In the bustling world of Canadian television and celebrity circles, where personal stories often intersect with public curiosity, Ben Mulroney—a familiar face from eTV’s “ET Canada” and the son of former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney—has stepped into the spotlight again, not for his on-air charm, but for a candid glimpse into his estranged wife’s life. During a podcast appearance on “Can’t Be Censored” hosted by Travis Dhanraj on January 28, Ben, now 49 and navigating the complexities of a recent divorce, shared a rare, thoughtful update on Jessica Mulroney’s friendship with Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex. The conversation began innocently enough, reminiscing about Meghan’s 2018 wedding to Prince Harry, a fairytale event that captured global hearts. But Dhanraj, sensing the intrigue surrounding Jessica’s close ties to the former actress, gently probed: “There’s so much interest in that period, that friendship, all that stuff. Do you want to say anything about where things are?” Ben, ever the gentleman and mindful of boundaries, responded with warmth but firmness. “It’s Jess’ story to tell. I wouldn’t speak for her, so if she ever wants to talk about it, but from what I understand, they are on positive terms.” His words hung in the air, a subtle nod to the enduring nature of human connections, even amidst life’s upheavals. One could imagine Ben, sitting in his comfortable studio setup, perhaps reflecting on the shared history—laughs over coffee, mutual friends from Toronto’s elite scene, and those moments when their families intertwined like threads in a rich tapestry. It spoke to a deeper humanity: the way former spouses sometimes become empathetic observers, honoring past promises while stepping aside for personal narratives to unfold. Ben’s approach wasn’t gossipy or sensational; it was measured, respectful, echoing the quiet dignity he often brings to interviews about fatherhood and family. In an era where friendships like Jessica and Meghan’s—once bold and public—ignite endless speculation, Ben’s reluctance to delve deeper felt like a protective shield, reminding us that some bonds are too personal to dissect on air. Yet, his confirmation of “positive terms” offered a glimmer of hope, a gentle reassurance that not all celebrity feuds end in cold silence. As the podcast rolled on, Ben likely smiled through the clamor of public fascination, knowing that behind the headlines, real people navigated loyalties, regrets, and reconciliations with quiet grace.
Meanwhile, Ben’s comments emerged against the backdrop of his own life changes, a reminder that personal upheavals ripple outward, touching even the most distant relationships. He and Jessica, 45, finalized their split just six months prior, ending 16 years of marriage that began with vows exchanged in October 2008 at a picturesque outdoor ceremony surrounded by family and friends. Their union, built on shared dreams and bustling careers—Ben in media, Jessica as a prominent fashion stylist—had weathered the storms of parenthood, public scrutiny, and the relentless pace of high-profile living. Together, they raised three remarkable children: twin sons Brian and John, now spirited 15-year-olds embracing their teenage adventures, and daughter Ivy, 12, a budding talent with a flair for creativity. Ben, in his reflections, might have thought about the family dinners that morphed from lively chaos to quieter, more thoughtful moments as the kids grew. Divorce, even amicable ones, carries its emotional weight, and it’s easy to picture the twins navigating school hallways, perhaps whispering about their parents’ separation, or Ivy finding solace in her mother’s resilience. Jessica’s journey post-split has been one of quiet fortitude; she’s channeled her energy into her styling career, mentoring young talents in an industry that’s as glamorous as it is cutthroat. Ben, too, has leaned into his role as a devoted dad, ensuring stability amid change, all while maintaining a professional poise that admirers describe as unwavering. In sharing about Jessica’s connections to Meghan, Ben subtly highlighted the interconnectedness of their worlds—how divorces don’t erase past joys or friendships. It humanized the narrative, showing that behind royal whispers and media buzz, there are hearts mending, children adjusting, and former partners supporting each other from afar. Ben’s podcast appearance wasn’t just an update; it was a testament to growth, where personal trials fostered empathy rather than bitterness, allowing him to speak tenderly of a friendship that once wove into his own family’s fabric.
The origins of Jessica Mulroney and Meghan Markle’s friendship paint a picture of serendipity and shared passions, a story that unfolded in the vibrant heart of Toronto before royal duties cast long shadows. Meghan, then a rising star filming the hit TV show “Suits,” crossed paths with Jessica, a local stylist already making waves in fashion circles. What started as professional overlap—Jessica styling Meghan’s on-screen looks, including the iconic wedding dress for her character Rachel Zane—evolved into a genuine bond. They hit it off over yoga sessions and Pilates classes, bonding over a mutual love for fitness, empowering self-care routines, and the hustle of balancing career ambitions with personal authenticity. Royal expert Kate Nicholl captured it perfectly in a 2018 Cosmopolitan article: “They went to the same yoga and Pilates and became firm friends.” Imagine early mornings at a sunlit studio, two women in workout gear laughing about life’s demands, unaware that their casual friendship would one day intersect with palace walls. Meghan, with her California roots meeting Jessica’s Canadian elegance, found common ground in their forward-thinking worldviews—discussions on empowerment, wellness, and breaking barriers likely flowed freely. For Jessica, it was enriching; she admired Meghan’s charisma and drive, perhaps seeing in her a kindred spirit navigating fame’s pressures. This friendship wasn’t just about mutual interests; it reflected deeper quests for connection in a fast-paced world, where genuine camaraderie could flourish outside the spotlight. As their bond deepened, they shared more: advice on relationships, dreams of impactful careers, and even quiet confessions amidst the city’s bustle. It was a human tale of two women forging ties beyond the superficial, a friendship that felt real and reciprocal, unpretentious despite Meghan’s growing fame.
