Meghan Markle’s ‘former BFF’ Jessica Mulroney pays tribute to pals who ‘love her unconditionally’

Meghan Markle’s ‘former BFF’ Jessica Mulroney has paid tribute to the friends who ‘love and stand by her unconditionally’ – amid rumours her friendship with the Duchess of Sussex has cooled 

The mother-of-three, from Toronto, celebrated her 43rd birthday earlier this month and spent the weekend partying with friends. 

Earlier today, the stylist – who met the Duchess of Sussex while she was still starring in Suits – shared a glimpse of her birthday night out with her 410,000 Instagram followers. 

She captioned the post: ‘I’m not a big birthday girl but this year I wanted to celebrate some of the women that have loved and stood by me unconditionally. 

‘I am so lucky to have so many smart girls in my life. And you too Ryan. I’m a lucky lady.’ 

Jessica Mulroney (pictured with makeup artist Rachel Renna) shared a carousel of images from her birthday celebrations with her 410,000 Instagram followers

In the caption, Jessica paid tribute to the friends who have 'loved and stood by her unconditionally'. In 2020, the stylist was embroiled in a white privilege row which resulted in her having to issue three public apologies

In the caption, Jessica paid tribute to the friends who have ‘loved and stood by her unconditionally’. In 2020, the stylist was embroiled in a white privilege row which resulted in her having to issue three public apologies

For her birthday party, the mother-of-three looked chic in a sleeveless black poloneck top and trousers. 

The post included photos of Jessica cuddling up with makeup artist Rachel Renna and others of the group gathered around a table and drinking champagne. 

Other guests invited on Jessica’s night out included Joanna Griffiths – the CEO of the underwear brand Knix Wear.

The Duchess of Sussex and Jessica Mulroney are believed to have met when Meghan was still starring in Suits – and the former actress even gushed about her ‘tres cool’ stylist friend on her blog The Tig.

Although Jessica’s three children were included in Meghan Markle’s wedding party in May 2018, it appears as though the two women’s friendship has cooled in recent years.

In 2020, Jessica Mulroney became embroiled in a ‘white privilege’ row with lifestyle blogger Sasha Exeter.

Following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, Sasha posted on her Instagram Stories and encouraged her followers and fellow influencers to speak out about the Black Lives Matter movement.

However, the blogger claims Jessica ‘took offence’ from her ‘generic call to action’ post. 

Meghan Markle and Jessica Mulroney pictured attending an Equinox event in Toronto in November 2015. The two women are believed to have grown close when Meghan was still starring in Suits

Meghan Markle and Jessica Mulroney pictured attending an Equinox event in Toronto in November 2015. The two women are believed to have grown close when Meghan was still starring in Suits

Jessica Mulroney (left) pictured celebrating her birthday with a group of friends, including Leslie Kimel (centre left) and businesswoman Joanna Griffiths (far right)

Jessica Mulroney (left) pictured celebrating her birthday with a group of friends, including Leslie Kimel (centre left) and businesswoman Joanna Griffiths (far right)

Jessica Mulroney pictured with friend Ryan Kimel

Jessica Mulroney pictured with friend Jay Berms

Left: Jessica Mulroney pictured with friend Ryan Kimel. Right: The stylist poses for a photo with pal Jay Berms

Jessica Mulroney celebrated her birthday with friends over the weekend. Pictured: the stylist cuddles up to friend Grace Kim

Jessica Mulroney celebrated her birthday with friends over the weekend. Pictured: the stylist cuddles up to friend Grace Kim

In a follow-up video, Sasha said: ‘What happened next was a series of very problematic behaviour and antics […] 

‘I’m by no means calling Jess a racist but what I will say is this: She is very well aware of her wealth, perceived power and privilege because of the colour of her skin and that, my friends, gave her the momentary confidence to come for my livelihood in writing. Textbook white privilege really, in my personal opinion.’ 

Following the blogger’s claims, Jessica issued three public apologies, however she still faced consequences and was dropped by numerous television networks.

DailyMail.com exclusively revealed that ABC severed ties with her, confirming that Jessica would not be returning to her occasional role as a fashion contributor on Good Morning America.

Canadian TV network CTV also cut off ties with the stylist, revealing that it would be pulling all episodes of her wedding-themed reality TV show I Do Redo from its platform.

Since then, Jessica has not commented on rumours of her drifting apart from Meghan.

Jessica pictured arriving with her daughter Isabel at St George's Chapel for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's wedding with the Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte

Jessica pictured arriving with her daughter Isabel at St George’s Chapel for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s wedding with the Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte

In January, Jessica Mulroney shared a picture of her at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's 2018 wedding, acknowledging the couple's Netflix docuseries, where she is mentioned by name, for the first time ever. Pictured from left to right: Jessica with the Suits actress Abigail Spencer and other friends at the wedding reception

In January, Jessica Mulroney shared a picture of her at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s 2018 wedding, acknowledging the couple’s Netflix docuseries, where she is mentioned by name, for the first time ever. Pictured from left to right: Jessica with the Suits actress Abigail Spencer and other friends at the wedding reception 

Meanwhile, as the backlash against Jessica began mounting, Meghan remained quiet and distant on the matter and has not publicly spoken about her friend in years. 

One source told Daily Mail their friendship is no longer ‘what it once was,’ adding that this was due to the pair having ‘just grown apart’ and not because of the fallout between Jessica and Sasha.

The insider added: ‘Of course, Meghan has been worried about Jess. She’ll always have love for her.’

Despite publicly supporting Meghan as she adapted to life as a Royal, Jessica was noticeably absent from the Duke and Duchess’ Netflix six-hour Netflix series – which landed on the streaming platform in December 2022.

However, Meghan did share footage of the night Prince Harry proposed in 2017 – where she FaceTimed her friend ‘Jess’ as she walked the grounds of Kensington Palace.

The former close friends pictured together on holiday before Meghan Markle deactivated her Instagram account in 2017

The former close friends pictured together on holiday before Meghan Markle deactivated her Instagram account in 2017

It appears as though the Duchess of Sussex's friendship with the Toronto-based stylist has cooled in recent years. The pair pictured together before Meghan moved to the UK

It appears as though the Duchess of Sussex’s friendship with the Toronto-based stylist has cooled in recent years. The pair pictured together before Meghan moved to the UK

In January, Jessica broke her silence on the documentary by sharing a black-and-white photo of her attending the royal wedding on Instagram – which noticeably didn’t include Harry or Meghan.

Jessica shared the picture on her Instagram without a caption and disabled comments on the post in a cryptic move.

It is the first time the stylist has acknowledged Harry and Meghan’s docuseries, where she was mentioned by name. 

She has not commented on Prince Harry’s tell-all memoir Spare, which was released last month and where her name doesn’t appear – despite reportedly playing a key role in helping the royals with their Megxit plans. 

A palace insider previously suggested to the Mail on Sunday that Meghan frequently confided in the stylist as she and Harry began to solidify their plans to step down as royals.

The source said: ‘Jessica was more influential on “Megxit” than anyone really realized.’

Following the announcement Harry and Meghan were leaving the Royal Family, Jessica said: ‘A strong woman looks a challenge in the eye and gives it a wink.’

***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk