In the past, she’s been friends with high-profile names including The Beckhams and her co-stars from legal drama Suits.
But as she enjoys a cosy life in her $14.5million mansion with Prince Harry and their two young children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, Meghan Markle has gathered a new, more local group around her – the ‘Montecito Mom’ squad.
This week Meghan was spotted on a lunch date with actress Kimberly Williams Paisley at trendy Italian restaurant Tre Lune.
Kimberly and her husband, country singer Brad Paisley, are themselves long-time residents of Montecito and are part of the same social circle.
Meghan has previously said she is ‘building a community’ in the exclusive residential hills near Santa Barbara and has now opted for an inner circle very close to home – but her new friends are just as famous as her long-term pals.
At the same time, she seems to be keeping an eye out for options for Archie and Lili’s playdates, seemingly looking for pals who have children of around the same age.
The Duchess of Sussex now has a sparkly reliable squad to call upon for anything from a casual lunch to a glammed-up date night with herself and Prince Harry.
Many of them were trusted recipients of Meghan’s new jam, the first product to come from her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard.
From a glamorous fashion stylist to even a pop superstar, FEMAIL reveals who has made the cut for Meghan’s ‘Montecito Moms’ circle.
Kimberly Williams Paisley
Meghan’s latest lunch pal, and seemingly a new addition to her Moms squad, is Kimberly Williams Paisley.
The two were spotted this week at A-list favourite Italian bistro, Tre Lune, in Montecito – where Meghan also spent her 42nd birthday in August.
The rustic food spot – which costs around $30 for a main course – is open around the clock for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Actress Kimberly, 52, is married to country singer Brad Paisley and the pair share two children, with the family often based in Nashville, Tennessee when not in Montecito.
She is perhaps best known for her 1991 role in Father of the Bride, alongside Steve Martin, Diane Keaton and a young Kieran Culkin.
From 2001 she became the co-star of According to Jim for a whopping eight years, even directing three episodes herself.
She then added appearances on show Nashville, Boston Legal and Two and a Half Men after According to Jim wrapped in 2009.
In addition to her acting work, Kimberly published her memoir in 2016 in which she opened up about learning to cope with her mother’s dementia.
Meanwhile in her personal life, Kimberly has been married to country singer Brad Paisley for more than 20 years and the couple share two children.
The duo are also known for their charity work. The pair have recently founded an initiative called ‘The Store’ to tackle food insecurity.
As reported by PEOPLE, Brad first became smitten with his future wife when he watched her Father Of The Bride performance in 2001.
They met in 2001, and and he asked her to star in a music video of his. Before long, sparks were flying, and the couple now have two son together – William, 17, and Jasper, 15.
In 2021, Kimberly told the outlet that and and Brad ‘focus on the laughter and keeping a sense of play’.
Though her children may be older than Meghan’s, it appears the two mothers still have much in common as they were spotted deep in conversation even while leaving their lunch date.
Kelly McKee Zajfen
Kelly McKee Zajfan is one of Meghan’s closest friends in her ‘Montecito Moms’ squad.
Kelly is the co-founder of Alliance of Moms, which supports pregnant and parenting teens in the foster care system.
The former model, who once described the Duchess of Sussex as an ‘incredible friend and mother’, was notably given jar number three of Meghan’s American Riviera Orchard jam, showing their close relationship.
Their friendship goes back many years, even before Meghan first became a member of the Royal Family.
They first became close through the Duchess’ ex-husband Trevor Engelson, who is pals with the former model’s entertainment lawyer husband Julian.
Julian and Kelly are based in California, where the mother dedicates much of her time to her Alliance of Moms and Alliance for Children’s rights campaigns.
The Alliance for Children’s Rights is a non-profit providing free legal services and support for caregivers, adoptive parents and children in the care system in LA. The Alliance of Moms, which she co-founded, focuses on young people in foster care who are parents themselves.
Its work includes providing mental and physical healthcare, stable housing and therapy for these youths.
Much of the 44-year-old’s charity work is driven by her late son George, who suddenly passed away in 2022.
Since his death, Kelly has launched campaigns in his memory, such as the #sunsetsforGeorgie trend on Instagram where people took the time to watch sunsets, something her son loved to do.
Meghan has supported Kelly through the grief of losing her son and she and Harry donated $5,000 to a GoFundMe fundraiser in the names of their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Kelly – who is also mother to George’s twin sister Lily – herself has been open about her grief on Instagram, writing in October of last year that she was ‘not really okay’, while telling her followers: ‘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.’
