Harry and Meghan's inner circle after 'Beckham fall out' and 'Clooney distance'
Nobody could have predicted how much Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's lives would change in three years.
In that time, they've quit as working royals, set up a new home in California, signed multi-million dollar business deals and became parents for a second time. And not only that, it also seems like their inner circle of pals has been ever-changing.
Recent reports have suggested the likes of David and Victoria Beckham as well as George and Amal Clooney, who were once close to the Sussexes no longer are - while other Hollywood movers and makers are now in their inner circle. So who exactly are Harry and Meghan's new power-playing pals and who is no longer among their most trusted? Here we take a look...
Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle (AFP via Getty Images)Places in the inner circle
Make-up guru and celeb hairdresser
Two new women said to have grown close to Meghan recently are make-up brand guru Victoria Jackson and Montecito-based hairdresser Amanda Leone. Cosmetics tycoon Victoria and her husband Bill Guthy, who helped to launch make-up brands by Cindy Crawford and Jennifer Lopez, are neighbours of Harry and Meghan and Victoria is said to be advising Meghan on "so many levels".
In fact, Victoria appeared on Meghan's podcast Archetypes last year, where she poignantly revealed the trauma of her daughter Ali dying at the age of 13 from an autoimmune disease known as neuromyelitis optica. It prompted her and husband Bill to start Guthy-Jackson Charitable Foundation to champion basic scientific research to find new treatments and ultimately a cure for NMO.
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Cosmetics tycoon Victoria Jackson and husband Bill Guthy (Getty Images for LACMA)
Victoria appeared on Meghan's podcast ArchetypesA source told the Mail On Sunday: "Victoria is a dynamic force. She's someone who built a business but has also overcome adversity in her private life. She and Meghan bond on many levels. They are extremely close, they adore each other." Meanwhile, hairdresser Amanda was reportedly introduced to Meghan by their mutual friend and neighbour Ellen DeGeneres, with the Duchess of Sussexes spotted at her salon the day before King Charles' Coronation.
Hollywood power player and designer wife
Another couple said to be in the inner circle now is Hollywood agent Ari Emanuel and his fashion designer wife Sarah Staudinger. Ari is the CEO of William Morris Endeavour - a talent agency that represents movie stars, models, athletes and even owns UFC.
In April, just before King Charles' Coronation, it was announced that Meghan had joined the agency. The agency is expected to work with the duchess on film and TV production, brand partnerships and overall business-building - but will not focus on acting. It also represents Archewell, Prince Harry and Meghan's content creation label, but not Harry himself.
Meanwhile, designer Sarah is the founder of the clothing brand Staud, which is described as an "LA-based lifestyle brand" with the idea that "fashion shouldn’t just empower women — it should be accessible, too." During an appearance at a basketball game in May, Meghan wore a Staud pink linen shorts suit.
Women's rights activist
Political activist Gloria Steinem has been seen out and about with Meghan on several occasions - and even presented her with an award earlier this year. In a video the pair made together in 2020, Meghan gushed about Harry being a feminist and a 'beautiful' role model for their son Prince Archie.
Meghan Markle collected a 'Woman of Vision' award from Gloria Steinem (centre) (Getty Images Ms. Foundation for Women)She also praised her friend saying: "People forget how hard women like you (Steinem) and so many others have fought for us just to be where we are right now." In May, Meghan appeared at the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards, where she received a gong presented by Gloria for for "her global advocacy to empower and advocate on behalf of women and girls" through her work at her and Prince Harry's Archewell Foundation.
Celebrated photographer
Another pal in the inner circle is celebrated photographer Misan Harriman, who has taken photos of Meghan and Harry in the past. Among the beautiful shots he's snapped are the ones where Harry and Meghan appeared with Archie to announce they were expecting Lilibet in February 2021. He also took the stunning photo of Lilibet on her first birthday at a tea party in Windsor last year.
In April, Meghan appeared via videolink to introduce Misan's Ted Talk, where she said: "Our next speaker has an unmatched eye for a good photograph. I’ve experienced his talent first-hand as he has captured many meaningful milestones for me and my family, and I know there are many others who share in this experience.
