He’s her best friend and was the main man in the Duchess of Sussex’s life – until Prince Harry came along.
And as the royal couple’s fairytale romance continues to falter, 37-year-old Meghan has been leaning on her good friend, Canadian-born consultant Markus Anderson, more than ever before.
But despite her resolve to keep Markus close, Prince Harry is seeing red.
Now royal watchers say their friendship is causing more turbulence in the royal marriage than ever before.
WATCH: Prince Harry mimics Meghan Markle. Post continues after the video…
Her rock
“Meghan and Markus have stayed super close even though she lives pretty far away now,” one royal insider tells Woman’s Day.
“They talk all the time over text and on the phone, and he’s been her rock, especially throughout all of the recent drama at the palace.
“It’s easy to see why she relies on him so much,” our source adds.
“They’ve been friends for so long – but Harry isn’t happy, and you really can’t blame him. Markus is a good-looking guy, and Meghan can’t bear to be apart from him. Any guy – even a prince – would be feeling a little insecure and jealous.”
Meghan befriended Markus in 2011 after moving to Toronto, Canada, where her hit show Suits was filmed.
And before she met 34-year-old Harry, Meghan and Markus went on a European getaway together. She would also regularly gush about him on social media.
Meghan is turning to Markus – and Harry’s seeing red. (Images: Getty)
“What would I do without you, my loving, supportive, and endlessly fun friend??” she once shared on Instagram.
“I know what… I would be bored, and life would be infinitely less interesting. I love you SO much. Happiest of days for you now and always. Love you.”
Markus works for trendy Soho House and got his start there as a waiter.
The 41-year-old is now their global membership director, helping to open new clubs around the world. He even set up a private meeting at Soho House for Meghan and her future husband to get to know each other.
“What would I do without you, my loving, supportive, and endlessly fun friend?” Meghan has mused of her bestie. (Images: Getty)
Pushing the envelope
But when Harry and Meghan wed in May last year, royal insiders say Harry expected Markus to take a back seat.
“He’s not normally the jealous type and he’s more than happy for Meghan to have male friends,” our source explains.
“But sometimes, especially recently, it feels like Meghan spends more time talking to Markus than she does to Harry. It’s not easy for him.”
Meghan’s reliance on Markus comes as her feud with Harry’s brother Prince William and his sister-in-law the Duchess of Cambridge reaches fever pitch.
The Queen has now stepped in to rein in Meghan’s unruly and unroyal behaviour.
Last week, with news Harry and William have split their households, it was revealed the Sussex’s employees will report directly to the Queen.
“Meghan likes to push the envelope,” one royal staffer explains.
“The feeling is that it’s good to have the Sussexes under the jurisdiction of Buckingham Palace, so they can’t just go off and do their own thing.”
Markus cuddles up to Meghan’s mother Doria at the Closing Ceremony for the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto. (Image: Getty)
While Meghan and Harry have announced a number of recently employed staffers, they’re yet to officially fill one very important role – a nanny to their soon-to-be-born child.
Now there are even rumours Meghan could rely on Markus to help care for their little one.
“She’s planning to be a hands-on mum but is going to need help, and she’d rather lean on a trusted friend and confidant than a stranger,” our source explains.
“No one would be surprised if she leans on Markus to help her in the early months as a new mum. He’d do anything for Meghan too, so he’d be more than happy to help out with babysitting when she and Harry have to attend royal events.”
“Harry can’t be pleased. This is supposed to be a special time for the two of them, and Markus is with or talking to Meghan every waking minute.”
The friends have stayed close despite living in different countries. (Image: Getty)
He’s no ninja nanny
If Markus does help look after Harry and Meghan’s little one, it’d be in stark contrast to William and Kate’s most trusted employee – nanny Maria Borrallo.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge hired Maria when their eldest son Prince George, five, was eight months old.
“Supernanny” Maria has been taking care of the Cambridge children since 2014. (Image: Getty)
She also takes care of his siblings, Princess Charlotte, three, and Prince Louis, 11 months.
She trained at the elite Norland College, where attendees are taught how to change nappies, cook, sew and clean, as well as practise first-aid and self-defence.
“Maria is the best of the best,” says an insider.
“Harry was under the impression they would hire someone similar. But Meghan is calling the shots now.”
