In a recent episode of her podcast Confessions of a Female Founder, Meghan Markle spoke warmly about a woman she considers an “auntie” to her children — but it wasn’t their royal relative, Princess Kate.
During a candid conversation with Kadi Lee, co-founder of the beauty brand Highbrow Hippie, Meghan described Kadi as someone incredibly close to her family. She affectionately referred to her as “Auntie Kadi,” sharing that her children, Prince Archie (5) and Princess Lilibet (3), adore her.
Meghan recalled how her kids excitedly run outside to greet Kadi whenever she arrives at their Montecito home. “Our kids love Auntie Kadi,” Meghan said with a smile.
“It’s the sweetest thing when they run out to your car shouting, ‘Kadi!’” Kadi responded with warmth, saying she always looks for Archie and Lilibet first when she pulls up, even calling herself their “Super Aunt.”
This close relationship is not unique. Meghan has used the term “auntie” for other friends as well, including tennis champion Serena Williams, whom she also referred to as an “auntie” to her children in a social media post earlier this year.
For Meghan, the word symbolizes deep affection and trust, extending beyond family ties.
However, the use of “auntie” in this context may surprise royal watchers, particularly because Meghan has never used the term when referring to Princess Kate, the children’s actual aunt. It’s widely believed that Kate and her husband, Prince William, have had little to no involvement in Archie and Lilibet’s lives due to strained relations between the brothers.
Compounding the emotional distance is the physical one: Meghan and Prince Harry moved to the United States in 2020 after stepping down from their royal roles, limiting contact between the two families.
In fact, it’s unclear when William and Kate last saw the children. Back in 2021, shortly after Lilibet’s birth, Kate admitted publicly that she hadn’t met her niece yet but hoped to shortly. Whether that visit ever took place remains unknown. The children’s last visit to the UK was reportedly in 2022.
Meghan’s comments reflect how chosen family plays a key role in her children’s lives — even if those connections lie outside the traditional royal circle.