Last year, she posted a heartfelt tribute to Meghan on her account, praising the Duchess of Sussex for her support and for being such an ‘incredible friend and mother’.
‘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 continued, while sharing an image of herself and the Duchess of Sussex both wearing ‘Community Motherhood’ T-shirts in support of an Alliance of Moms campaign.
Kelly was one of those honoured with a preview of Meghan’s new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, sharing a video of her enjoying the jam on a slice of toast.
She previously shared a photograph of the product on social media, saying she was ‘so proud’ of her friend for the upcoming launch.
The jam was presented in a bowl of lemon’s surrounded by flowers, and Kelly wrote: ‘Ohhhhh Just a taste of what’s to come!!! So proud of you M.’
The Duchess of Sussex sent friends the limited-edition jar ahead of the formal launch of her brand later this spring with a range of items.
In March Meghan enjoyed a trip with her ‘skiing posse’, including Kelly and another close friend Heather Dorak.
The Duchess was pictured smiling with pilates business owner Dorak and Zajfen on the slopes of Powder Mountain near Salt Lake City in Utah, in an Instagram post shared by the founder of Pilates Platinum.
Katy Perry
Pop star Katy Perry seems to have been given a ticket to Meghan’s inner circle.
And Katy’s daughter Daisy Dove Bloom is three years old, the same age as Princess Lilibet, Meghan and Harry’s daughter.
As Katy and her fiance Orlando Bloom live just down the road from Harry and Meghan, their children are the perfect ages for a playdate.
Katy and Orlando purchased an exquisite compound in the wealthy enclave of Montecito, California, for $14.2 million in 2020. In May they purchased a $15million mansion in the area.
In November, Harry and Meghan took a private plane to Vegas to watch Katy in concert, alongside famous pals Cameron Diaz, Benji Madden and Zoe Saldana.
They sat in the VIP section with Celine Dion, looking animated and cheering as Katy took to the stage.
Meghan herself was spotted swaying to the hit Roar as she clapped her hands to the rhythm and boogied along in a clear sign of approval.
Prince Harry and Orlando are just as close, with the Duke revealing in 2021 that they had struck up a friendship on Dax Shepard’s ‘Armchair Expert’ podcast.
Speaking in a 90-minute interview on the podcast, Prince Harry described how the Lord of the Rings star tipped him off about a photographer and that the pair ‘keep in touch’ over text.
Both being Brits abroad is far from the only parallel between the duo, who have both seemingly been moving in the same circle for years – having common connections with US designer Misha Nonoo, popstar Ellie Goulding and also a reported interest in spirituality.
Katy – who has performed for King Charles and other members of the British Royal Family at the Coronation concert – made headlines around the world in 2018 after making critical remarks about the Duchess’ Givenchy wedding dress.
Meghan tied the knot with Harry at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in May 2018.
Her designer dress featured an open bateau neckline and a triple silk organza underskirt which was paired with the Queen Mary Diamond Bandeau tiara.
But when asked about her opinion on the minimalistic gown, Katy advised: ‘I would have done one more fitting!’ before giving the Entertainment Tonight camera a mischievous wink.
Clearly, it’s all water under the bridge now as Katy appears to have been welcomed into the Sussex squad.
Jamie Mizrahi
Meghan’s new stylist Jamie Mizrahi of course has her six-bedroom home in Montecito, meaning she is just 90 minutes away from her celebrity clients.
Jamie, 35, isn’t short of A-list connections, having in the past worked for Britney Spears, Jennifer Lawrence and Adele.
It was revealed earlier this year that the Duchess had hired the ex-Juicy Couture creative director to ensure her wardrobe lined up with American Riviera Orchard.
The stylist, who also lives in Montecito, California and has sons Yale and Cy, also has a long-term working relationship with Meghan’s neighbour Katy Perry.
The Duchess was seen having dinner with Jamie ahead of Katy Perry’s Las Vegas concert in November 2023, which was also attended by Prince Harry.
A source at the time told The Mirror: ‘They were deep in conversation. It looked like Meghan is going for a restyle and Jamie is the go-to stylist for every Hollywood A-Lister, including Katy Perry and Britney Spears.’
Jamie is married to Nico Mizrahi and, like Meghan, has two children.
In 2017, Jamie was appointed Creative Director of Juicy Couture at the age of 29, and the next year it made its runway debut at New York Fashion Week.
In 2018, Jamie also co-founded the underwear brand The Kit Undergarments with Simone Harouche, the designer she had previously assisted when she first moved to LA.
Jamie has in the past discussed how she helps her clients reinvent themselves – which may have attracted Meghan in the wake of her new career move with American Riviera Orchard.
