Kelly McKee Zajfen, a close friend of Meghan Markle, recently provided an intimate look into the Sussexes’ new life in the United Kingdom. McKee Zajfen, who is based in California, became the first of Meghan’s friends from the West Coast to visit the royal couple since their return to Britain. Her visit last month came shortly after Meghan and Prince Harry moved their family back to the UK, marking a new chapter for the couple and their children.
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During her stay, McKee Zajfen shared several photographs on Instagram that captured tender family moments and the warm atmosphere surrounding the Sussexes in their new environment. In one delightful image, Meghan is seen lovingly cuddling McKee Zajfen’s baby son, Jack, while Prince Harry amused himself on the floor, playing with the infant during a casual pub outing. The snap conveyed a relaxed and familial vibe, highlighting the couple’s smooth transition into their British life.
In her post, McKee Zajfen expressed her joy at being part of this memorable experience. “Having the best time,” she wrote, noting the magic of sharing her journey with Meghan in such a picturesque setting. She emphasised the importance of family moments, also evident in the lovely image of Princess Lilibet enjoying time with baby Jack. This family connection was especially poignant, as it followed the recent start of Lilibet and her brother Archie at their new school in the UK.
The visit wasn’t limited to family bonding, as the friends also savoured some leisure time together. Photos depicted McKee Zajfen, Meghan, and their mutual friend, Marcus Anderson, engaging in a lively backyard game of mahjong, accompanied by glasses of wine. This relaxed gathering underscored the supportive friendships that have persisted through life’s changes.
In her Instagram caption, McKee Zajfen expressed her gratitude towards the UK community for their warm welcome to Meghan, adding that it was “beautiful to witness” this reception. “We’re leaving with full hearts and definitely leaving a piece of ours here,” she wrote, capturing the emotional essence of her visit and the bond shared among the friends.
This visit also holds deeper significance for McKee Zajfen, who faced unimaginable grief having lost her son, George, at a young age. Meghan has been a pillar of support for her during tough times, which was further emphasised by McKee Zajfen’s reflections on their lasting friendship. “She’s been by my side, especially since Georgie died, and I cherish our friendship very much,” she noted, highlighting the depth of their connection that spans nearly two decades.
While McKee Zajfen was the first Californian friend to visit the Sussexes, Meghan has recently rekindled relationships with fellow former neighbours Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi. The trio was seen at The Three Horseshoes, a quaint pub in Oxfordshire, revealing that Meghan maintains close ties with her California friends despite the geographical shift.
DeGeneres and de Rossi, who moved from California to the Cotswolds in November 2024, have indicated they intend to split their time between their new home in the UK and their residence in Montecito. While the Sussexes are establishing a more permanent base in Britain, they have not relinquished their home in California, signalling their desire to keep connections with both cultures alive for their children.
Prince Harry has previously voiced his thoughts on returning to Britain, wanting his children to absorb the heritage and values from his upbringing. Meanwhile, Meghan considers the opportunity for Archie and Lilibet to experience both British and American cultural nuances as a unique privilege. These sentiments reflect a conscious effort to provide their children with a broad understanding of their diverse backgrounds.
Ultimately, as they navigate this new chapter, the Sussexes are integrating their rich heritage into their family life in the UK, guided by friendships that have endured through the years. McKee Zajfen’s visit serves as a reminder of the supportive network she and Meghan have cultivated, allowing them to flourish despite the challenges of public life.