YEREVAN (Azat TV) – Canadian television personality Ben Mulroney recently offered a rare update on the long-speculated friendship between his estranged wife, stylist Jessica Mulroney, and Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex. His comments, made on a podcast this week, have reignited public interest in a relationship that has been largely out of the spotlight for several years, following a reported falling out in 2020.
Appearing on the January 28 episode of the Can’t Be Censored podcast, the 49-year-old Canadian radio and TV host was asked by cohost Travis Dhanraj about the status of the high-profile friendship. Ben Mulroney stated, “It’s Jess’ 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.” This marks one of the few public statements regarding the relationship since widespread reports of a rift emerged.
The Mulroney-Markle Friendship History
Meghan Markle, 44, and Jessica Mulroney, 45, shared a notably close friendship for years, predating Markle’s relationship with Prince Harry. Their bond was evident through frequent appearances on each other’s social media and shared travels. Jessica Mulroney was instrumental in Markle’s professional life, helping to select wardrobe for her character on the television series Suits, which was filmed in Toronto, and reportedly assisting with fashion choices as Markle transitioned into the royal family.
The depth of their friendship was further highlighted in the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s 2022 Netflix docuseries, Harry & Meghan. Personal footage in the series captured Markle calling Jessica Mulroney in 2017 when Prince Harry was reportedly about to propose. “Oh my God, Jess, Jess, Jess, Jess, it’s happening, it’s happening, it’s happening! Oh my God, he told me not to peek, oh my God!” Markle was heard exclaiming.
The Mulroney family played a significant role in the 2018 royal wedding. Ben and Jessica Mulroney’s twin sons, Brian and John, served as page boys alongside Prince George, famously carrying Meghan Markle’s sweeping veil at St. George’s Chapel. Their daughter, Ivy, was a bridesmaid alongside Princess Charlotte. Jessica Mulroney herself was widely considered Markle’s “unofficial maid of honor” and wore a distinctive all-blue outfit, speculated to be a tribute to the bride’s “something blue.” In 2019, Jessica Mulroney publicly defended Markle against negative press, posting on Instagram, “When someone faces unfair criticism, you call it out. Shame on you, you racist bullies. 3 years of undeserved hate and abuse. It’s enough.”
The Reported 2020 Controversy and Its Aftermath
The highly publicized friendship reportedly faced significant strain in June 2020. Canadian lifestyle influencer Sasha Exeter publicly accused Jessica Mulroney of “textbook white privilege” and “very problematic behavior and antics” following Exeter’s call to action in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Mulroney initially apologized in a comment on Exeter’s video, but the situation escalated when Exeter later shared a private message from Mulroney, which allegedly alluded to legal action for libel.
The controversy had immediate and severe professional repercussions for Jessica Mulroney. Her TV show, I Do, Redo, was pulled by CTV in Canada, and she announced a decision to “step away from my professional engagements,” including regular appearances on Good Morning America as a fashion contributor. Amidst the scandal, rumors circulated that the Duchess of Sussex had distanced herself from Mulroney.
In September 2020, Jessica Mulroney addressed the rumors on Instagram, writing, “I’m going to tell this once and for all. Meghan and I are family. She is the kindest friend and has checked up on me every day. Tabloid culture is atrocious. It creates lies and hurtful storyline. Stop feeding into it. Done.” This post was later deleted, contributing to further speculation.
Public Absence and Recent Developments
Despite Jessica Mulroney’s 2020 statement, the public perception has been that the friendship cooled considerably. The stylist was notably absent from Meghan Markle’s inner circle featured in her Netflix lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan, which aired two seasons and a holiday special in 2025. She also did not appear in the Harry & Meghan docuseries footage that showcased other close friends, further fueling speculation about a rift.
Adding another layer to the story, Page Six reported in July 2025 that Jessica and Ben Mulroney, the son of the late Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, had separated after 16 years of marriage. An insider indicated that the couple had split “some time ago.” A representative for Jessica Mulroney did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment regarding her friendship with Meghan Markle at the time.
Ben Mulroney’s recent podcast comments offer a glimmer of insight into a relationship that has captivated public attention for years, suggesting that despite a notable absence from public view, the bond between Jessica Mulroney and Meghan Markle may not be entirely severed. The enduring interest in their connection highlights the public’s fascination with the personal dynamics of high-profile figures, particularly when they intersect with royal life and celebrity culture.