Tracy Robbins
Fashion designer Tracy Robbins was the first of Meghan’s friends to share a glimpse of her highly anticipated jam from American Riviera Orchard.
Tracy’s website says she now resides in Montecito, giving her the proximity to Meghan she needs to join her Moms circle.
Tracy owns the ‘Tracy James Collection’, which she launched in 2022 and she says is influenced by her extensive travels as a child.
Tracy and her husband Paramount boss Brian Robbins are friends with the Sussexes and invited them to the Bob Marley film premiere in Jamaica in January.
Tracy and Brian share thee children: Miles, 26, Justin, 24, and Stella, 10. They also have three dogs: Brooklyn, Porkchop and Sprinkles.
Tracy also shared a picture of Meghan’s jam on her Instagram story, writing: ‘American Riviera Orchard Breakfast, lunch and dinner just got a little sweeter.’
Showing it in a basket with lemons, Ms Robbins added: ‘Thank you for the delicious basket! I absolutely love this jam so not sure I’m sharing with anyone. @American RivieraOrchard Thank you, M! #MontecitoGoodness #AmericanRivieraOrchard.’
Tracy and her Paramount exec husband even joined Harry and Meghan on a double date in May for the former royals’ sixth anniversary at Lucky’s Steakhouse in Montecito.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were spotted at one of their favourite restaurants in their hometown of Montecito, Lucky’s, an upmarket steakhouse where a 28oz porterhouse steak costs $175 and a side of hash browns will set you back $15.
Harry and Meghan were snapped enjoying their meal with a bottle of red wine on the table as they conversed with Brian and Tracy.
Tracy and Meghan are only thought to have become friends relatively recently, but she still made the cut to become one of her esteemed ‘Jamfluencers’.
Victoria Jackson
Meghan is said to be ‘extremely close’ to cosmetics tycoon Victoria Jackson, 68, who also happens to be her neighbour.
Her husband Bill Guthy spearheaded lucrative make-up brands launched by actress Jennifer Lopez and supermodel Cindy Crawford.
A source in Montecito said previously: ‘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.’
The 80s make-up entrepreneur was introduced to Meghan by Gloria Steinem, also a close friend of the Sussexes.
Meghan even celebrated her 41st birthday at Jackson’s ranch close to Santa Barbara, where Harry plays polo for Los Padres, while Meghan used her home for her photoshoot with The Cut magazine.
Archie and Lilibet have also spent time petting her mini pigs on her sprawling farm.
Jackson appeared on an episode of Meghan’s podcast Archetypes and told The Cut that the couple are ‘good people’, saying she wants to help them ‘get out of the house because it’s complicated for them to go anywhere’.
Jackson has raised millions through her Guthy-Jackson Foundation to help victims of autoimmune disorder Neuromyelitis Optica, from which her daughter suffers.
‘Victoria knows all about building a brand but also about giving back,’ the Montecito source said previously. ‘She’s advising Meghan on many levels.’
Most recently Victoria and her brand ‘No Makeup Makeup’ were recruited to help Meghan with her make-up for the ESPY awards with Prince Harry earlier this month.
Meghan donned a custom-made white Oscar de la Renta gown – which looked nearly identical to her wedding dress – and wore subtle but glowing makeup.
Victoria wrote on her brand’s Instagram account: ‘You look stunning, Meghan! Thank you @danielmartin so much for your support with No Makeup Makeup’s red carpet debut! Xo Victoria.’
Cameron Diaz and Gwyneth Paltrow
Harry and Meghan were spotted leaving a Michelin-star sushi restaurant in Montecito with Cameron Diaz, Gwyneth Paltrow, and their husbands in 2023.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex smiled as they walked out of Sushi Bar Montecito in California with actress Diaz and her musician husband Benji Madden, who was the lead guitarist in the band Good Charlotte.
Harry and Meghan were also thought to have been joined by Paltrow and her husband, TV producer Brad Falchuk, although they were not pictured.
It was the first time Harry and Meghan had been seen in public since King Charles’s coronation, where Harry briefly flew to London to attend.
There had previously been no indication that they were friends – and it seems both A-listers are relatively new additions to the squad, with Diaz and Meghan later partying together at a Katy Perry concert.
But both own luxurious properties in Montecito, and it appears being neighbours has brought them close together.
Meghan was said to have been inspired by Gwyneth’s Goop brand when she made her first lifestyle website The Tig, which shut down in 2017 when her relationship with Harry was announced.
Last month Paltrow sent a surprise message of support to Kate Middleton following her return to public life amid cancer treatment for Trooping The Colour.
