry and our weather has been nasty. I don’t even want to get up and go to work. They are obviously more hardy than myself. With that said do you think they are paying for this mansion? I am hoping so because if they are not it so easy to get indebted to people. Like I let you stay in my place could you please do this for me.

    • Guest with Cat says:

      I’ve never been to either Canada or England so I don’t know how the weather compares between the two. But we’ve seen the royals out riding and hunting and walking in all sorts of weather that would drive me indoors by a roaring fire. Meghan’s already been papped walking the dogs and Archie in gray ugly weather while bundled. So it’s probably true they’re out and about.

      • Jaded says:

        Vancouver Islander here – the weather has been rocky for most of January and now into February – we actually had a foot of snow and below zero temps last month here in Victoria at the south tip of the island. Up island has seen a sh*tload of snow and rain. so it’s definitely indoor by the fireplace weather. Although the cherry blossoms have started to come out – hardy little things!

    • joanne says:

      I live very close to where they are staying in North Saanich. Our weather has been wet and dismal but it’s still much drier here than Vancouver. You might get heavy rain where we’ll get a light drizzle. It’s quite a difference.

  10. KellyRyan says:

    When leaving a toxic environment or situation good mental health is necessary. Grieve, normalize, adjust as needed. With the deep seated trauma both have experienced I’m happy they have as a priority self-care. We’ll hear from them when they are ready and I am looking forward to what they do.

    And the mental health series with Oprah, it will be significant.

  11. Sofia says:

    I wouldn’t blame her. She just spent 3 years in a place where she didn’t know who she could trust other than her husband, her in-laws stayed silent but are happy to deny Botox and hair extensions and her own employees wanted her to leave but keep her husband here

    Don’t blame her one bit

  12. Amelia says:

    Um how could they bury the lede like this – a new Labrador?? Leak details about the puppy, sources!!

    • GuestWho says:

      I think they mean the dog they got when Meghan moved to the UK – they never released its name. Although a new puppy would be super fun.

  13. Grant says:

    I love these two. I am so excited to see what they do now that they have so skillfully liberated themselves from the shackles of his toxic family.

  14. Cosmo says:

    I can’t wait to see what they accomplish this year. I hope we see something soon and we all know that the British media will lose it.

  15. clomo says:

    She made me change my opinion of the royal family in a big and not so good way. Between that, Corona and Trump the news is has been off to a rough start this decade.

  16. EbonyS says:

    An example of a true leak: Them using the RPOs as gofers. I said on Twitter but this rings true because of the details and photos to match. And you know what? The RPOs are allowed to voice their displeasure if this is not the work they signed up for.

    In GB they had personal assistants or house managers or whatever. Hire them here, make them sign an NDA and be done with it. It’s clear that even ensconced in Canada, crap is leaking back to the mainland. Imagine if Scotland Yard was complaining about having to pick up Kate’s Chutney ingredients and Eyeliner.

    https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/10872683/meghan-harry-security-guards-skivvies/

    • Jaded says:

      Aside from a few grainy photos and the ubiquitous “sources say” there is no solid proof. It’s The Sun….they’re as bad as the Daily Fail.

      • EbonyS says:

        There are many stories on this site that cite the Sun; two last week.

        Will’s stupid speech at Bafta was leaked to the Sun. As was H&M leaving the RF per leaking from Kensington.

        I don’t see why posting from them is seen as combative 🤷🏾‍♀️

      • GuestWho says:

        @Ebony. Did someone say combative? It’s just pointless to use one of the rags they are suing and that is CLOSELY tied to the KP communications team as an example of anything truthful about the couple they have desperately tried to tear down to make Cain and Unable relevant. Makes no sense.

    • MEL says:

      Allowed to voice their displeasure? To who? Even Andrew’s RPOs are not talking about what happened years ago, but you think Harry and Meghan’s RPOs will make sure the dailymail hears of their displeasure. Sure.

    • GuestWho says:

      Absolute fiction.

      Why would you believe word one from a newspaper they are in the midst of suing; that has consistently lied about the details of H&M’s lives; and have had to print the MOST retractions of all the lying liars about lies they’ve told about H&M?

      Trot back to twitter – they’ll buy that crap all day long.

    • notasugarhere says:

      Referencing the Sun as a viable resource? You’ve lost all credibility right there.

