Meghan Markle’s Close Friend and Soho House Director: Who is Marcus Anderson?

Marcus Anderson, a Soho House director, has been a close friend of Meghan Markle for years.

He was part of the exclusive A-list guest list who attended Meghan's lavish £350,000 New York baby shower, and he was by her side at her first public appearance with Harry at the Invictus Games in 2017.

But what do we know about the Soho House director, and what key role does he play in Meghan's life at the palace?

Anderson first met the star back in 2001 when she had arrived in Toronto from LA to start filming the first series of hit TV legal drama Suits.

Well-connected Anderson had been tasked with setting up Soho House in Toronto at the time, and was quickly rising in the ranks to land himself a network of celebrity friends.

Although he's originally from Ontario, a town 90 miles north of Toronto, he had moved to London at the age of 18.

He worked as a waiter at the elite member's only Soho House in the city, and quickly found himself taken under the wing of founder Nick Jones, who sent him to Toronto to open the latest branch.

Meghan and Anderson quickly became close pals, with the actress gushing on her now-defunct website The Tig about their bond.

She wrote, “What would I do without you, my loving, supportive, and endlessly fun friend?

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 x.”

According to a Soho House source, Anderson was instrumental in introducing Meghan to a host of rich and powerful people, long before Prince Harry arrived on the scene.

This clientele included her close friends George and Amal Clooney and also her best friend and stylist Jessica Mulroney, who was in the bridal party at the royal wedding last May.

When Meghan's first marriage to film producer Trevor Engelson broke down, Anderson was a shoulder to cry on, and set her up on a string of dates with eligible men.

While he isn't said to be responsible for pairing Meghan with Prince Harry, he did help the romance to blossom.

Anderson is said to have pulled some strings and arranged for the lovebirds to meet secretly in private rooms at his club in Toronto.

He also made similar arrangements in London and sorted out a romantic stay at Babington House in Somerset, which is run by Soho House.

Meghan made her first appearance on the world stage as Prince Harry's girlfriend at the Invictus Games in 2011, and Anderson was prominently sat directly next to the star for the event.

As the star transitioned into royal life, Anderson has been described as instrumental in helping to guide her and has been labelled a close confidant.

A source told the Evening Standard, “Anderson is someone who can meet anyone, be it royalty or a receptionist and he makes everyone feel special.

He is brilliantly connected, utterly charming and very discreet.

I've tried talking to him about Meghan and all that happens is a big smile crosses his face.

He is completely loyal to her, a keeper of the secrets.”

Recently, there have been rumors that the Duchess of Sussex has been keen on bringing Prince Harry and Archie to the United States so she could continue living her celebrity life.

Markle has been adamant about relocating to America because she would have more power there.

However, it's unclear how much truth there is to these rumors.

In any case, Anderson remains a close friend of Meghan's.

He was reportedly one of the few people who knew about her secret visit to New York City for her baby shower, and he has been seen with her at various events since she became a royal.

In conclusion, Anderson has played a key role in Meghan's life, both before and after she became a member of the royal family.

He has been a close confidant and has helped her to navigate the world of celebrity and royalty.