EXCLUSIVE: Has the Union of Beckham and Markle Met the Fate of 'Markling'? The bond between David and Victoria Beckham and Meghan and Harry appears to be severed, leaving both parties in a state of fury over alleged story leaks related to the royal couple. Simultaneously, the Duchess of Suss*x is seen cultivating a novel and intimate coterie of companions.
Years ago, during her tenure as an actress, Meghan Markle penned elaborate pieces in her blog, The Tig, exalting her 'closest friends.' These confidants consisted of kindred spirits and luminaries she encountered amidst showbiz galas and soirees. Gradually, the orbit of her acquaintances expanded, encompassing fashion designers, social elites, and fervent advocates of noble causes.
Amongst these notable figures were David and Victoria Beckham, esteemed guests at her union with Prince Harry in the majestic Windsor Castle back in 2018. However, as time unfurled its enigmatic tapestry, their camaraderie seemed to wane. A stark testament to this, neither Meghan nor Harry attended the nuptials of the Beckhams' scion, Brooklyn, to the American heiress, Nicola Peltz, in April of the preceding year.
Similarly, the Suss*xes were notably absent at one of the grandest star-studded events of the year, a weekend extravaganza celebrating the debut of Argentine football maestro Lionel Messi for David's illustrious Inter Miami team. While luminaries like Kim Kardashian and tennis legend Serena Williams reveled in the VIP boxes, Meghan and Harry remained conspicuous by their absence.
Just like numerous individuals in Meghan's orbit, the Beckhams seemed to have encountered the phenomenon known as 'Markling.' This term, coined by critics of the erstwhile soap opera artist, alludes to her uncanny ability to swiftly move on from once-intimate relationships.
One of the most poignant 'Marklings' is her father, Thomas, who experienced estrangement following the sale of paparazzi snapshots capturing the moments leading up to his daughter's nuptials.
Allegedly, Meghan's bond with her childhood confidante, Ninaki Priddy, has dissipated due to issues surrounding Meghan's treatment of her first husband, Trevor Engelson. Even Jessica Mulroney, once proclaimed 'Best Friend Forever,' whose offspring adorned the roles of pageboys and bridesmaids during the Suss*xes' matrimonial ceremony, may have found herself relegated to the sidelines. Ever since Mulroney embroiled herself in a tumultuous racism scandal with a social media influencer in 2020, photographs of her and the duchess in public are scarce.
As for the Beckham dynamic, suspicions surfaced regarding the couple's potential involvement in leaking stories pertaining to the Suss*xes, an accusation that reportedly left David profoundly incensed. An insider close to the Beckhams revealed, "David and Victoria were staunch supporters upon Meghan's arrival in the UK, attending her wedding. However, the accusations hurled during a tense phone call fractured the foundation of their friendship, and reconciliation now appears highly improbable."
Undeterred, Meghan has courageously forged ahead, fostering new alliances and kindred spirits in her ever-evolving constellation of confidants.
Reportedly, she has formed an exceptionally close bond with cosmetics maven Victoria Jackson, a near neighbor residing in the opulent £11.5 million Montecito mansion shared by the Suss*xes. Victoria's husband, Bill Guthy, achieved success by spearheading lucrative makeup brands alongside luminaries such as Jennifer Lopez and supermodel Cindy Crawford.
As Meghan and Harry's philanthropic venture, 'Archewell,' gradually gains momentum, with records indicating commendable contributions totaling £10.1 million and disbursements amounting to £2.3 million, Victoria serves as a guiding beacon, raising substantial funds through her Guthy-Jackson Foundation, aiding victims of the autoimmune disorder, Neuromyelitis Optica, from which her daughter suffers. "Victoria's expertise extends beyond brand-building, encompassing the art of giving back. She imparts wisdom to Meghan across various domains," the source added.
Another novel addition to Meghan's orbit is the talented hairdresser, Amanda Leone, whose salon, nestled in a Montecito shopping haven, is frequented by yet another of Meghan's confidants, the renowned television personality Ellen DeGeneres.
