Ben Mulroney has offered a rare glimpse into the current state of his estranged wife Jessica Mulroney's relationship with Meghan Markle, suggesting the pair remain on good terms despite their widely reported falling out.
The Canadian television and radio presenter, 49, addressed the subject during an appearance on the Can't Be Censored podcast yesterday.
When host Travis Dhanraj enquired about the friendship, noting "there's so much interest in that period, that friendship, all that stuff," Mr Mulroney was measured in his response.
"It's Jess's story to tell. I wouldn't speak for her, so if she ever wants to talk about it, but from what I understand, they are on positive terms," he said.
Meghan Markle maintains 'positive' friendship with Jessica Mulroney as update issued
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The comments arrive six months after Mr and Mrs Mulroney, both 45, confirmed their separation following 16 years of marriage.
The Duchess of Sussex and the stylist forged their bond years before Meghan's introduction to Prince Harry, becoming close whilst the actress was filming Suits in the Canadian city of Toronto.
Royal commentator Kate Nicholl told Cosmopolitan in May 2018 that the pair "went to the same yoga and Pilates and became firm friends."
Their connection extended professionally, with Mrs Mulroney selecting outfits for Meghan's on-screen character Rachel Zane, including the wedding dress worn in the legal drama.
Ben Mulroney pictured on the Can't Be Censored podcast
|YOUTUBE: CAN'T BE CENSORED
The stylist reportedly continued advising on wardrobe choices after Meghan joined the Royal Family.
Footage from the couple's 2022 Netflix docuseries, Harry & Meghan, captured the depth of their friendship, showing the duchess excitedly telephoning Mrs Mulroney moments before Prince Harry's 2017 proposal, exclaiming: "Oh my God, Jess, Jess, Jess, Jess, it's happening!"
The Mulroney family featured prominently in the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's May 2018 nuptials at St George's Chapel.
Mrs Mulroney was widely considered Meghan's "unofficial maid of honour" and selected an all-blue ensemble for the ceremony, interpreted as a nod to the traditional "something blue" bridal custom.
Jessica Mulroney and Ben Mulroney were married for 16 years | GETTYHer twin sons Brian and John served as page boys alongside Prince George, tasked with carrying the bride's sweeping veil as she walked down the aisle.
Daughter Ivy, meanwhile, joined Princess Charlotte among the bridesmaids.
The children are now 15 and 12 respectively, with Mr and Mrs Mulroney having married in October 2008 before their recent separation.
The prominent wedding roles showed just how integral the Mulroneys had become to Meghan's inner circle during her transition into royal life.
Jessica Mulroney [left] at Meghan and Harry's wedding in 2018 | PAThe friendship was publicly fractured in June 2020 when Canadian lifestyle influencer Sasha Exeter accused Mrs Mulroney of "textbook white privilege" and "very problematic behaviour" following Exeter's post supporting the Black Lives Matter movement.
Mrs Mulroney initially apologised, but the situation escalated when Ms Exeter shared private messages in which the stylist allegedly referenced potential legal action for libel.
The controversy cost Mrs Mulroney her television programme, I Do, Redo, which was dropped by CTV, and her role as a fashion contributor on Good Morning America.
Reports at the time suggested Meghan was left mortified by the allegations and felt she could no longer be publicly associated with her friend.
Yet that September, Mrs Mulroney defended their bond on Instagram, writing: "Meghan and I are family. She is the kindest friend and has checked up on me every day."