Chrissy Teigen has never been shy about showing her authentic self, but her recent reflections reveal an even deeper side — one defined by resilience, empathy, and quiet admiration for another woman often caught in the storm of public opinion: Meghan Markle. Speaking exclusively with PEOPLE at Hello Sunshine’s Shine Away event on October 11, Teigen opened up about her advocacy for early diabetes screening, her son’s health journey, and her enduring friendship with the Duchess of Sussex, who she describes as “incredibly strong” and “deeply kind.” Teigen’s comments came during a conversation that was both candid and reflective, shining light not only on her work but also on how she views authenticity in an era dominated by social scrutiny.
“I adore her,” Teigen said warmly, speaking of Meghan with the ease of someone who knows her beyond the headlines. “It’s insane to me how polarizing she is for so many people when she really is just such a kind, good person who wants the best for her friends, for her relationship, and for her children.” Her tone carried both admiration and a trace of disbelief — the kind that comes from watching someone be misunderstood despite living with intention. Teigen first connected with Meghan during her appearance on Season 2 of the Duchess’s Netflix series With Love, Meghan, and the two have maintained a friendship grounded in sincerity rather than spectacle. For Teigen, Meghan’s way of moving through the world is simple — not performative, not calculated. “She just wants those things,” Teigen emphasized, referring to love, peace, and normalcy. “People make it so complicated, but it’s not. They’ll read into whatever they want to believe, and that’s just how it is.”
Her words carried the perspective of someone who understands what it feels like to live under constant interpretation — the way public figures, especially women, are often dissected until their humanity is almost forgotten. Teigen, herself no stranger to controversy and media distortion, seemed to recognize in Meghan a kindred spirit: a woman who, despite noise and speculation, continues to live authentically. “People will always come up with their own story,” Teigen said matter-of-factly, then added with a small smile, “I think it’s cool that Meghan’s just like, ‘Say whatever you want. I’m happy, I’m healthy, and I feel good.’” It was an observation that resonated like a quiet manifesto for anyone learning to detach from judgment — a reminder that peace often comes from within, not from validation.
When the conversation turned to family life, Teigen’s humor came alive. Asked whether her and John Legend’s children — Luna, Miles, Esti, and Wren — ever have playdates with Meghan and Prince Harry’s children, Archie and Lilibet, Teigen laughed. “That would be fun,” she said, before confessing she doesn’t “leave the house.” With characteristic wit, she added, “I’m not joking. I do everything at home — photo shoots, interviews, everything. So, no playdates yet. But if the time came up, absolutely.” Beneath the humor, her answer revealed a truth many parents — celebrity or not — can relate to: the comfort of finding sanctuary in family amid the demands of public life.
But beyond her Hollywood friendships and candid humor, Teigen’s presence at the event had a far more personal purpose. She was there as an advocate for Sanofi’s Screen For Type 1 initiative, a campaign that encourages early detection of type 1 diabetes — a cause close to her heart since her son Miles’ diagnosis. Her advocacy, she explained, was born from experience. “When Miles was first diagnosed, we were scared,” she admitted. “I probably played it cool because I’m used to chaos, but I had no idea how much I’d have to learn — and how fast.” The fear she described was tempered by gratitude: gratitude for the medical support, for community, and for the ability to turn hardship into education.
Teigen credits Sanofi’s outreach for helping her family find connection when they needed it most. “They created a community for us,” she said. “We suddenly had people who genuinely cared about our questions — and we had a lot of them.” That sense of shared experience, she noted, transformed fear into empowerment. “If we’d known about early screening, maybe we’d have had more time to prepare,” she reflected. “Even a few extra weeks can make such a difference. It’s about helping families feel ready — to know they’re not alone.”
In those words lay the essence of Teigen’s message — one that extends beyond advocacy or celebrity. It’s about storytelling through lived experience, about taking what life gives — joy, pain, misunderstanding — and turning it into connection. Whether speaking about Meghan Markle’s grace under fire or her own family’s challenges, Teigen’s tone remained consistent: empathetic, grounded, real. She understands that every public story has a private heart, and that empathy — not spectacle — is what ultimately moves people.
For content creators, communicators, and marketers, there’s something profound in that approach. The most resonant stories aren’t those told for attention, but those told with authenticity. Teigen’s perspective, filtered through compassion and humor, reminds us that audiences don’t crave perfection — they crave truth wrapped in humanity. In an age where perception can overshadow reality, her friendship with Meghan and her advocacy for health awareness both underscore the same lesson: storytelling with heart isn’t about controlling the narrative, but about standing firm in your own. It’s a reminder that real influence begins not when you speak the loudest, but when your words — and your purpose — quietly connect.
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