The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has forged a profound and enduring friendship with cosmetics entrepreneur Victoria Jackson, a bond the royal has publicly described as her 'safe harbour'.
A Friendship Forged in Support and Luxury
This close connection has seen Meghan and Prince Harry frequently enjoy the use of Jackson's opulent properties, which are said to be so grand they make the couple's own Montecito home 'look like a prison', according to an insider. The source elaborated, stating that Victoria’s houses offer superior security and are 'unbelievable', with the added appeal that the Sussexes do not have to pay for their stays.
The Duke and Duchess are reported to often use Jackson's 14-bedroom Beverly Hills mansion, a property originally built for silent film star Buster Keaton. This estate boasts a 50ft living room, a 60ft pool, staff quarters, and an olive-lined driveway.
The Significance of a 'Safe Harbour'
Meghan first used the poignant term 'safe harbour' to describe Victoria Jackson in a 2021 interview, a period of intense scrutiny for the couple following their tell-all conversation with Oprah Winfrey. During that interview, Meghan and Harry made headlines by revealing there had been 'concerns' over their son Archie's skin colour and that Prince Charles had stopped taking Harry's phone calls.
The depth of their friendship was further highlighted when Meghan chose to celebrate her 41st birthday at Victoria's ranch near Santa Barbara, California, rather than at her own residence in the same town. It is understood that Meghan feels completely 'at home' in the entrepreneur's various properties.
Navigating a New Chapter
This insight into Meghan's personal support network comes during a year where the Duchess of Sussex has been actively working to rebrand herself and Prince Harry. This effort gained urgency after the conclusion of their lucrative Netflix deal in 2025, raising questions about how the couple will sustain their affluent lifestyle without a return to royal duties.
Meghan, who met the 70-year-old 'Queen of Cosmetics' through mutual friends, has also been a supporter of Jackson's business ventures. The relationship underscores the importance of private friendships as the Sussexes continue to carve their path outside the traditional framework of the Royal Family.