      There have been illegal photographs taken of their house. They have filed an injunction against those and the publication of them anywhere. There are paps following their housekeeper, writing down what she’s buying, and trying to sell that info. But the RPOs? Pure Sun hate-fiction.

    • EbonyS. Your source is The Sun. Meghan is suing the Sun. A Canadian that lives close to them commented here last week saying it was their staff coming in to town to purchase their own coffee, etc. She said the Sussexes have been spotted in town shopping, buying takeout, etc., but towns peopl are rallying around them to keep press away from them. They are putting up signs of, No Media Allowed, and have even set up a Facebook page to alert Sussex security as to where press and photographers are. I believe the Canadian commentor. This is just another twisted attack by RR.

      • notasugarhere says:

        The islanders have set up a Facebook page to essentially stalk the stalkers? That’s amazing.

      • Hi notasugarhere. According to the Canadian commentor to a story Kaiser posted last week. Sorry, I don’t remember the exact post — but it’s in the commentary for last week. I’m not on Facebook, so I don’t have a clue how that would work.

    • MsIam says:

      @Ebony if this is true then why are the local media publishing reports of H&M’s interactions with local merchants if the RPOs are doing all of the errands? Why would they post signs about “no paps allowed” if H&M are not going into the stores themselves? Plus one thing that really sounded stupid was the RPOs supposedly saying they felt they would be leaving H&M unprotected when they run errands but that there were 15 officers plus Canadian police. Wtf do all 15 leave at once? It was a stupid fake story. Plus if you are being a body guard/protection officer the last thing you do is mention to the press your client’s routines. That would be a serious breech.

  17. aquarius64 says:

    I am happy to see they are working on themselves and their foundation. I bet part of the settlement is Charles and the queen finance the start up funds for the foundation including paying the staff. I bet Harry had the receipts on who was snitching to the staff; and I bet Harry negotiated trusts for Archie and future Sussex children too. Harry must miss his friends but he looks good for not taking the easy way out and dump Meghan and Archie. I can’t wait to see the launch of the Sussex foundation.

  18. Sof says:

    Was the story about their security team complaining about being sent to pick up their groceries denied? They could be the source of some of the rumours.

    • notasugarhere says:

      Complete hate fiction from The Sun. They are one of the papers Harry and Meghan are suing, so they’re trying to make their money off Harry and Meghan lies now.

    • Bebe says:

      If it’s not true, I would expect H&M to add it to their lawsuit

      • GuestWho says:

        Different law suit. The suit with the Sun involves phone hacking. It’s the suit with the Daily Mail that involves copyright issues and consistent lying.

  19. Lisa says:

    Beautiful pics. I can believe they are just laying low and doing normal things while getting the foundation and other things up in order.

  20. JustMe says:

    Let them heal at their own pace while forging ahead with new commitments.
    I am looking forward to the Sussex-Success updates for 2020.

    • notasugarhere says:

      I don’t buy William’s PR spin of ‘fragile Harry’. Harry and Meghan don’t have healing to do, they’re doing just fine. Setting up the foundation, living in a place they are protected, away from the royals.

  21. Marie says:

    The British press keep running stories of how miserable and unhappy Harry is in Canada. He messages his friends and desperately wants to go home. It sounds like the British press are projecting their own feelings with Harry leaving.

    This story sounds more plausible. Just two people enjoying their time in Canada. Didn’t they stay longer (into the new year) because they loved it so much?

    The British press hate that Harry picked his family over them. Someone pointed out on Twitter that Harry picked being in an active war zone for years over the British press.

  22. L4frimaire says:

    It’s amazing how this little small boned woman can cause so much fuss. I really don’t get this fixation on who Meghan is talking to or who is in her inner circle. Like what do we need to know about her or her friends? These so called leaks so far have just been so trivial and just plain dumb. I don’t need to know about their day to day stuff or where they get coffee. I hope they take as much time as they need to do whatever to get their life organized and set up a home base. They know that they don’t need to do a damn thing right now. Keep starving the media beast Sussexes. Keep calm and carry on😆.

  23. A says:

    Vancouver Island is the perfect place to be absolute homebodies tbh! I don’t know who put the suggestion in their heads that this is a good place to be, but I’m glad it’s working out well for them, and I’m glad they’re enjoying it. And they have a new labrador! That sounds amazing.

