“I wouldn’t qualify us as close friends”- Jameela Jamil gives update on Meghan Markle friendship following 2022 podcast appearance

By Anila Ghufran

Modified Jun 13, 2025 17:04 GMT

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Jameela Jamil has provided a candid update on her relationship with Meghan Markle, clarifying that the two are not close friends despite past collaborations. In a June 12 interview with The Times of London, the actress and activist discussed her social circle in Los Angeles after relocating from the UK.

When directly asked about her current friendship with the Duchess of Sussex, Jamil explained that Markle had demonstrated kindness, particularly by offering supportive messages during challenging periods.

However, their connection doesn’t amount to a close friendship.

"She was kind to me... I stood up for her long before I met her... I wouldn’t qualify us as close friends," Jamil said.

Jamil further explained, referencing her history of publicly defending Markle against media criticism before their acquaintance. When asked whether she was close to Meghan, she responded simply:

"No, of course not. It’s a different planet."

Professionally, the two have interacted on 2 occasions. First, Markle featured Jameela Jamil among the "forces for change" cover of British Vogue's September 2019 issue, which she guest-edited.

Second, Jamil appeared on Markle’s former Archetypes podcast in 2022. During that podcast recording, Jameela Jamil expressed gratitude for Markle’s private support during difficult times. She emphasized that Markle offered this support discreetly without seeking public recognition.

"You have been such a sobering voice of unwavering support to me. You don’t do it publicly. You don’t come to get any glory, but you privately reach out to us in our most lonely and desperate moments. And we need more of that in the world," said Jameela.

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The nature of Jameela Jamil and Meghan Markle's limited interactions

Jameela at the World Premiere Of Disney And Pixar's "Elio" - Source: Getty

As per a report by The New York Times, the Archetypes podcast appearance revealed additional context about their dynamic. Jameela Jamil vocally defended Markle against media treatment during the conversation, stating:

"I fought back on your behalf for years before I’d ever met you because I was so outraged by the twisting of this, very normal, very kind, very civilized woman."

According to a report by Harper's Bazaar Australia, she described the media’s portrayal as "demonization" stemming from fear, claiming that it highlighted "the intense unkindness and bigotry and misogyny of our media." This public advocacy, she stated, began before they had any personal interactions.

"I’m so sorry you’ve had to withstand it. It has highlighted for us the intense and unkindness and, and bigotry and misogyny of our media," she claimed.

As reported by the Daily Mail, beyond professional settings, Jameela Jamil confirmed only one informal social meeting between the couple. She referenced meeting Markle and Prince Harry alongside her long-term partner, singer James Blake:

"When the four of us met that one time... it was a really sweet dynamic, with two very similar relationships."

Jamil noted parallels between their respective partnerships, observing both provided crucial support systems. She specifically drew attention to the similarity between her relationship with Blake (whom she’s dated since 2015) and Markle’s marriage to Prince Harry.

Jameela shared how Blake understands her and that she could not have withstood "all of this" without him. To which she added that she's aware of how Meghan also shares a "similarly dynamic with Harry." This singular meeting remains their sole confirmed private interaction outside work contexts.

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Jameela Jamil is now focused on her voice role in Pixar's Elio, featuring Pixar's first Mexican-Dominican lead character. The movie premiered in Los Angeles this week. She is voicing the character of Ambassador Questa in the space adventure.