Meghan Markle Steps Out in Oxfordshire with Montecito Friends Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi
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The Duchess of Sussex was photographed enjoying a relaxed afternoon pub lunch alongside longtime friends and former California neighbors Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi at The Three Horseshoes in Asthall, near Burford, Oxfordshire.
The casual reunion took place on Monday, September 21, at around 2:00 PM local time—coinciding directly with Prince Harry’s emotional appearance in central London at the WellChild Awards.
A Transatlantic Friendship in the Cotswolds
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Meghan’s connection with DeGeneres (68) and de Rossi (53) dates back to their years in Montecito, cemented by Meghan’s appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in November 2021:
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The British Chapter: DeGeneres and de Rossi relocated permanently to the Cotswolds in November 2024—citing political disillusionment in the US and de Rossi’s love for equestrian sport and the English countryside. Although they purchased a new home in Montecito in early 2026 to split time, their Oxfordshire presence provided Meghan with familiar company just miles from the Sussexes’ temporary Cotswolds base.
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Settling in Post-Return: While Meghan has maintained a low profile since the family arrived at Birmingham Airport on August 26, the pub outing follows an earlier sighting with Harry at nearby Soho Farmhouse. Insiders note that Meghan intends to be gradually out and about in the community as the family navigates their extended UK stay.
Family Priorities and Diverging Schedules
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The outing highlighted the couple’s split itinerary:
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Harry’s Solo Charitable Run: While Meghan enjoyed the quiet village pub, Prince Harry was in London completing his second major public appearance in under a week, following the Invictus Spirit Gala Dinner on September 17. He is scheduled to depart for New York City later this week for the Clinton Global Initiative annual meeting.
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School Transition for the Children: Sources close to the Sussexes emphasized that Meghan’s immediate focus remains on Prince Archie (7) and Princess Lilibet (5). Following the abrupt decision to change schools after just two days due to commuting vulnerabilities, the children have begun settling into their second British school.
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Future Projects: Alongside managing her lifestyle brand As ever and Archewell Philanthropies, reports continue to circulate that Meghan is exploring creative avenues in the UK, including early-stage discussions for a role in Season 3 of Guy Ritchie’s Netflix series The Gentlemen.
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