### José Andrés Discusses Friendship with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
Celebrity chef José Andrés has shared insights into his close friendship with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, highlighting their shared values and commitment to philanthropy. In an interview with PEOPLE magazine, Andrés expressed admiration for the couple, noting that despite their royal ties, they are just like any other family.
Speaking while promoting his new cookbook, *Spain My Way*, the 56-year-old chef revealed that he often meets with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in their kitchen, which he described as their family gathering spot. “They made their kitchen the meeting place like every other family,” he said, adding that he appreciates the way Meghan interacts with their children during meals.
Andrés gained further public recognition after appearing in Meghan Markle’s Netflix series *With Love, Meghan*, where the couple’s everyday life and parenting style were showcased. During this show, a light-hearted moment occurred when Meghan mentioned that Harry had an aversion to lobster. “You know who doesn’t like lobster? My husband,” Meghan joked, to which Andrés humorously responded, “And you married him anyway?”
The chef emphasised that conversations with Harry and Meghan are akin to chats one would have with any close friends; they talk about daily life – food, family, new restaurants, and more. Their friendship has lasted several years and underscores a shared passion for charitable endeavours.
Andrés’ organisation, World Central Kitchen, was one of the first philanthropic partners of Archewell, the non-profit established by the Sussexes after stepping back from royal duties in 2020. His charity focuses on providing meals to communities impacted by disasters, deploying aid swiftly in moments of crisis. “In the worst moments of humanity, you see the best of humanity shows up,” he stated, reflecting on the mission of his organisation.
The chef recounted how he often receives messages from Prince Harry and Meghan during emergencies, asking how they can assist. He noted with appreciation the couple’s involvement in relief efforts during the devastating California wildfires in January 2025. Both Harry and Meghan participated in distributing food and supplies while helping to acknowledge the efforts of relief teams alongside Andrés.
“They are always caring about all the things happening in the world. They don’t have to do that,” he insisted. “They sincerely do it because they care.” He also commended Harry’s visit to Ukraine in April, which was focused on raising awareness of support for injured veterans and those affected by the ongoing war in the country. Andrés remarked, “Not a lot of people do that,” referring to Harry’s hands-on approach to advocacy.
The chef highly values the couple’s dedication to philanthropic work, especially considering the demands of public life and media attention. “They can decide to live a life in the comfort of their home, but I love that they are there even when nobody’s looking,” Andrés said, reiterating their commitment to being part of the solution to global challenges.
Recently, Prince Harry attended Andrés’ cookbook release event in Los Angeles. *Spain My Way*, launched on May 19, is intended to share the essence of Spanish cuisine through storytelling and culinary expertise. The chef hopes to enhance recognition for Spanish food, which he describes as an important aspect of lifestyle and culture.
Andrés elaborated on the diversity of Spanish cooking, noting that the different regions of Spain offer unique ingredients and practices, making the country’s cuisine not just varied but a powerful representation of its cultural heritage. “That diversity for such a small country is very unique and very, very special and very powerful,” he remarked.
In conclusion, José Andrés’ reflections on his friendship with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle portray a couple deeply invested in both family life and humanitarian work. Their interactions echo a commitment to making a difference while also prioritising the normalcy of family experiences. By sharing these moments, Andrés highlights the shared humanity that connects them all, regardless of stature or fame.