The day before the Coronation on May 6, Meghan was spotted making her way to Leone's salon, while Harry attended the event unaccompanied, tending to their son Archie's fourth birthday celebration. An individual in the know remarked, "Meghan and Ellen share a close rapport, and it is rumored that Ellen recommended Amanda's salon. The salon staff has an ardent admiration for Meghan."
Another significant connection in Meghan's constellation is Hollywood's powerhouse agent, Ari Emanuel, the esteemed head of William Morris Endeavor, who signed Meghan to the agency in April. Ari is wedded to designer Sarah Staudinger, whose captivating pink linen ensemble Meghan donned at an LA Lakers basketball game.
A prominent Hollywood insider divulged, "Ari and his wife have become integral members of Meghan's newly-formed coterie. The Duchess has gathered a close-knit group of friends who safeguard her interests."
One of Meghan's favored haunts is the exclusive San Vicente Bungalows, a discreet sanctuary where, irrespective of one's fame, all guests are required to obscure their phone cameras with stickers.
Embodying the spirit of feminism, the esteemed Gloria Steinem stands as a pivotal figure within Meghan's support network. A close friend of Steinem's asserted, "They share regular exchanges, nurturing a strong bond." The esteemed feminist icon presented an award to Meghan in New York, though the event was overshadowed by claims of a harrowing paparazzi pursuit during the Suss*xes' departure, as per Meghan's spokesperson.
An unyielding ally in Meghan's "Montecito Mafia" is the talented photographer, Misan Harriman. Other constants in her confidant circle include Sarah Rafferty and Abigail Spencer, her co-stars from the legal drama TV series, Suits.
Designer Misha Nonoo, who featured in picturesque holiday snaps with Meghan on the now-defunct blog, The Tig, retains her cherished place within the Duchess's realm of close connections. Similarly, Lindsay Roth, a writer with whom Meghan crossed paths during her time at Northwestern University in Chicago, continues to occupy a special spot in her heart.
"Of course, Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King, both esteemed US TV personalities, share a tight bond with Meghan," revealed a well-informed source from Montecito.
While once-thriving friendships from the days of her Windsor Chapel wedding, such as with the Clooneys, appear to have dissipated, Meghan quietly nurtures newfound bonds within the Kennedy political dynasty. Kerry Kennedy, daughter of the late Robert Kennedy, who tragically fell to an assassin's bullet in 1968, has expressed admiration for Meghan's resolute stand against 'structural racism' within the Royal Family.
Amidst the maelstrom of speculation, Meghan's political aspirations continue to be a topic of intrigue. Speculation has emerged regarding her and Harry's unsuccessful attempts to hitch a ride on Air Force One following the Queen's funeral. An influential Democratic donor remarked, "While Jill Biden's presence at the Invictus Games led many to believe she was close to Harry, the recent revelation may cast doubt on that assumption."
Contrary to expectations, the Obamas have opted for a more understated approach in expressing support for the Suss*xes following their estrangement from the Royal Family. The Democrat donor noted, "Initial talks centered on how the Obamas embraced the Suss*xes, but recent developments suggest a shift in dynamics."
As rumors swirl, California Governor Gavin Newsom remains silent, refusing to address speculations about his purported "blocking" of Meghan, as reported in the US. Unverified accounts hint at potential lobbying by Meghan concerning a foray into the political arena.
The whispers about Meghan's affinities with the illustrious Kennedys of the East Coast have gained momentum, enthralling the gossip mill.
Reportedly, singer Mariah Carey no longer graces the roster of Meghan's companions. The Duchess was labeled a 'diva' on a Spotify podcast that is now defunct. Likewise, Courteney Cox, the celebrated figure from the iconic TV show Friends, purportedly felt disheartened when Harry recounted his experiences with magic mushrooms at her residence in his memoir, Spare.
Even J R Moehringer, Harry's ghostwriter, is said to have weathered "tense moments" with the couple, although he has not experienced the phenomenon of being 'Markled.'
For now, the focus lies on the forthcoming Invictus Games scheduled to unfold in Dusseldorf, Germany, this September. The documentary "Heart of Invictus" awaits its Netflix premiere in the following month.
Despite her relative reticence in the public sphere, rest assured that Meghan Markle's influential new confidants shall ensure that silence shall not prevail for long.
