Meghan Markle Shares How She Welcomes Guests Barefoot…

Meghan Markle Shares How She Welcomes Guests Barefoot and in an Apron at Her Montecito Home

Meghan Markle has revealed her down-to-earth approach to entertaining guests at her California home, sharing how she prioritizes warmth, comfort, and authenticity when hosting. The Duchess of Sussex appeared alongside author and lifestyle creator Courtney Adamo for a livestream event at Godmother’s Bookstore in Summerland, California.

The discussion, titled Compare Notes on Creating a Home That’s Filled With Joy, was moderated by bookstore co-founder Victoria Jackson. Speaking to viewers, Meghan described her favorite way to welcome guests into her Montecito home, where she lives with Prince Harry and their two children.

“I greet guests barefoot and wearing an apron,” she said with a smile. “It demystifies. People walk in and go, ‘Oh, she’s in this with me.’ And what are they drawn to? Your kitchen. They come right in, and suddenly everyone’s a little bit softened.”

Prince Harry, Victoria Jackson, Meghan Markle, and Jennifer Rudolph Walsh ( Photo Credit: Sara Prince)

The Duchess said she prefers to keep things casual and cozy, often serving food straight from the stove instead of hosting a formal tea or dinner. “I love people being able to serve themselves, and having things on the stove that everyone can help themselves to,” she explained. “I always have music on in the background.”

The event also highlighted Adamo’s new book, The Family Home, which explores the beauty of creating meaningful and joyful spaces for family life. Meghan and Adamo reminisced about their shared past, revealing that they met as freshmen and sorority sisters at Northwestern University. The Duchess fondly recalled a spring break trip to France, where they “backpacked” and ate “crepes.”

Now both mothers, Meghan — who shares six-year-old Prince Archie and four-year-old Princess Lilibet with Prince Harry — and Adamo, who has five children between the ages of eight and twenty, discussed parenting, creativity, and the importance of letting children experience boredom to spark imagination.

Meghan also spoke about the importance of genuine connection, saying she values “deep belly laughing with your friends” over the superficiality of texting. “It’s different than just sending a laughing emoji,” she said, adding that those shared, joyful moments are what make a home truly special.

Guests at the event were treated to bottles of Meghan’s As Ever wine, a nod to her growing interest in lifestyle ventures. The Godmothers Bookstore, which opened in September 2024, holds special meaning for the Duke and Duchess. The name was inspired by Prince Harry, who once affectionately referred to Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Rudolph Walsh, and Victoria Jackson as his “fairy godmothers.” Meghan and Harry attended the bookstore’s opening last year, continuing their support for its mission to inspire community and creativity.