Meghan Markle is said to be leaning heavily on her mother, Doria Ragland, as she navigates a difficult period following the arrest of her father, Thomas Markle.
The Duchess of Sussex, 45, has been keeping herself busy while staying in regular contact with Doria, who remains in Los Angeles despite Meghan’s life now being based in the UK.
A friend told HELLO! that Meghan has been speaking to her mother frequently and described her as a strong source of support.
“She speaks to her mum a lot, and Doria has been really supportive,” the friend said, and that Meghan has “a lot on her mind” but is also being supported by close friends.
Meghan has continued with her usual activities during the past week, including meeting friends for lunch outside London on Friday.
Her latest public appearance came on Tuesday, when she joined Prince Harry at the European Parliament in Brussels for the unveiling of the Lost Screen Memorial, an installation dedicated to children who have died following online harm.
Although Meghan had been due to speak at the event, she ultimately decided not to deliver her planned remarks, with reports saying she did not feel strong enough to take the microphone.
Meghan’s close bond with Doria
Doria has long been one of the most familiar figures in Meghan’s support network, having remained close to her daughter through major milestones in her life.
She accompanied Meghan as she arrived at St George’s Chapel for her 2018 wedding to Harry and has continued to maintain a close relationship with the Duchess and her family.
According to a source cited by People, Meghan and Doria remain “very close” and are supporting one another through the current family situation.
