Meghan Markle Shares ‘Auntie Kadi’ as a Favorite in Her Children’s Lives

On April 22, 2025, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, revealed on her podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder, that her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, have a beloved “secret auntie” in California named Kadi Lee, whom they affectionately call “Auntie Kadi.” The disclosure, made during a conversation with Lee, a celebrity colorist and co-founder of Highbrow Hippie—a brand Meghan invested in—has sparked interest and debate. While the anecdote paints a warm picture of the Sussexes’ Montecito life, it has also drawn attention to their strained family ties, particularly with Princess Kate, the children’s official aunt. This article explores the context of Meghan’s comments, the media’s framing, and the broader implications for the Sussexes’ public narrative.

The Podcast Revelation

Meghan Markle said Archie and Lilibet call her friend Kadi Lee (pictured centre) ‘auntie Kadi’ when she visits Credit: Getty

In the third episode of Confessions of a Female Founder, Meghan sat down with Kadi Lee, described as a “dear friend,” to discuss entrepreneurship and personal connections. During the conversation, Meghan shared that Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3, light up when Lee visits, calling her “Auntie Kadi.” This term of endearment highlights the close-knit community the Sussexes have built in California since stepping back from royal duties in 2020. Meghan also noted that other friends, like tennis legend Serena Williams, are considered “aunts” in their household, emphasizing a chosen family dynamic.

The podcast, produced under the Sussexes’ Archewell Audio and Lemonada Media, aligns with Meghan’s focus on female empowerment and entrepreneurship. Her investment in Highbrow Hippie, a wellness and beauty brand, underscores her commitment to supporting women-led businesses. By sharing personal anecdotes, Meghan aims to humanize her public image, presenting herself as a relatable mother and entrepreneur despite her high-profile status.

Media Framing and Omissions

The Sun’s article, published on April 22, 2025, highlighted Meghan’s comments but pointedly noted her omission of Princess Kate, the children’s biological aunt through Prince Harry’s brother, Prince William. Kate met Archie shortly after his birth in May 2019 but has reportedly not met Lilibet, born in California in June 2021. The article suggests a deliberate snub, framing Meghan’s silence as a reflection of the ongoing rift between the Sussexes and the Waleses. This narrative aligns with broader media portrayals of the Sussexes as estranged from the royal family, a theme amplified since their 2020 departure from senior royal roles, dubbed “Megxit.”

Other outlets, such as the Daily Mail, have similarly emphasized the Sussexes’ fractured family ties, citing sources who describe Harry’s “strained” relationship with King Charles and William. For instance, Harry’s last face-to-face meeting with Charles was a brief 30-minute encounter in February 2024, and communication has reportedly been limited since. The Sun’s focus on Kate’s absence from Meghan’s narrative risks sensationalizing a personal anecdote, potentially overshadowing the positive intent behind highlighting her children’s bonds with close friends.

Critical Analysis

Meghan has previously posted about how tennis legend Serena Williams is also an ‘aunt’ in their household Credit: Instagram

Meghan’s decision to share the “Auntie Kadi” story reflects her broader strategy to craft a public identity independent of the royal family. By emphasizing chosen family, she underscores the supportive network she and Harry have cultivated in Montecito, including high-profile figures like Serena Williams and Tyler Perry. However, the media’s fixation on her omission of Kate reveals a double standard: personal anecdotes from royals are rarely scrutinized for who they exclude, yet Meghan’s every word is parsed for signs of feud or disloyalty.

The strained relationship between the Sussexes and the royals is well-documented. Harry’s memoir Spare (2023) and the couple’s 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview detailed their struggles within the royal institution, including concerns about racism and lack of support. While Meghan’s podcast avoids direct references to these tensions, the media’s framing of her comments as a slight against Kate perpetuates a narrative that pits the women against each other, often ignoring the systemic issues that led to the Sussexes’ departure.

Moreover, the emphasis on biological family ties overlooks cultural nuances. In many communities, including Meghan’s American and African-American heritage, “auntie” is a term of affection for close family friends, not strictly biological relatives. Archie and Lilibet’s lack of contact with Meghan’s half-sister, Samantha Markle, or other potential aunts on her side further contextualizes their reliance on chosen family. Critics arguing that Meghan’s comments dismiss Kate may be projecting royal expectations onto a family that has deliberately distanced itself from that framework.

Broader Implications

Meghan said Archie and Lilibet run out the house when Kadi pulls up in the car Credit: Nrtflix

The story highlights the challenges Meghan faces in navigating her public image. Her efforts to share relatable, positive aspects of her life—such as her children’s affection for “Auntie Kadi”—are often overshadowed by media narratives that amplify conflict. This dynamic reflects broader societal tendencies to scrutinize women, particularly those who challenge traditional roles, more harshly than their counterparts. Meghan’s podcast, like her lifestyle brand As Ever, seeks to carve out a space for her voice, yet each move is dissected for perceived slights against the royals.

The Sussexes’ focus on chosen family also resonates with modern definitions of kinship, particularly for those estranged from biological relatives. By normalizing terms like “auntie” for non-family members, Meghan contributes to a broader conversation about community and support systems, though this nuance is often lost in sensationalized coverage.

Meghan Markle’s revelation about “Auntie Kadi” offers a glimpse into the warm, supportive environment she and Harry have created for Archie and Lilibet in California. While intended as a lighthearted anecdote, the media’s focus on her omission of Princess Kate underscores the persistent narrative of royal discord. A balanced perspective recognizes both the Sussexes’ efforts to build a new life and the complexities of their familial estrangement. As Meghan continues to share her story through platforms like Confessions of a Female Founder, the challenge remains: how to tell her truth without fueling a cycle of controversy that distracts from her message of empowerment and community.

Meghan didn’t mention Princess Kate, who is officially an ‘aunt’ to her kidsCredit: Paul Edwards – The Sun

It is not known if the Wales family have met Princess Lilibet, who was born in California in 2021Credit: PA

Sources: The Sun, Daily Mail, Express.co.uk, BBC, The US Sun