In Meghan Markle’s long-awaited “first public sighting” since moving back to England, she looks happy as ever, pubbing in the Cotswolds, with the English countryside sun shining on her hair. But wait. What’s that next to her? Computer, enhance! ENHANCE.
From Montecito Neighbors, to becoming Cotswolds Neighbors 💚
•Meghan, Duchess of Sussex was seen enjoying a lunch with Ellen Degeneres & her wife Portia De Rossi.The duo were spotted chatting at The Three Horseshoes near Burford, Oxfordshire, on Monday. pic.twitter.com/knLGWIH1h4
— Lincoln (@LyleSckeepers) September 21, 2026
Ellen DeGeneres? As I live and breathe?
Now, what do Markle and DeGeneres have in common? Besides at one point having homes next to each other in Montecito, and both having now relocated to England? Well, to my surprise, apparently they’re good friends, and they even got brunch together in the Cotswolds along with Ellen’s wife, Portia Di Rossi, as evidenced by photos obtained by Page Six. On Monday, Markle, Ellen, and Portia were spotted at the Three Horseshoes, an 18th-century-themed pub near Burford, Oxfordshire (Toto, we’re not at Soho House anymore).
According to the outlet, this is the first time Meghan has been photographed out since her move (back) across the pond, and it just so happened to be while she was “chatting and laughing” with Ellen, which is a risky PR move in either country. Meanwhile, Harry’s made his first public engagement at last week’s Invictus Games Gala.
Meghan, Prince Harry, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, returned to Old Blighty in August, with their pals Ellen and Portia moving back in 2024, aka after Donald Trump won the presidency. Ellen and Portia vowed then to “never return,” according to sources close to the couple, and they are now living their best life in the countryside. So that—among other reasons—might be why we haven’t seen them in a while.
The two couples reportedly became friends as neighbors in Montecito, and the Sussexes even attended Ellen and Portia’s surprise vow renewal in 2023 (officiated by Kris Jenner?!) So it looks like Meghan at least has one friend across the pond. Unfortunately, that friend’s a prankster.
Anyway. In terms of how this fits into the web of the greater Royal Family drama—unclear. But I don’t know if the House of Windsor can handle adding Ellen’s antics to the mix right now, what with the Palace’s already full plate: Harry and William’s supposed “cold war” heating up; King Charles entering a “war of words” with the 9th Earl Spencer over his recent “bombshell” memoir about Princess Diana; Meghan maybe starring in a Netflix show.
It’s a lot to keep up with, but, hey! At least they’re not the only messy rich British family keeping things interesting.
