Meghan Markle, known for her public persona, is embracing a quieter lifestyle while still connecting with her community in California. The Duchess of Sussex has been seen attending fitness classes, both solo and with friends, and describes herself as just another person in the room. Her involvement extends beyond fitness as she maintains connections through family and social activities, balancing her public figure status with private life.
Markle has been spotted attending group fitness classes with as many as 40 to 50 participants. She often walks in with a simple greeting, saying "Hi!" to the class, and admits to feeling like just another participant. During a recent yoga session with 50 people, she felt a bit uncomfortable entering last, but noted that anyone might feel the same way.
“Of course, at the beginning, that felt like a lot. By the way, I think anybody walking into a yoga class with 50 people when you’re one of the last people that walk in and everyone looks up, it’s going to feel a little uncomfortable!”
Her approach to these classes highlights her desire to connect on a personal level with those around her.
Markle's life in Montecito has been warmly embraced by the local community, which she connects with through her children and social outings. She shares that her transition into building her brand over the years has been a journey filled with grace and forgiveness.
“I appreciate everyone who gave me the grace to make mistakes and figure it out and also to be forgiving with myself through that,”
In addition to fitness, Meghan Markle has been reaching out to friends for playdates, exemplifying her efforts to integrate into the community. Recently, after her son's surgery, Markle sent a thoughtful gift to a friend—a bouquet of balloons and a stuffed octopus from her children, Archie and Lili. Accompanied by a handwritten note, she expressed warmth and care.
With a Netflix series titled "With Love, Meghan" and a lifestyle brand called "As ever," Markle continues to navigate life as both a public figure and a private individual. At home, she keeps celebrations low-key, often chatting about "mom stuff and life" with other women at her birthday party.
“I have a couple of girlfriends up here — these are stay-at-home moms and working women with normal jobs, not in the public eye,”
Markle appreciates the authenticity of these connections, where friendships evolve from familial ties to personal experiences.
“We went from just connecting through our kids to having girls’ nights out or doing Pilates together."
Despite her high-profile status, Meghan Markle enjoys the simplicity of community interactions. She frequently attends classes alone and shares encouraging moments with fellow participants. One instance involved giving fist pumps to those around her during class.
“The other day in class, I was there by myself — sometimes I go with girlfriends, but I went by myself — and in the middle of the class they said, ‘Great, tell the person on your mat next to you that they’re doing a great job, give them a fist pump.’ And I looked over and there was someone over there, and I was like [miming a fist bump], 'Well done!’ and then I looked to the other side and there was someone else and I went, ‘Nicely done! Come on, guys!’ "