Meghan Markle's friendship group includes Hollywood stars Priyanka Chopra and George Clooney, elite athlete Serena Williams and stylist Jessica Mulroney.
But among this group is a more low-key figure who was spotted arm-in-arm with Markle on her New York baby shower trip this week.
Markus Anderson, a consultant for elite members-only club Soho House, keeps a relatively low profile (his Instagram account is private) and has been a friend of the Duchess for years, from their early hangouts in Toronto when Markle was filming Suits through to her new life as a member of the British Royal Family.
Anderson, who is reportedly responsible for introducing her to some of her closest friends as well as the Sussex’s new press chief Sara Latham, is one of the most well connected individuals in the world. And it appears that many value him for his discretion, as a spokesperson for Soho House told the Daily Mail, "He never comments."
But who exactly is the man and how does he fit into Meghan's life?
Who is Markus Anderson?
Markus Anderson is a Canadian native and consultant who has been dubbed the “King of Soho House”. Anderson's day job involves working on the launches of various Soho House branches across the world.
He explained the nature of the role to Coveteur, saying "When Soho House decides to open in a new city, I’m one of the first people sent out to get to know the city, the creatives that live there, and determine who we want to involve in the House. Also, during events such as the TIFF or Art Basel Miami, where we have a substantial amount of members involved, I work with a team to put together and host pop-up events.”
Anderson reportedly started out at London’s Soho House as a waiter, before climbing up the ranks. Beyond Meghan Markle, he also counts designer Christopher Kane, Alexa Chung and Jamie Dornan as friends.
It is also said he introduced Meghan to some of best friends including Amal and George Clooney and her reported stylist Jessica Mulroney.
Anderson is also said to be responsible for connecting Meghan and Harry to Sara Latham, their new press chief who has previously worked with the likes of Bill and Hillary Clinton. A source described Anderson as “great fun, very witty and amusing”, continuing that, “He knows everyone. He’s utterly discreet.”
They added, “He and Sara [Latham] are amazing people for Meghan to have on her team. Between them they know everyone in the world of politics and show business on both sides of the Atlantic. If Meghan and Harry are looking to become a global brand with their philanthropy, they could not have chosen two better people to guide them.”
Anderson, who helped reportedly helped manage media when Meghan Markle was in New York for her baby shower, is said to be “very protective” of her - hence his recommendation of Latham. The source continued, “When Meghan started getting negative press, it was natural that he would want her to find the best representation. And Sara is the best.”
The Daily Mail claimed that Meghan was with Anderson on his 40th birthday, which Soho House celebrated with a custom-made bottle of rosé called Lady A.
According to a press release, Lady A is “an old nickname [Soho House founder] Nick Jones used for Markus Anderson, one of our longest-standing team members”. The butterfly bottle was made by another of Anderson’s close friends, artist Damien Hirst who “knows Markus as a social butterfly”.
How does he know Meghan Markle?
Anderson met Meghan Markle in 2012 when he returned to his home in Toronto, where the future Duchess was living and filming Suits. According to People the pair were “close friends for years", with Anderson regularly featuring on Meghan Markle’s (now defunct) Instagram account.
He later said of his move to Toronto, “Setting up the Soho House here, I have to say I’ve met the most amazing group of people that are doing incredibly creative things.”
Markle once wrote of Anderson on her Instagram account, “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 xx.”
Anderson even joined Markle at the Invictus Games in 2017, her first official public appearance with Prince Harry. While her future husband spent the opening ceremony talking to politicians including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Meghan and Anderson were seated together further back.
It appears that Anderson is also close to Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland, who was also at the event. Anderson was photographed with his arm around the yoga instructor in a private viewing box alongside Meghan and Harry, watching the sports tournament unfold.
Did he introduce Meghan Markle and Prince Harry?
In their official engagement interview with BBC, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry both hinted that they had been set up by a friend. Speculation over who this matchmaker was has largely focused on two names: Anderson and fashion designer Misha Nonoo.
Given that Nonoo and Anderson are also friends (they were seen travelling as a trio with Markle to Spain in 2016), the set-up could have been a joint effort. But it seems more likely that Nonoo was responsible, since Meghan let slip during the interview that the matchmaker was a woman.
Harry said “We were introduced by a mutual friend", after which Meghan chimed in, “We should protect her privacy and not reveal too much of that.”
Given Nonoo’s ex-husband happens to be Alexander Gilkes - one of Prince Harry’s close friends - it seems likely that Nonoo was the connection. Though Anderson appeared to have a hand in their relationship, as Meghan and Harry reportedly chose Soho Houses around the world to carry out their date nights. They reportedly spent "a secret weekend away at Soho Farmhouse" and attended a Halloween party together in Toronto's Soho House in 2017.
Did he go to Meghan Markle’s wedding?
He did. The Soho House consultant attended the wedding accompanied by a woman named Izzy May.
Did he go to Meghan Markle’s not-so-secret baby shower?
The Duchess of Sussex snuck off to New York this week for a baby shower which a source speaking to Harper’s Bazaar described as “five nights of rest, shopping and good food with some her closest and most loyal pals”. A number of outlets reported that Meghan’s friend Jessica Mulroney had planned the baby shower for around 15 people at New York Hotel The Mark.
It’s not currently known if Anderson joined the party, but he definitely saw Meghan that day. Later that evening, the Duchess was photographed heading to dinner at Ralph Lauren’s luxe Polo Club bar and restaurant (above).
