Meghan Markle’s Close Friend Kelly McKee Zajfen Shares Heartwarming Insights into the Duchess as a Mother to Archie and Lilibet

Meghan Markle’s longtime friend Kelly McKee Zajfen has given a touching glimpse into what the Duchess of Sussex is like as a mother behind the scenes, particularly in her role raising Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The revelation came during a special girls’ night out at the Alliance for Children’s Rights 34th Annual Champions for Children event held at the Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills, California, on March 19.

The Duchess, 44, proudly presented her dear friend with the Francis M. Wheat Community Service Award that evening. McKee Zajfen, 45, used the occasion to reflect on their enduring friendship and the privilege of watching Meghan navigate motherhood with grace and dedication.

“Meghan is one of my best friends, and I’m honored that she said yes [to presenting] and that she’s been along this journey with me as well. She supports the Alliance, and she’s been doing this for a few years now,” McKee Zajfen told Hello! magazine. She added that it is “a real privilege to be able to watch her mother too,” highlighting how meaningful it is to see Meghan’s loving approach to parenting.

Meghan and Prince Harry share two children — six-year-old Prince Archie and four-year-old Princess Lilibet. The couple has built a life in California focused on family, philanthropy through their Archewell Foundation, and various creative projects. Their friendship with the Zajfen family runs deep, with both couples supporting each other through life’s ups and downs.

The Zajfen family has faced profound loss with the passing of their son Georgie at age nine in 2022 from COVID-19 complications and viral meningitis. In his memory, they established the George Zajfen Tennis Tournament, an event that Meghan, Harry, and Archewell have supported in recent years. Georgie’s twin sister Lily is now 13, and the family is joyfully preparing to welcome a new baby boy this spring.

McKee Zajfen spoke warmly about the strength of her bond with Meghan, noting they first met 20 years ago. “It’s so amazing to show up for each other when things are also not perfect and great. She’s been a part of my journey with the loss of my son, and she hasn’t left my side since. It’s a beautiful friendship, and I’m really grateful to have her.”

Beyond their personal connection, both women are deeply committed to causes supporting children and families. McKee Zajfen serves as co-founder of the Alliance of Moms, which supports pregnant and parenting youth in the Los Angeles foster care system. The organisation operates as part of the Alliance for Children’s Rights, a nonprofit where she also sits on the board. Meghan has consistently shown up for these initiatives, demonstrating her long-standing dedication to children’s welfare.

The two friends posed together on the red carpet, their easy camaraderie evident. In an Instagram Stories video shared by the Alliance for Children’s Rights, Meghan took to the stage with genuine warmth to introduce her friend. “Good evening, everyone. How are we doing tonight?” she said to enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. “I am so grateful to be here and be able to celebrate my dear friend and co-founder of Alliance of Moms and Board Member for Alliance of Children’s Rights, Kelly Zajfen.”

Their friendship gained additional public attention when they appeared together in Meghan’s 2025 Netflix lifestyle series With Love, Meghan. The collaboration showcased their natural rapport and shared values around creativity, family, and community support.

Meghan’s approach to motherhood has often been described by those close to her as attentive, nurturing, and grounded. Friends like McKee Zajfen highlight how the Duchess prioritises creating a loving, stable environment for Archie and Lilibet despite the unique challenges that come with their royal heritage and public profiles.

The family’s private reunion with King Charles at Highgrove House earlier this year marked an important moment, with Archie and Lilibet seeing their grandfather for the first time in several years. These family connections remain significant even as Harry and Meghan have built their life primarily in California.

McKee Zajfen’s comments offer a refreshing perspective on Meghan beyond the headlines — portraying her as a loyal friend, dedicated philanthropist, and caring mother who shows up consistently for the people and causes she believes in. Their two-decade friendship, tested through life’s most difficult moments, speaks to the depth of their bond.

Both women continue to channel their experiences into meaningful work that supports vulnerable children and families. Meghan’s involvement with the Alliance for Children’s Rights aligns with her broader commitment to humanitarian efforts, a passion she has maintained throughout her public life.

As the Zajfen family prepares to welcome their new baby, the support from friends like Meghan underscores the importance of community during both celebration and grief. The tennis tournament honouring Georgie remains a powerful way for the family to transform loss into positive action.

For royal watchers and fans of the Duchess, insights from close friends like Kelly McKee Zajfen help paint a more complete picture of Meghan’s life in California — balancing motherhood, friendship, creative pursuits, and continued advocacy work.

The Alliance for Children’s Rights event celebrated not only individual achievements but the collective effort to protect and empower young people in foster care. Meghan’s willingness to participate and honour her friend reflects her ongoing dedication to these important causes.

As Archie and Lilibet grow up, the values of compassion, friendship, and service that their parents model will undoubtedly shape their own paths. Meghan’s close circle of friends, including McKee Zajfen, play an important role in providing love, support, and normalcy in what can often be a complex world.

The friendship between Meghan and Kelly stands as a beautiful example of women supporting each other through life’s various chapters — from career successes to personal challenges and the joys of motherhood. Their bond, strengthened over two decades, continues to inspire those who witness it.

In sharing her perspective on Meghan as a mother, McKee Zajfen offered a heartfelt tribute to her friend’s character and the quiet strength she brings to her most important role — that of a loving parent to Archie and Lilibet.