Meghan Markle is currently laying low in Vancouver while Prince Harry negotiates with his family about the couple’s decision to step down from senior royal duties. And, apparently, she’s really leaning into commoner life.
The Duchess was spotted picking up her friend, pilates instructor Heather Dorak, from Vancouver’s Victoria International Airport on Thursday (January 16). Markle didn’t arrive at Arrivals in a motorcade—in fact, the The Daily Mail obtained pic of Markle driving herself and a security guard to the airport. (She was wearing a very casual black beanie and chic sunglasses for the trip.)
The rest of the encounter was as low-key as you’d expect from a woman who’s consciously uncoupling from royal life. Markle and Dorak were photographed smiling and sharing a quick hug in the car before Markle drove away. We’d be just as happy if we touched down for a visit with the Duchess of Sussex and didn’t even need to call an Uber.
Details about Dorak’s visit to Markle’s Vancouver residence haven’t been shared. But we can only assume her visit will include plenty of face time with Baby Archie, yoga (Markle’s favorite workout), and a Suits marathon for old time’s sake.
Dorak and Markle have been friends since the time when the Duchess still operated her personal Instagram account. The pair met in Los Angeles, where Markle reportedly took classes through Dorak’s Pilates Platinum brand. Dorak was also among friends including Priyanka Chopra and Serena Williams who attended Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s wedding in 2018.
Markle has only been seen a handful of times since she and Prince Harry made their big announcement. On Tuesday (January 14), she visited Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre to discuss “issues affecting women in the community.” And Reports from Us Weekly say Markle has been spotted running errands in Vancouver. Markle was seen pulling into a drugstore parking lot, once again driving herself, on Sunday (January 12).
Despite the change in their royal status, the couple still has major plans for the future, including launching a new “charitable entity,” as well as splitting their time between the U.K. and North America.
