Why Prince Harry Keeps a Small Circle of Friends in California

Prince Harry maintains a tight-knit circle of friends in Montecito, as reported.

According to US Weekly, the Duke of Sussex prefers a small group of close friends for “understandable reasons.” Both he and Meghan Markle prioritize the safety of their children in California.

Many of Harry’s well-known friends reside in the UK, but sources indicate he’s content living in the US for the wellbeing of his family.

“He’ll always be fond of his home country,” the publication noted, adding, “But the way he views it, his wife and kids are his priority. If that means making sure they’re safe and happy in Montecito, then he supports that.”

Among the Duke’s inner circle in the US are James Corden, Tyler Perry, Nacho Figueras, and neighbor Orlando Bloom.

For Meghan, her close friends include Serena Williams, Ellen DeGeneres, and Whitney Wolfe Herd. Additionally, she’s close with entrepreneur Jamie Kern Lima and regularly sees a group of local moms.

The couple shares a tight bond with Meghan’s friends Heather Dorak and Kelly McKee Zajfen. They often enjoy family holidays together. Meghan and her friends were seen skiing back in March. Heather also joined the Duke and Duchess for a family trip on July 4th, 2022.

In the UK, Harry missed attending the wedding of his close friend, the Duke of Westminster, in July. Hugh Grosvenor serves as godfather to both Prince Archie and Prince George.

Despite this close relationship, Harry and Meghan chose not to attend the wedding, possibly due to Harry’s strained relationship with Prince William, who was a groomsman at Hugh’s nuptials.

Harry sometimes reunites with his UK friends. JJ Chalmers visited the Duke at the Invictus Games in Düsseldorf last year.

JJ previously shared that their sons share common interests. “I know that Archie loves [TV show] The Octonauts and my son James loves it, too. The kids are a similar age and have similar interests,” he revealed.