Royal commentators have claimed Meghan Markle's move to the Cotswolds with Prince Harry and their two children, Archie and Lilibet, involves a plan to build a glamorous circle of famous and influential people around her. The Duchess was spotted for the first time since the move at a pub with former TV host Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, appearing relaxed and happy alongside the two A-listers.
Experts weigh in on Meghan's social strategy
Royal experts Kinsey Schofield and Hilary Fordwich have suggested the outing could be deliberate. Speaking on Fox News, Schofield said: "If Harry and Meghan genuinely wanted to disappear into quiet country life, the Cotswolds is one of the places where they could probably accomplish that." She added: "Instead, Meghan's first photographed social outing is with Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi. That tells me she remains very interested in celebrity and in being associated with recognisable, high-profile people."
Schofield noted that Markle "appears to have changed countries without necessarily changing the social ecosystem she prefers," pointing out that while living in Montecito, she and Prince Harry spent time with "wealthy, famous and influential people." She continued: "This suggests she may be trying to recreate elements of Montecito in the Cotswolds: privacy when she wants it, but with a glamorous and recognizable social circle around her."
Comparisons to past controversies
British royal expert Fordwich agreed, saying: "Meghan Markle does nothing per chance" and was deliberately photographed with the celebrity couple to signal "for all to see that she's extending her celebrity world from CA to the Cotswolds, aiming to be viewed as significant."
Schofield also noted that Meghan's plan may have already fallen flat, as Ellen was surrounded by controversy when her talk show was cancelled due to allegations of a toxic workplace culture. She said: "Ellen's reputation was badly damaged by allegations about the workplace culture surrounding her show, while Meghan herself has faced serious allegations about her treatment of Palace staff, which she has strongly denied."
She concluded: "Given that history, I am surprised Meghan would want photographs of the two of them together circulating so soon after her return to Britain. It invites comparisons I would imagine her advisers would rather avoid."
