Meghan Markle and Serena Williams Friendship on the Rocks: Lake Como Guest List Raises Eyebrows
The once-unshakable friendship between Meghan Markle and Serena Williams appears to have entered a new chapter. The Duchess of Sussex, once a constant presence in the tennis legend’s inner circle, was noticeably absent from a star-studded getaway in Lake Como, Italy — a trip attended by some of the world’s elite.

From Close Friends to Social Distance
Serena Williams and Meghan Markle were previously inseparable, showing up together at public events, defending each other in interviews, and presenting themselves as symbols of sisterhood. But according to multiple sources, their relationship began to cool after Meghan’s 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey. While Serena publicly supported Meghan, insiders say she was uncomfortable with being pulled into Meghan’s ongoing “royal drama.”

The shift deepened when Meghan invited Serena as the first guest on her Archetypes podcast. Behind the scenes, Serena was reportedly disappointed that the conversation centered heavily on Meghan, overshadowing her own career achievements. 

The once-unshakable friendship between Meghan Markle and Serena Williams appears to be undergoing a subtle but undeniable shift. For years, the Duchess of Sussex and the tennis icon were inseparable, often seen supporting one another publicly and sharing moments that inspired admiration for their bond. However, the recent star-studded getaway in Lake Como, Italy, has raised eyebrows — most notably because Meghan was missing from the guest list.

Serena Williams’ Lake Como trip, attended by an elite roster of celebrities and influential figures, was a high-profile event that seemed to emphasize closeness among a select group. Meghan’s absence was not only noted by media outlets but also by fans who once celebrated the duo’s visible camaraderie. While Serena was at the heart of this glamorous gathering, Meghan’s place beside her appeared vacant, fueling speculation about the state of their relationship.

Sources close to both women suggest that the once-close friendship began to cool following Meghan’s 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey. Though Serena publicly expressed unwavering support during that challenging period, insiders reveal that the constant spotlight on Meghan’s “royal drama” became a source of discomfort for Serena. The tennis superstar reportedly felt uneasy about being drawn into controversies that did not concern her directly, wanting instead to maintain focus on her own career and personal life.

The tension reportedly deepened when Meghan launched her podcast, Archetypes, inviting Serena as the first guest. Despite the initial excitement, Serena was reportedly disappointed that the episode centered heavily on Meghan’s narrative, leaving little room to highlight Serena’s own impressive achievements in tennis and beyond. This imbalance is said to have created a subtle distance between the two.

Despite this shift, the respect and history they share have not entirely vanished. Both women have expressed admiration for each other’s work in public forums, suggesting that while their friendship may have transformed, it has not completely fractured. Still, the conspicuous absence at Lake Como hints at a new chapter—one where priorities and boundaries are being renegotiated.

As both Meghan and Serena continue to navigate their high-profile lives, their evolving friendship serves as a reminder that even the strongest bonds must adapt to changing circumstances. For fans watching closely, the story of their relationship remains a poignant mix of sisterhood, ambition, and the challenges of balancing public and private worlds.