Meghan Markle steps out with Ellen DeGeneres in first photographed U.K. outing since move

Meghan Markle is settling into her new life in the U.K. with a familiar face by her side.

The Duchess of Sussex was photographed enjoying a casual outing with longtime friends Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi on Monday, Sept. 21, marking Meghan’s first photographed public outing in Britain since she and Prince Harry moved back to the country with their two children last month.

Meghan, 45, met up with the couple at The Three Horseshoes, an 18th-century pub near Burford in Oxfordshire, according to People. The trio reportedly spent time chatting together at the countryside establishment before Meghan said goodbye and headed out.

For the laid-back outing, the Duchess embraced an equally relaxed look, pairing white pants with a light blue button-down shirt and white sneakers. She wore her brunette hair down and completed the ensemble with sunglasses.

© Darren Gerrish

The reunion comes with an interesting connection to Meghan’s former California life. DeGeneres, 68, and de Rossi, 53, were part of the Sussexes’ Montecito circle before relocating to the English countryside in 2024. 

The couple later purchased another home in Montecito and reportedly planned to divide their time between California and the U.K.

© Getty Images

Meghan and Ellen’s friendship has played out publicly over the years. The former “Suits” star appeared on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” in 2021, while Meghan and Harry were among the guests at DeGeneres and de Rossi’s surprise vow renewal ceremony in 2023.

Monday’s outing isn’t believed to be Meghan’s first excursion since returning to Britain. Earlier this month, she and Harry were reportedly spotted at Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire, although the Duchess was not photographed during that visit.

© Dave Benett

Meghan has otherwise maintained a relatively low profile since she, Harry and their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, returned to the U.K. on Aug. 26.

She did, however, recently offer a glimpse at the family’s new chapter on social media, sharing footage of Harry and their children enjoying the English countryside.

© Sipa Usa/The Grosby Group

While Meghan caught up with friends on Monday, Harry was in London attending the WellChild Awards, one of several public engagements the Duke of Sussex has undertaken since returning to his home country.

The Duke and Duchess stepped back as senior working members of the royal family in 2020 and subsequently established their home in California. Their return to Britain does not mark a return to their former roles as working royals.