Long-term bestie Jessica Mulroney, who arrived in London last week, is hotly tipped to be Meghan Markle’s maid of honour for the wedding that’s just two weeks away.
The Canadian stylist is said to be one of Meghan’s ‘closest friends who stood by her for many years before… Harry’.
The Suits actress grew close to Jessica when they enjoyed a holiday in Italy together back in 2016. They quickly bonded over a love of Pilates, yoga and dogs.
The mother-of-three featured regularly on Meghan’s Instagram – before she deleted her account – and three years ago was apparently hired by the actress as her stylist.
At the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games last year, Meghan took only her closest confidantes: her mother Doria Ragland and bestie Jessica.
The 37-year-old first rose to fame in 2015, styling Justin Trudeau’s wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau and has been dubbed ‘Canadian royalty’ ever since.
Jessica was born into the Brown Shoes dynasty and is thought to be worth in the region of $80 million. Privately educated, the socialite graduated from Montreal’s elite McGill University and enjoyed a stint as a TV host before she married Ben Mulroney, son of former Canadian PM Brian Mulroney.
‘Meghan adores Jessica, not just as a friend but also as someone whose taste and style are impeccable,’ a pal told The Mail On Sunday.
That said, the friend also spilled that just like Pippa Middleton stole the show at her sister Kate’s wedding, Jessica has the ability to outshine Meghan on her big day.
‘Meghan looks up to Jessica and has, to a certain degree, modelled herself on her. The irony is Meghan could end up being upstaged by the woman she’s fashioned herself on.’ But those rumours haven’t weakened the friendship. Jessica attended Meghan’s Church of England baptism recently, and has been closely involved in all of the wedding preparations.
She flew to Britain in January to attend the first dress fitting and is currently in London to help with the final touches before the wedding on May 19.
‘Meghan flew in her close friend and bridal stylist Jessica Mulroney from Toronto to London last weekend where she attended a top-secret fitting at Kensington Palace with the designer,’ royal biographer Omid Scobie said.
‘They’ve tried on a number of different designs and have whittled it down to the best design,’ Scobie added.
But it’s not just the dress Jessica will be helping with either. The wedding planner is said to be helping Meghan choose a concept for her wedding party outfits as well as for the reception.
An insider later claimed:
‘Everyone is betting on Jessica as maid of honour, but she’s giving nothing away.’
‘The one thing you can be certain of is Meghan’s wedding will be perfect…just like Jessica.’
For the full story, and all the latest royal wedding news, see this weeks issue of New Idea – out now!
