Meghan Markle Photographed in the UK for the First Time Since Return, Mingling with Ellen DeGeneres at Cotswolds Pub
The Duchess of Sussex was photographed in public for the first time since relocating to the United Kingdom nearly a month ago, breaking her low-profile routine with a casual countryside gathering. In candid imagery obtained by Page Six, the 45-year-old Duchess was spotted visiting the historic Three Horseshoes pub in the picturesque town of Burford, nestled within the rural Cotswolds region.
The social outing surfaced simultaneously as her husband, Prince Harry, fulfilled public duties at the annual WellChild Awards at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, following late confirmation that Meghan had opted out of the evening gala.
Embracing an understated, relaxed aesthetic, Meghan was seen arriving at the pub garden wearing oversized dark sunglasses, a loose-fitting tailored shirt, white denim jeans, and carrying an outer trench coat. She appeared in high spirits, laughing and chatting animatedly with long-time friends Ellen DeGeneres (68) and Portia de Rossi (53), who had themselves permanently relocated from Southern California to the Cotswolds in November 2024.
The bond between Meghan and the high-profile media couple traces back to their neighboring estates in Montecito, with shared milestones ranging from attending Ellen and Portia’s 2023 vow renewal to Meghan adopting a rescue chicken named Sinkie from their California coop.
The pub outing marks Meghan’s inaugural photographic sighting on British soil since landing at Birmingham Airport with her family on August 26. Since their arrival, the Duchess has intentionally stayed away from royal media obligations to anchor the domestic transition for Prince Archie (7) and Princess Lilibet (5) as they begin their British schooling.
Instead, she has embraced quiet domesticity—hosting close Montecito confidante Kelly McKee Zajfen, spending private time at Soho Farmhouse, and sharing glimpses of family countryside walks. While Harry navigates formal royal patronages under the London media spotlight, Meghan’s relaxed reunion with familiar American peers signals a calculated, private pace in building her new British lifestyle.