Meghan Markle settles into Cotswolds life with pub lunches and old friends
Meghan Markle has swapped red carpets for fish and chips in the Cotswolds since moving back to Britain.
The Duchess of Sussex returned to the UK with Prince Harry and their children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, after six years away Reuters. Since the move, the 45-year-old has kept a low profile while trying out local hangouts in the Cotswolds Hello! Page Six.
One lunch was at the Falkland Arms in Great Tew. Meghan went with close friend Kelly McKee Zajfen and ordered fish and chips. She spent time cuddling Zajfen’s baby son Jack, who was born in March.
The pub sits among walks around the Great Tew estate. It is close to Blenheim Palace, Chipping Norton and Oxford. It already had famous visitors. Singer James Blunt and actor George Clooney have both been in for a drink.
Viewers may recognise the bar. It appeared in MobLand, the Prime Video crime series from director Guy Ritchie starring Pierce Brosnan, Tom Hardy and Helen Mirren.
Another regular stop is the Three Horseshoes in Asthall. Meghan met US television host Ellen DeGeneres there. The pub is owned by Lady Bamford, the wife of JCB chairman Lord Bamford, and is known as a quiet celebrity haunt.
The family link to the area goes back further. Harry and Meghan previously rented a four-bedroom farmhouse on the Great Tew estate The Telegraph. Archie and Lilibet were expected to start at a UK school after the return, although the couple will not resume royal duties.
What makes this stand out is how ordinary it has looked. Village pubs. Old friends. A baby to hold. For a family whose moves are usually announced in statements, this one has played out over lunch.
