Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Reportedly Have This One Rule for Their Friends
One strike and you're out.

While still enjoying the honeymoon phase of their marriage, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle also have to think carefully about what it really means to be one of the world’s most beloved couples. Since their wedding back in May, the Duke and Duchess have faced endless media attention and are greeted by a press frenzy whenever they appear in public. So how does the sheer madness of being the newest and hottest royal couple realistically affect the day to day aspects of life, like friendships?
An inside source apparently close to the royal family has revealed to Vanity Fair that, in order to try and retain some element of privacy behind the scenes, Harry and Meghan and given their close friends one strict rule to follow, laying down the law that anyone who talks to the press will be instantly out of their inner circle. Not exactly unreasonable, right?
The source explained that there’s no blurred lines when it comes to friendship for the couple. “If you talk to the press, you’re out,” they said. “They both expect a code of silence. Harry didn’t used to care that much about what was written. But he’s very protective of Meghan and defensive these days.”
This rumored “code of silence” for those close to the couple comes just a few days after it was reported that the Duke and Duchess are consciously taking a step back from the spotlight. After months of intense scrutiny, it’s thought that Meghan and Harry are keen to enjoy some down time just the two of them, taking time out at a secluded farmhouse cottage in the countryside.
Expecting your friends to respect your privacy isn’t a particularly big ask. It’s like the royal version of when your BFF uploads a super unflattering photo of you on Facebook and even has the audacity to tag you. The ultimate betrayal—except, for Meghan and Harry, it has even bigger repercussions.
RELATED STORY
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Lucy Wood spends most of her time writing about celebrity news, reading books, and waiting for the glorious day that she have enough millions for a pet sloth. She also has a YouTube channel on the go where she pretends to know things about fashion and life advice.
-
20 Pieces That Define the Ultimate Minimalist Summer Capsule
These are the only basics you'll need this summer.
-
The Marie Claire Beauty Team Can't Stop Talking About These 10 New Sunscreens
2025’s SPFs are in a league of their own.
-
Buckingham Palace Releases Photo of Queen Camilla's New Puppy
The Queen is set to pay tribute to her beloved dog Beth, who died in 2024.
-
The "Disapproving" Comment Queen Elizabeth Allegedly Made at Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Wedding
According to a royal expert, the late monarch had some thoughts about Meghan's wedding gown.
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Wedding Broke the Same Tradition as King Charles and Queen Camilla's Ceremony
It made the day much more in line with the average wedding.
-
London Residents "Shocked" After Prince Harry Rang "Wrong" Doorbell Searching for Friend's House
"I don't think many people would just walk down a road knocking on doors."
-
Why Princess Diana Regretted Mentioning One Former Lover in Her BBC 'Panorama' Interview, According to Royal Expert
"She had said, if you remember, that she was in love with him."
-
Royal Expert Says Princess Diana Would Be "Proud" of Prince Harry's Candid BBC Interview
"She liked to say exactly what she thought and then deal with the consequences afterwards."
-
Meghan Markle Does Date Night in a Denim Carolina Herrera Dress at Beyoncé's 'Cowboy Carter' Tour
The Sussexes were photographed enjoying Beyoncé's performance while dancing in the VIP box.
-
Prince Harry Spends Prince Archie's Birthday Honoring Princess Diana's Legacy After Bombshell BBC Interview
"This generation isn’t waiting for permission to lead — they are already doing it."
-
Why King Charles Is Reportedly "Frustrated and Upset" by Prince Harry’s Security Appeal
Charles is also reportedly upset with Harry "on a more personal level."