A SUNNY day in golden California and a woman and her friends are hiking in the hills. She’s casual-cool with a bandana around her neck and a hat on her head, relaxed and smiling a she strides along and chats to her pals. Her father-in-law might have been coronated the day before in rain-drenched London, but crowns, kings and carriages appear to be the last thing on her mind.
Meghan has a brand-new focus these days – and it’s out with the old and in with the new.
Those in the know say the 41-year-old’s decision not to watch the crown being placed on Charles’ head wasn’t only about the fact that it was son Archie’s fourth birthday that day.
It also sent a message: Meghan 2.0 is what it’s all about now.
Attending the coronation was never her plan and Omid Scobie, the Sussexes’ friend and biographer, has even gone so far as to say she wanted to “protect her peace”.
She also wants to ensure she remains relevant and is charting a new course after seeing her and Harry’s popularity plummet – in the US as well as the UK – after the release of their Netflix documentary and Harry’s memoir, Spare.
“She’s been planning, parenting and regrouping behind the scenes,” says Gordon Rayner, associate editor and columnist for The Telegraph.
Meghan. “It’s time for a new tactic. The Meghan who moaned about every slight, who took to multiple media platforms to insinuate the royals were racists and didn’t care that she was suicidal – that Meghan is gone. Forget she ever existed!
“The new Meghan is carefree, joyous and living her best life out loud.”
MEGHAN ON AN A-LIST MISSION
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
HOW TO BE YOUR OWN THERAPIST
With more and more of us struggling with our mental health, here's a common-sense guide to coping with life's ups and downs
SPUD: THE MAGIC CONTINUES
John van de Ruit tells us why he decided to write a sequel - and shares how his first book helped him find enduring love
SEX CONTRACT GONE WRONG
A Cape Town couple have been charged with using a young woman as a sex slave-but some say she lost the job she signed up for and now has a grudge against them
LIAM LAID TO REST
More than a month after One Direction singer LIAM PAYNE (31) tragically fell to his death from a balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, his loved ones finally got to say their goodbyes.
SHILOH HANGS OUT
THE two young women look like any pair of good friends chatting and laughing as they leave their dance class in Los Angeles.
LEO IN LOVE
He's just turned 50 and it seems Leonardo DiCaprio may finally be ready to settle down
PACKING A PUNCH
Irish actor Paul Mescal beefed up for his role in the blockbuster epic Gladiator II - and fans are loving it
I DIDN'T CHOOSE TO BE A LOVE CHILD
As the illegitimate daughter of the king, she fought to be recognised as part of Belgium's royal family, but Princess Delphine says she still feels unwelcome
'I STILL HAVE NIGHTMARES'
A bite from a spitting cobra 13 years ago nearly killed her but Mikayla survived - and she's made peace with her scars
THE CLAWS ARE OUT!
Things have grown frosty between the Beckhams and the Sussexes as Becks comes out in clear support of William
