Meghan Markle recently enjoyed a girls’ day out in Montecito amid reports the Duchess of Sussex is quietly planning her return to the spotlight.
Accompanied by her friend Kelly McKee Zajfen, co-founder of Alliance of Moms, the 42-year-old royal was spotted having lunch at the renowned Pane e Vino, followed by a shopping spree at the nearby Wendy Foster boutique on Friday, People magazine reports.
Meghan Markle Steps Out in Montecito with Model Pal Kelly McKee Zajfen — Wearing a Very British Accessory https://t.co/dH7xJGpdDJ
— People (@people) November 14, 2023
The camaraderie between Markle and Kelly has deep roots, with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex having previously extended their support to McKee Zajfen during a difficult period. In July 2022, the couple generously donated $5,000 to a GoFundMe campaign set up in honor of Kelly’s late son, George, according to reports.
Friday’s glamorous outing comes as insiders claim Markle is planning her Hollywood return after a brief hiatus.
In April, she inked a significant deal with Hollywood powerhouse WME, and in September, Markle and Prince Harry, 39, graced Hollywood’s A-list scene. The couple was spotted enjoying themselves at Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour concert, dancing and mingling with celebrities like Kerry Washington, Kelly Rowland, and Tyler Perry.
Since their move to California in 2020, Markle and Prince Harry have settled in Montecito with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Despite facing royal drama and media scrutiny, including Harry’s controversial memoir and their absence from King Charles III’s coronation, the couple remains resilient.
The Markle-Harry journey hasn’t been without its challenges, including a reported near-catastrophic car chase with paparazzi in New York City, which stirred media frenzy. Additionally, Spotify recently terminated their $20 million deal, with a company executive branding them as “grifters.” Furthermore, Harry’s latest Netflix documentary, “Heart of Invictus,” has garnered mixed reviews.
However, amid the trials, Markle finds herself at a potential turning point. Her iconic role in Suits is experiencing a resurgence on Netflix, providing a golden opportunity for the Duchess to bask in the renewed goodwill surrounding her. As she steps back into the spotlight, Markle seems poised to make a triumphant return, showcasing her resilience and determination to embrace the next chapter of her public life.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry took to the witness stand in a UK courtroom on Tuesday as part of his lawsuit against Mirror Group Newspapers, the publisher of The Daily Mirror.
