Ben Mulroney Offers Surprising Update on Ex-Wife Jessica's Friendship with Meghan Markle
In a revealing podcast appearance, former Canadian Idol host Ben Mulroney has shed new light on one of the most discussed celebrity friendships of recent years. During an interview on the Can't Be Censored podcast with hosts Travis Dhanraj and Karman Wong, Mulroney addressed the much-speculated relationship between his ex-wife, Canadian fashion stylist Jessica Mulroney, and Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex.
Diplomatic Response to Persistent Questions
When directly questioned about reports that the two women are no longer friends, Ben Mulroney demonstrated careful diplomacy. "It's Jess' story to tell, I wouldn't speak for her, so if she ever wants to talk about it..." he began, before adding the unexpected revelation: "From what I understand, they are on positive terms."
This statement marks a significant departure from the narrative that has dominated celebrity news since 2020, suggesting that while the friendship may have evolved, it hasn't completely dissolved as many had assumed.
A Friendship Forged in Royal Circles
The Mulroney-Markle connection dates back to before Meghan's 2018 wedding to Prince Harry, when Jessica served as the future Duchess's stylist and confidante. Ben and Jessica Mulroney attended the royal wedding together, and their three children played roles in the ceremony, highlighting the closeness between the families at that time.
Ben, 49, and Jessica, 45, have navigated their own relationship transition following the end of their 16-year marriage in July 2025, as revealed by Page Six. Despite their separation, they appear to be managing their co-parenting relationship effectively, with Ben's recent comments demonstrating his continued respect for his ex-wife's privacy and relationships.
The Controversy That Changed Everything
The turning point in the Markle-Mulroney friendship occurred in 2020 when Jessica faced public accusations of displaying "textbook white privilege" from fashion influencer Sasha Exeter. The resulting backlash was swift and severe, creating a public relations challenge that reportedly left Meghan "mortified."
According to sources speaking to the Daily Mail, Markle commented at the time: "Jessica is in no way a racist, but the way she handled the situation was tone-deaf and heartbreaking." The controversy reportedly gave Meghan what insiders described as "the excuse she was waiting for" to distance herself publicly from Jessica, with one source noting that "friends reflect friends" in the sensitive world of royal optics.
Evolving Perspectives on a High-Profile Friendship
Initially, Jessica appeared reluctant to acknowledge any rift, publicly praising Meghan as her "kindest" friend. However, by 2025, her perspective seemed to shift dramatically. Sources told the Daily Mail that Jessica now views her association with the royal wedding as something of a "dark cloud," with one insider claiming: "A part of her wishes she was never part of that wedding."
The same source suggested that while the royal connection initially boosted Jessica's profile, the intense spotlight ultimately contributed to both the end of her friendship with Meghan and the dissolution of her marriage to Ben.
What Ben Mulroney's Comments Reveal
Ben Mulroney's carefully worded update provides several important insights:
- He maintains respect for his ex-wife's autonomy in telling her own story
- He suggests the relationship between Jessica and Meghan remains cordial despite public perceptions
- His diplomatic approach reflects the complex nature of high-profile friendships in the public eye
- The comment indicates that private relationships often differ from their public portrayals
The former television host's revelation comes at a time when both women have moved in different directions - Meghan establishing her post-royal life in California with Prince Harry, and Jessica rebuilding her career and personal life in Canada following her divorce.
While the exact nature of the current relationship between Jessica Mulroney and Meghan Markle remains private, Ben Mulroney's unexpected update suggests that the story may be more nuanced than previously reported, with positive connections enduring despite the challenges of public scrutiny and personal evolution.
