One of Meghan’s closest friends has opened up about just how much the duchess means to her and has been there for her in the hardest of times
When Duchess Meghan stole the show with a surprise appearance at Fashion Paris Week, it marked a new chapter in her public life – but behind closed doors, Meghan has remained the same for many years, her close pal has revealed.
Kelly McKee Zajfen opened up on Instagram about her friendship with the Meghan, which has spanned nearly 20 years, and has seen the duchess support her through some of the most difficult times in her life, including a devastating family loss.
The former model and charity co-founder met Meghan through the duchess’s ex-husband Trevor Engelson, and they quickly became firm friends.
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While answering questions on her Instagram story, Kelly was asked which are her favourite accounts to follow on the social media platform, and she instantly listed Meghan as one of her top five, saying that she is “endlessly inspired” by the duchess, who returned to social media early this year.
Meghan had previously shut down all her social media accounts when her relationship with Harry became serious, and she was poised to become a working member of the Royal Family and when she relaunched her personal Instagram around the New Year, she quickly amassed a large following.
Another of Kelly’s followers then asked her about her dynamic with the duchess, writing: “How did you meet Meghan M? Love seeing the two of you on here and the joy you bring out”.
Kelly replied, “Ahh thank you! 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 person. She’s been by my side especially since Georgie died, and I cherish our friendship very much.”
George, Kelly’s son, tragically died in 2022 after contracting Covid and viral meningitis when he was only nine-years-old. He was found “unresponsive” in the family home.
Amid the unimaginable heartbreak Kelly and her family have gone through, Meghan and Harry have thrown their support behind the former model. The couple has repeatedly attended events in the little boy’s memory and supported Kelly’s charitable projects.
In a heartbreaking essay for People magazine, Kelly described the tragedy of losing her son. “The moment my son died, part of me did too. The previous version of myself was no longer, and the new me introduced herself,” she wrote.
“It happened very quickly. We had no idea when we took him into the hospital that 12 hours later, he would not make it.
“My 9-year-old son George died. Died of Covid and viral meningitis. A healthy and vibrant boy could not fight it.
“We lost him. I kissed him. But it was to say goodbye. It is impossible to know how to survive this type of grief.
“Even more impossible is the ability to find all the right tools that will help you manage each day. I definitely do not have all the answers.”
