Inside Meghan Markle's friendship with Kelly McKee Zajfen from ex-husband link to tragic death of friend's young son
Their bond has stood the test of timeMeghan Markle’s friendship with her close pal Kelly McKee Zajfen began years before she met Prince Harry.
As Kelly joins the celebrity guest list to team up with the duchess on her new Netflix cooking show, With Love, Meghan, we look at their friendship.
From meeting through Meghan Markle‘s ex-husband, to the royal supporting her friend through a tragic time in her life, they’ve been there for each other through thick and thin.
Meghan Markle and Kelly McKee Zajfen’s friendship is thanks to royal’s ex-husband
The 43-year-old met her best friend, 44, through her ex-husband Trevor Engelson. Trevor was friends with the former model’s husband, who is an entertainment lawyer.
Meghan and Trevor tied the knot in 2011, and were together for three years before they called it quits in 2014, however, Markle and Kelly McKee Zajfen’s friendship has lasted the test of time. They’ve been close for more than a decade.
They became fast friends and have supported each other through difficult times in each other’s lives.
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Support network after tragic death
Kelly’s son George sadly passed away suddenly in July 2022, at age nine, after he was found unresponsive in their home.
His death came as a shock to his loved ones and friends.
The former model, who also shares George’s twin sister Lily with her husband, spoke openly about her grief on social media. A few months after she admitted she was ‘not really okay’.
She said at the time: “The light everyday is dim. I try my best. We are all trying our best. I’m so broken.
“I’m searching everyday to find some new way to mold the pieces back together and I’m completely aware that it may not all fit again.”
Before Prince Harry’s 40th birthday, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended a tennis tournament that was held in remembrance of George.
Kelly later praised the pair for being a ‘guiding light’ after the death of her son.
Former model praises Meghan
In May 2024, Kelly took to social media again and praised the duchess for her support. She called her an “incredible friend and mother”.
She wrote: “You are always the first to say yes and support those you love. You are a fierce advocate for those who are in need.”
Kelly shared a photo of herself and the duchess in the sweet post, where they donned ‘Community Motherhood’ T-shorts, which supported the campaign of her charity, Alliance of Moms.
The star co-founded the non-profit organisation to support pregnant and parenting teens in the foster care system.
Harry and Meghan also donated £3,900 to the fundraiser in Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet’s names.
In September 2025, Kelly gushed over her friendship with Meghan again on social media. She said on Instagram: “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’s a fan of Meghan’s jam
Meg sent out 49 jars of jam (the 50th going to her mom Doria Ragland) to friends when she got into the hobby, and one of them was Kelly.
In her new Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, Mindy Kaling cracked a joke on being selected as one of the top 50 to get a jar of jam, surely it’s a sign of a strong friendship if Markle’s pal Kelly McKee Zajfen also received one!
Kelly was over the moon, gushing over the preserve on her profile. She wrote at the time: “Beyond grateful for the best of friends! What a trip! Thank you doesn’t even begin to express what my heart is feeling after this trip.
‘The love of family time and adventure and belly laughs made this trip one for the books! Here’s to many more adventures with friends that feel like family and appreciating each day.”
Meghan Markle and Kelly McKee Zajfen’s friendship sees them support important causes
The duo teamed up again together for the Children’s LA Gala in October last year.
Instead of bringing Harry along to the glitzy event, she attended with her pal, holding hands as they walked the red carpet. The duke wasn’t twiddling his thumbs at home bored though, he was on a solo trip in South Africa at the time.
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Sweet footage from the occasion saw them laughing and smiling at each other as they supported the Children’s hospital.
Now, Kelly has been there with Meghan for her latest venture, her new Netflix show. We’re sure they’ll be hanging out for years to come!
Have you seen the adorable friendship between Meghan Markle and Kelly McKee Zajfen in With Love, Meghan? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @RoyalInsiderOfficial.
