Meghan Markle’s close friends opens up on Duchess of Sussex’s support after the death of her son

​Meghan Markle and Kelly McKee Zajfen

Meghan Markle's close friend, Kelly McKee Zajfen, has opened up about the strong bond she shares with the Duchess of Sussex.

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GETTY

Svar Nanan-Sen

By Svar Nanan-Sen


Published: 30/09/2025

- 09:10

Updated: 30/09/2025

- 09:11

Kelly McKee Zajfen and her husband, Julian, lost their son, George, in 2022 to COVID and viral meningitis when he was just 9

Meghan Markle's close friend, Kelly McKee Zajfen, has opened up about the strong bond she shares with the Duchess of Sussex.

Ms McKee Zajfen was answering a Q&A on social media when she was asked about her friendship with Meghan.


The former model wrote on Instagram: "I've actually known her for almost 20 years?"

“She even came to my wedding (15 years ago!), and she's been the most amazing, nurturing, fun, loving human."

"She's been by my side, especially since Georgie died, and I cherish our friendship very much."

Kelly McKee Zajfen

Ms McKee Zajfen was answering a Q&A on social media when she was asked about her friendship with Meghan.

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INSTAGRAM

Ms McKee Zajfen and her husband, Julian, lost their son, George, in 2022 to COVID and viral meningitis when he was just 9.

The Duchess of Sussex has been seen wearing a bespoke 'Heart of Gold' pendant worth $3,200 (£2,535), designed by The Gold Album in collaboration with Ms McKee Zajfen.

The 14k solid gold necklace features 83 round-cut diamonds and supports a cause close to Ms McKee Zajfen's heart, with 15 percent of sales benefiting Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

Children's Hospital Los Angeles is wear McKee Zajfen’s son George received treatment during his illness.

\u200bMeghan Markle and Kelly McKee Zajfen

Meghan and McKee Zajfen first met through the duchess's ex-husband, Trevor Engelson, who is friends with Ms McKee Zajfen's husband.

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Meghan and McKee Zajfen first met through the duchess's ex-husband, Trevor Engelson, who is friends with Ms McKee Zajfen's husband.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex donated £3,962 to a GoFundMe fundraiser in the names of their children after George's passing.

In March, The Duchess of Sussex, 43, took to Instagram to share her support for the work of the Alliance of Moms, founded by her close friend, Kelly McKee Zajfen.

Sporting a white t-shirt from the non-profit organisation, the mother of two sat barefoot in cream pants on the grass beside her dog, Momma Mia.

The Alliance of Moms released the shirt for Mother's Day this year, selling the item as a fundraiser for its programming benefitting expectant and pregnant youth living in the Los Angeles foster care system.

\u200bMeghan Markle and Kelly McKee Zajfen

Ms McKee Zajfen co-founded the non-profit a decade ago as a resource for pregnant girls and women in the LA foster system.

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GETTY

She captioned the post: "Proudly supporting @allianceofmoms and the powerful work they do to support moms and their children."

"Well done @_heartmom_, for your selfless love of so many — the world is better with you in it".

The @_heartmom_ Instagram handle belongs to Meghan's friend Ms McKee Zajfen.

The candid photo is believed to be taken at her Montecito property, where she resides with Prince Harry and her two children, Archie, five, and Lilibet, three.

Ms McKee Zajfen co-founded the non-profit a decade ago as a resource for pregnant girls and women in the LA foster system.

\u200bMeghan Markle and Kelly McKee Zajfen

The female founder appeared alongside Meghan and their mutual friend, Abigail Spencer, in episode 5 of the first season of 'With Love, Meghan'.

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INSTAGRAM

The female founder appeared alongside Meghan and their mutual friend, Abigail Spencer, in episode 5 of the first season of 'With Love, Meghan'.

Meghan hosted her longtime friends Ms Spencer and Ms McKee Zajfen for a "breezy ladies' lunch" and then shared an easy tip for everyday flower arrangements.

Thanking Meghan for her appearance on the show, Ms McKee Zajfen took to Instagram with a selfie of herself smiling alongside Meghan and Spencer.

She wrote: "Love these girls...What a blast!"