Kelly McKee Zajfen, a longtime friend of Meghan Markle, took to social media on September 28 to share her admiration for the Duchess of Sussex during a Q&A with her followers. In her Instagram Stories, McKee Zajfen revealed that she has known Meghan for nearly 20 years, with the Duchess even attending her wedding 15 years ago. “She’s been the most amazing, nurturing, fun, loving human,” McKee Zajfen wrote, expressing how much she cherishes their friendship.
In addition to the years of support, Meghan has been especially there for McKee Zajfen during a period of immense personal loss. In 2022, McKee Zajfen and her husband Julian tragically lost their 9-year-old son, George, to COVID and viral meningitis. Meghan’s support during this devastating time was invaluable, with both Meghan and Prince Harry making a heartfelt donation of $5,000 to a GoFundMe campaign created in George’s honor. The donation was made in the names of the Sussexes’ own children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, further demonstrating the deep bond between the families.
McKee Zajfen also shared a photo on Instagram of herself wearing a playful “Lettuce romaine calm” hat, a nod to Meghan, who had previously worn the same style after news broke about the second season of With Love, Meghan coming to Netflix. This gesture further emphasized the connection and shared moments between the two.
The two friends’ bond was also visible last October when Meghan made a surprise appearance at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles 2024 Gala, walking the green carpet by McKee Zajfen’s side. The event, which was in support of CHLA, held a special significance as it recognized the hospital’s extraordinary care for McKee Zajfen’s daughter, Lily, who had received treatment there since she was a toddler. Meghan’s presence at the gala was a testament to her ongoing support for her friend.
The following month, Meghan and Harry attended the George Zajfen Tennis Tournament in Los Angeles, an event honoring McKee Zajfen’s late son while benefiting the Alliance for Children’s Rights. Afterward, McKee Zajfen shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, praising the couple for their unwavering support and commitment to both friendship and community. She also celebrated Harry’s 40th birthday, wishing him the best for the year ahead.
In April 2024, McKee Zajfen penned a deeply personal essay for PEOPLE, reflecting on the overwhelming grief following her son’s death. In the essay, she opened up about the difficulty of surviving such a profound loss and how she has learned to lean on her friends for support. “Not one single human can carry it all for us, so allowing others in is imperative,” she wrote, acknowledging the loneliness that often comes with grief. She emphasized the importance of being brave in sharing one’s emotions, even when others may not fully understand the pain.
Through her journey of grief, McKee Zajfen has found strength in her close friendships, including with Meghan, who has remained a steadfast source of support. Their enduring bond serves as a reminder of the power of friendship during life’s most challenging times.
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