Their camaraderie reached its zenith at Meghan and Prince Harry’s 2018 royal wedding, a global spectacle where Jessica and her family’s presence felt like a personal endorsement of joy. Dressed in an all-blue outfit—a clever nod to Meghan’s “something blue” tradition—Jessica stood out among guests, her style impeccable and heartfelt. The wedding wasn’t just a ceremony; it was a celebration of unions far and wide. Ben and Jessica’s sons, the energetic twins, served as page boys, marching down the aisle with infectious smiles, while 12-year-old Ivy (now remembering those days with mixed awe and nostalgia) functioned as a flower girl alongside young royals like Princess Charlotte. These roles spoke volumes about the depth of Jessica and Meghan’s relationship—inviting family into such an intimate moment wasn’t casual; it was an extension of trust and affection. One can only imagine the rehearsal dinners, filled with laughter and shared anecdotes, or the emotional pull as Jessica watched her friend start a new chapter. For the kids, it was an adventure: whispering excitedly about castles, practicing their walks, and glimpsing a world vastly different from their Toronto home. Ben, not directly involved in the planning, likely watched proudly from the sidelines, appreciating how these ties bridged ordinary lives with extraordinary events. The wedding depicted unity—personal and royal—reminding us of friendships that endure distances and statuses. It was a luminous chapter, where Jessica’s contributions highlighted the human side of royalty: real connections, heartfelt gestures, and the warmth of loyal bonds, even as global eyes peered in.
Yet, as many enduring friendships do, this one encountered turbulence that tested its foundations, revealing the fragility of trust in the public eye. The fracture began in June 2020, sparked by influencer Sasha Exeter’s pointed accusations against Jessica for alleged “problematic behavior and antics” within fashion circles. Jessica, ever reflective and committed to growth, issued a public apology on Instagram, weaving in poignant insights: “As I told you privately, I have lived a very public and personal experience with my closest friend where race was front and center,” she wrote, alluding to Meghan’s own struggles with racism during her time in the royal spotlight. “It was deeply educational. I learned a lot from that. I promise to continue to learn and listen on how I can use my privilege to elevate and support Black voices.” The apology was raw, vulnerable—a bid to mend bridges amidst swirling rumors. But beneath the words lay tension; to Meghan, Jessica’s reference felt invasive, dragging their private conversations into the tabloid fray. A source close to the situation later exclusive to Us Weekly claimed Meghan “could not get over” Jessica’s decision, viewing it as a betrayal that severed their once-solid rapport. It highlighted the emotional toll of high-stakes friendships: how misunderstandings amplify when perceptions of loyalty clash. Jessica, in her heartfelt response, might have hoped for reconciliation, perhaps scrolling through old messages or recalling shared confidences. For Meghan, it seemingly marked an end, a painful reminder that even close ties can fracture under the weight of public scrutiny and differing viewpoints. This incident wasn’t just a celebrity spat; it was a human story of missteps, apologies, and the sting of assumptions, underscoring how race, privilege, and empathy intersect in personal relationships.
Despite Jessica’s ardent affirmations of their enduring bond, the reality painted a different picture, tinged with bittersweet echoes of what once was. In September 2020, just months after the fallout, Jessica posted a fiery Instagram Stories update: “I’m going to tell this once and for all. Meghan and I are family. She is the kindest friend and has checked up on me every day. Tabloid culture is atrocious. It creates lies and hurtful storyline. Stop feeding into it. Done.” Her words brimmed with defensiveness and loyalty, a protective stance for a friendship she cherished. She portrayed Meghan as compassionate and attentive, perhaps evoking memories of supportive calls during tough times or celebratory texts. Yet, sources indicated the connection had stagnated, compelling Us Weekly to report that Meghan considered the relationship complete. It was a stark contrast—Jessica’s proclamations of familial closeness versus insiders’ tales of lingering hurt. One can envision Jessica, alone in her home or studio, grappling with silence from a once dear confidante, while voicing her truth to the world. Meghan, navigating her new life in California with Harry and their son Archie, might have felt the need to distance herself for self-preservation. This divergence speaks to the broader human experience: friendships, especially those shaped by fame, can evolve unpredictably, leaving gaps filled with what-ifs. Ben’s recent nod to “positive terms” hints at faint reconciliation or respectful distance, a mature lens on relationships that may never fully reset. In the end, it’s a narrative of complexity—loss, affirmation, and the quiet acceptance that some chapters close, even if the heart holds onto them. Jessica and Meghan’s story, viewed through Ben’s empathetic eyes, reminds us that amid glamour and gossip, true bonds reflect our shared vulnerabilities, resiliences, and capacities for growth.