Photographer Misan Harriman (PA)
Misan snapped this photo of Lilibet on her first birthday (PA)"His lens has photographed everything from events that have changed the world, invisible moments we all desperately needed to see, along with some of the planet’s most recognisable faces. But, this was not always his path and you might be surprised to hear not who but what he credits for his success. I am so thrilled to welcome to the TED stage my dear friend, Misan Harriman."
David Beckham of polo
One of Harry's close mates is Nacho Figueras who has been dubbed the David Beckham of polo and appears to play an important role in his life. It was in 2007 that Nacho is believed to have struck up his long-standing friendship with Harry - who is also a keen polo player.
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It came when the prince set up his charity Sentebale, which helps those affected by HIV, and Nacho became an ambassador for the cause. And ever since, the pair have been seen together at countless charity polo matches over the years - with Nacho and his wife attending Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding in 2018.
Harry and Meghan with Nacho Figuares and his wife Delfina (Getty Images)In 2019, Nacho appeared on the talk show of another of his well-known friends Ellen DeGeneres. In the interview, Ellen asked him about his friendship with Harry and the scrutiny he and Meghan came under during their time as royals. Taking to Instagram after the char, he wrote: "I will defend my friends @SussexRoyal with my life because they are making a difference and we should all be supporting and helping instead of attacking. Let's be kind to one another."
Political dynasty member
Meanwhile, it has been reported that Meghan is "quietly building" a friendship with members of the Kennedy political clan - including Kerry Kennedy, the daughter of Robert Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1968. In fact, in December last year, Harry and Meghan picked up a Ripple of Hope award from the Robert F Kennedy Human Rights (RFKHR) organisation at a gala in New York.
They received an award for their campaigning against "structural racism" and mental health issues at the gala, which honours individuals for their charitable efforts. Speaking to US magazine Extra, Kerry said of the pair: "They've stood up, they've talked about racial justice and they've talked about mental illness in a way that was incredibly brave."
Out of the inner circle
David and Victoria Beckham
One couple said to be not so close to Harry and Meghan anymore are David and Victoria Beckham with the former footballer reportedly left "absolutely bloody furious" after there was suspicion they may have leaked stories about the Sussexes. Victoria and David both received an invite to Meghan and Harry's wedding in 2018, however, the royal couple were not guests at the Beckham's son Brooklyn's wedding last year.
David Beckham with Prince Harry back in 2010 (Getty Images)The two couples are said to have bonded due to the fact David's communications director Izzy May was friends with Markus Anderson, chief membership officer for private social club Soho House, who helped arrange Meghan's dates with Harry. However, a source has now claimed the suspicions of leaking stories left David "absolutely bloody furious".
"David and Victoria went to Meghan and Harry's wedding and were very supportive when Meghan arrived in the UK," the source told The Mail on Sunday. The accusations reportedly came in a tense phone call and fractured their relationship.
George and Amal Clooney
Another friendship that is reportedly on the wane is the one Harry and Meghan previously enjoyed with Hollywood actor George Clooney and his lawyer wife Amal. The Oceans 11, 12 and 13 star used to be "bosom buddies" with Meghan sources say, but apparently their close friendship came to an end shortly after Meghan and Prince Harry's wedding in 2018.
George and Amal Clooney at Harry and Meghan's wedding in 2018 (PA)George and his wife, Amal reportedly used to visit the couple's homes in LA and Oxfordshire, but it's said the Hollywood duo are "more linked to King Charles" now and even appeared at a Prince's Trust event in London in May. Adding more fuel to the fire, when asked whether he knew Meghan recently, George simply replied: "I don't," despite having attended the Windsor Chapel wedding.
Barack and Michelle Obama
Harry and Meghan seemed to have had a close bond with former US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle. They had been pictured together at sporting events around the world and Michelle and Meghan worked together on a number of projects.
But in 2021, the couples' relationship was put under the spotlight after the Sussexes weren't at the former president's glitzy 60th birthday party in Martha's Vineyard. It's unclear if Harry and Meghan were not invited, or simply were unable to attend. But it's been suggested that their friendship with the Obamas has gone cold.
And according to royal expert Camilla Tominey, their absence could have been down to the fact that the former president and first lady did not approve of Harry's attacks on the royal family. An insider told Camilla writing in the Telegraph: "The Obamas didn’t like Harry attacking his family. They value family and certainly aren’t the type of people who would want their children talking to the press."
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