Around a year after the double date with Meghan, the actress wrote on Instagram: ‘So happy to see you looking so happy and well.’
Harry also denied 2011 claims he had dated Diaz in his controversial biography Spare.
Harry, writing about how his dating life was referred to in books, said in Spare: ‘I seem to recall one detailing my flirtation with Cameron Diaz. “Harry just couldn’t see himself with her”, the author reported.
‘Indeed I couldn’t, since we’d never met. I was never within 50 metres of Ms Diaz, further proof that if you like reading pure b*****ks then royal biographies are just your thing.’
Abigail Spencer
Abigail Spencer, 42, is one of Meghan’s Suits co-stars the Duchess appears to have kept close contact with after ditching her acting career for royal life. Other actors from the series have been notably cut from the Duchess’ life.
The actress was gifted the sixth jar in Meghan’s batch revealing in an over-the-top photoshoot that showcased her reclining in the grass with the precious preserve.
The jar of preserve was presented in a bowl of lemons surrounded by flowers, smiling in a sunny garden alongside her dog.
‘This jam is my jam,’ she told her followers. ‘A delicious taste of what’s to come indeed… love you so M.’
Meghan’s long-term co-star was one of those who starred in the Sussexes’ Netflix documentary Harry & Meghan.
In it Abigail said ‘she wasn’t allowed to say anything’ and did not know how to help Meghan’s struggles.
Their friendship was made incredibly apparent in the docu-series, with Abigail revealing that she was one of the first people to learn about Meghan’s then-secret relationship with Harry.
In April, Abigail joined Meghan and Kelly Zajfen to pose in ‘love like a mother’ T-shirts in the latter’s new Mother’s Day campaign for her charity ‘Alliance of Moms.’
In her Instagram post alongside Meghan, Zajfen thanked the actresses for ‘supporting this campaign and our youth.’
‘When we speak about the people in our lives who lift us up when you need it with undeniable force of pure love I think of these two,’ she wrote.
Though she doesn’t live in Montecito, Abigail has a home round the corner in LA.
Heather Dorak
Pilates guru Heather Dorak originates from Texas but is also now based around the corner from the Duchess in LA.
She and Kelly were the two close pals chosen to join Meghan on a ski trip in March – and she has been Meghan’s devoted friend for many years.
The Duchess was pictured smiling with pilates business owner Dorak and Zajfen on the slopes of Powder Mountain near Salt Lake City in Utah, in an Instagram post shared by the founder of Pilates Platinum.
Dorak was also Markle’s tenth ‘Jamfluencer’, posting a picture on Instagram of her two sons Noah and Cody having it on toast.
Dorak wrote in the accompanying caption: ‘Kid tested, mother approved! Thank you for the tasty homemade jam @AmericanRivieraOrchard. Love you, M!’
Dorak became Meghan’s coach when she worked on Suits and attended the royal wedding in May 2018 with her husband Matt Cohen.
She has been a key part of her North American inner circle since Megxit, visiting Prince Harry, 37, and Meghan in Canada in January 2020 shortly after they left the UK after stepping back as senior royals.
In 2022, she even celebrated the 4th of July with Meghan and Harry in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, showing the closeness of their friendship by joining together for the special holiday.
Heather runs the Pilates Platinum brand, which the Duchess started attending in Los Angeles when she starred in Suits. It is believed to be how the pair met.
The Pilates Platinum classes are billed as an ‘inventive and aggressive’ approach to full-body fat burning and conditioning.
Meghan frequently shared snaps of herself and Heather on her now defunct Instagram account before it was closed ahead of the royal wedding.
In interviews published before her relationship with Prince Harry became public, Meghan gushed about her ‘amazing’ and ‘inspiring’ friend Heather.
Meghan once told Women’s Health Magazine: ‘There are so many workouts that you try out once and never go back to; Heather’s studio is the complete opposite.
‘You keep coming back for several reasons: first off, your body changes immediately… give it two classes and you will see a difference; second, Heather is amazing – as an instructor, as a friend, she is inspiring in every way.
‘Lastly, the people in class are cool, unpretentious, and motivating… and that is a testament to Heather’s energy.’
Heather has remained a member of the Duchess’ close-knit girl squad, and is understood to have masterminded Meghan’s secret hen do ahead of her wedding to Prince Harry.
Heather was spotted hiking with Meghan near the Sussex’s Montecito mansion after they celebrated Archie’s fourth birthday.
The friends were also both pregnant at the same time in late 2018, with Heather being one of the first friends to visit the Duke and Duchess when they briefly lived in Vancouver after leaving the UK in 2020.
