Meghan Markle looks forward to seeing California friends after UK move

Meghan Markle plans to reunite with California friends during the holidays as she adjusts to life in the UK with Harry

Meghan Markle is looking forward to reconnecting with her California friends as she adjusts to life in the United Kingdom with Prince Harry and their two children, according to a new report.

A source close to the couple told PEOPLE that the Duchess of Sussex, 45, is keeping in touch with friends in Montecito, California, following the family’s move back to Britain in August 2026. Although she is settling into her new surroundings, Meghan reportedly misses her home and her mother, Doria Ragland, who lives in Los Angeles.

“She’s keeping busy, as she always does, and staying in close contact with her friends in Montecito,” the source said, adding that Meghan is already making plans to see them when the family returns to the United States for the holidays.

The source also said Meghan is focused on helping Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, adjust to their new home and school. Their well-being remains her main priority as the family establishes a routine in Britain.

Alongside family life, Meghan continues to work on her lifestyle brand, As ever. The brand recently launched its first holiday collection, featuring an Advent calendar inspired by the Sussexes’ former home and garden in Montecito. Created with Los Angeles chocolatier Compartés, the calendar contains 24 chocolates and illustrations reflecting the property, with countdown numbers written in Meghan’s handwriting.

PEOPLE previously reported that Harry and Meghan plan to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas with Ragland, although the location of the celebrations will depend on her preference.

The plans mean the couple are not expected to join the royal family for Christmas at King Charles III’s Sandringham estate. Harry and Meghan last spent Christmas with the royal family in 2018, before stepping back from their roles as working royals in 2020 and relocating to California.

The couple are also preparing for a joint visit to Nottingham on October 15, their first official joint outing since returning to the UK.