    Everything else seems par for the course. Look, I have my opinions about the military and the last few wars that Britain has been engaged in. But, all things said and done, Harry went above and beyond anything that was asked or expected of him during his time in the military. He was on the front lines, willingly, in spite of everything, and he asked to be there. It was a cruel and unusual punishment to take away his military obligations when he was likely willing to pursue it as a full time occupation if he didn’t have other royal duties.

    I especially like that they’re working to set up their foundation. Yes, these things do take time. They take a lot of time, and given the position they’re in at the moment, they have to juggle a really careful tightrope. I hope they do a good job and I hope that they find the appropriate creative avenues (or otherwise) for their talents.

    I think people are just making up stories and seeing what sticks. It’s likely that there’s less leaking than people think there is. But I also think that there are people in their circle who are just flat out making up stories as well. But they’re keeping a good handle on things and I hope that continues.

  24. Gamma Gaming says:

    so disgusted by all the meghan harry support on this channel, i was a fan but we are supposed to feel sorry for her – living in a $14M mansion, hiking, eating in and doing yoga because the british press mis-treated you. Boo Hoo you and your priveleged life. Why are we supporting these two – they are parasites just like the rest of their diabolical family.

    • L4frimaire says:

      There are lots of places you can go to trash them. Maybe people here see through the BS and all the yellow journalism written about them for the past few years. Gripe about the Royals who haven’t offered to give the taxpayers back the money and fund themselves. Its not my system so don’t care.

    • Abena Asantewaa says:

      @Gamma gaming, you were never a fan, so stop the bs. Parasites? So you are also pissed off with them from asking to work and make their own money, payback money they didn’t have to pay back, pick a lane, because, you are limping on 2 feet. We see you, you tried!

    • Derriere says:

      I don’t feel sorry for her. I am disgusted with the BRF, RR, and British media, but I know that in the grand scheme of things, Meghan and Harry chose a new life where they can flourish, not merely tolerate and be tolerated.

      @Gamma, you really need to calm down. Sorry that you didn’t marry royalty or into riches. Your comments should really be reserved for the true hanger-ons like the Middletons, like the royals you don’t see truly contributing to their patronages. All that anger needs to be harnessed elsewhere.

  25. blunt talker says:

    Just look up who owns all the tabloid rags in Britian and one name appears quite often-Rupert Murdock. That Harry has some big balls to do what he did. People need to honest-he has been trying to get out of the royal life long before Meghan came along. He tried to stay in the military as long as he could but the queen demanded he return to the castle. In a couple of interviews he said nobody wants to be royal and that seems to me he really did not want to do the royal gigs but no one gave him any other options.

    • L4frimaire says:

      I think Harry enjoys the work with his patronages, but hates the hierarchy and the back biting. I don’t think he necessarily hates being a royal, but hates the unnecessary restrictions, the lack of work ethic of some of the others, and the gross intrusion and disrespect toward his family life and the vile way his wife is treated. No way do these two want to be “ normal”, because they are not, and never will be. I think, and hope, they recognize the advantages they have, and want to use it to work to give back as they see best, and live their life as they see fit. It’s not their job to save the world, or the Royal family. However, the press acts like it is. It really is amazing how these two command the attention globally that they have, and they are seem aware of the platform they have.

  26. Patrizio says:

    I give it 5 years. Then she’ll hook up with a non struggling artist, Russian oligarch, or tech titan. Whenever someone gets in a relationship and then starts to isolate themselves from their family -it’s a warning sign to me. She’s very sharp and I think he’s a dope. He will be a hindrance to her in the long run.

    • MsIam says:

      Get out of here with your armchair psychology. If someone is in a toxic family environment they should leave with a quickness. Harry didn’t want to spend the next 40 years cutting ribbons and going to grocery store openings. He wanted to do something meaningful with his life but no, they couldn’t let that happen because Willy The Little might be overshadowed. So he got out to live his own life. And the fact that his family allowed his wife to be bullied was the primary reason for leaving. As for how long the marriage will last, nobody knows about anyone’s relationship including the two people involved. But if they hadn’t left when they did then I think that 5 year prediction would definitely come true.