Markle has her fair share of critics, but she’s also got a loyal band of celebrity friends who have stuck up for her and stood up against her haters – including Melissa McCarthy

The Duchess of Sussex is also known for her friendships with tennis icon Serena Williams, singers Mariah Carey and Beyoncé, model Chrissy Teigen and Bollywood superstar Priyanka Chopra

Meghan Markle has had her fair share of critics, but she’s also got a loyal band of celebrity friends who have stuck up for her and stood up against her haters.

During a speech she gave at the opening of new Broadway musical Suffs on April 18, Melissa McCarthy spoke up about how “smart” and “interesting” she finds the Duchess of Sussex.

“I always think, how inspiring! I’ve never once been threatened by someone who is amazing. I just think how inspiring. It’s really on the people throwing the hate,” McCarthy said, referring to Markle.

Markle, who famously became a part of the British royal family when she married Prince Harry in 2018, has been the subject of criticism for many years,

with the UK tabloids often painting her in a negative light. Markle and Harry have since “quit” the controversial clan and bid farewell to the UK to move to Montecito, Los Angeles.

So who else is Markle close with? Here’s a look inside her celebrity friendship circle:

1. Abigail Spencer

They may have starred in Suits together but, according to Entertainment Tonight, the brunette besties met at an audition 10 years before Markle married Prince Harry. Spencer told the publication that as soon as she saw Markle, she knew she was special: “She was just so stunning and there was something about her.”

As previously reported, they properly bonded when they started filming Suits together in 2011. Spencer recently celebrated Markle’s lifestyle brand with a series of Instagram snaps featuring what seemed to be a guest appearance by the duchess’ dog, as reported by People.

2. Serena Williams

Markle and the tennis superstar are known to be close friends. They have had each other’s backs since 2014, after taking part in DirecTV’s Celebrity Beach Bowl. Williams did not only co-host a baby shower for Markle’s son Archie, but has also defended the duchess from criticism. Meanwhile, Markle regularly supported Williams’ tennis matches.

3. Mariah Carey

In a 2022 interview with Variety, the “Touch My Body” hitmaker opened up about her friendship with Markle. “I don’t know that I should be an authority on anybody but myself, but to preface my answer – I did not meet the queen,” she told the publication. “I am, however, obsessed with the show The Crown. And the podcast with Meghan, I felt, was an important moment and one that I truly enjoyed – getting her take on things, she’s had her journey and I’ve had mine. There are some similarities, like being biracial. I tend to dwell on that topic because I just can’t get over it.”

4. Oprah Winfrey

Most people will remember Markle and Harry’s infamous tell-all interview with Winfrey in 2021, but the two ladies have stayed close ever since. As previously reported, Winfrey and Meghan’s connection seemed to grow even stronger after the former royals moved into a Montecito mansion, which is located around the corner from Winfrey’s home.

5. Chrissy Teigen

Teigen has also chatted about her friendship with the Suits actress. During a 2021 episode of Watch What Happens Live!, she talked about how Meghan had “been so kind to me ever since we connected”, per Town & Country magazine.

6. Beyoncé

Queen Bey has long been vocal about her admiration for Markle. Their friendship was practically instant, per British media, and they met for the first time in 2019 at the live action Lion King UK premiere.

“We love you guys,” Bey reportedly told the royal couple.

7. Priyanka Chopra

Despite rumours about a potential rift between the two, including missing some of each other’s celebrations, Chopra shut down these claims in an interview on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen in 2019, per People.

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Source: Los Angeles Times