Meghan's bond with Jacinda Ardern and TV star-turned-first lady Sophie Trudeau hints at her 'political ambitions'
Love her or hate her, Meghan has some pretty high profile friends. One of them is New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. The two struck up a special bond when the Duchess of Sussex was on a tour to New Zealand in 2018. In a recently-released controversial biography of Harry and Meghan Markle, written by royal experts Carolyn Durand and Omid Scobie, Meghan's relationships with a number of political figures were detailed, fueling the already fired-up rumors that the former 'Suits' actress would eventually want to transition to the world of politics herself.
When Meghan visited New Zealand, she was pregnant with her son, Archie. At the time, Ardern had also given birth to her daughter Neve Te Aroha Ardern Gayford. Apparently the leader was really impressed with the kind of stamina that Meghan possessed despite carrying a child. "Pregnancy is an often-tiring time but the way she gave everything her all was incredible," said Ardern. "She's an amazing woman and I'm so glad to have gotten to know her."
After the birth of Meghan's son, Ardern sent her a floral arrangement to express her good wishes and the pair have stayed in touch ever since, through regular emails, the book has claimed. The prime minister had also earlier gifted Meghan a pair of simple gold stud earrings engraved with a feather detailing, designed by the Kiwi musician and jewelry designer Boh Runga, which Meghan frequently wore during the New Zealand tour.
Meghan has also sung praises of Ardern, especially her exceptional leadership role in managing Covid-19 in her country during a virtual conference earlier this year. "We can take inspiration from women like Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern who brought New Zealand together to swiftly and wholly tackle Covid-19," she said.
The book also talked about the friendship that Meghan shared with Sophie Trudeau, wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Apparently, the duchess was really interested in finding out how the former broadcaster went from a TV star to "much-beloved First Lady" as she befriended her during the initial days of her relationship with Harry.
"Sophie had given up a career in television, where she had been working as a correspondent on CTV's eTalk, to take on a more formal role alongside her husband as they hit the campaign trail," the authors claim. "The pair became fast email friends, Meghan was interested to hear how Sophie had successfully made the move from an entertainment news correspondent to much-beloved First Lady, all while skillfully dodging controversy."
After a source revealed in a June report that Meghan had not "ruled out a career in politics" after she and Harry quit the royal family back in March, we asked Penny Junor, the royal biographer who has authored books like 'Diana, Princess of Wales' (1982), 'Charles, Prince of Wales' (1987 and 1998) and 'Charles and Diana: Portrait of a Marriage' (1991), if the monarch or any of the other members of The Firm would have any issues if the duchess were to run for the president of the United States one day.
She said that it was highly unlikely that Meghan's in-laws would have "a problem with her chasing her political ambitions", especially after she and her husband severed all ties with them. "I imagine they would be very relaxed about Meghan pursuing her political aspirations. She is no longer a working member of the family so is free to do whatever she wants, provided she doesn’t use her royal connection. But she is so well-known she wouldn’t need to," she said.