Meghan Markle Makes Quick Exit from Star Studded Bookstore Opening for Kids Archie and Lilibet

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were surrounded by a host of celebrities at the grand opening of a new bookstore in their Montecito neighborhood on Saturday, September 7. However, despite the star-studded event, the Duchess of Sussex made a swift exit, citing her responsibilities as a mother as her reason for leaving early.

“Wasn’t that incredible?” Meghan, 43, remarked while hurriedly leaving the event, according to Town & Country. “I’ve got to make dinner for the kids.” Her quick departure came as no surprise, as she was referring to her and Prince Harry’s two young children, Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3.

The grand opening of the Godmothers bookstore, located close to the couple’s Montecito home, was a meaningful event for the Sussexes. Meghan and Harry had a direct connection to the shop through their friendship with one of the owners, Victoria Jackson.

Since moving to California in 2020, the couple has cultivated a close relationship with Jackson, and their support of the bookstore’s launch highlighted their continued efforts to build community ties in their new life away from royal duties.

Before leaving, Meghan took the opportunity to address attendees, sharing a heartfelt moment from her life. She reflected on a personal story from 2019, recounting how she made a quiet trip to New York to watch her close friend Serena Williams compete at the U.S. Open.

“For me, sneaking to New York five years ago was a really big deal. I was still so uncomfortable being out in the world,” Meghan admitted, adding that she found solace in a bookstore during that time. “The safety of what I was craving, I knew I could find in a bookstore,” she said.

Meghan’s appearance at the bookstore was just one of the many moments that she and Harry have shared with the public in recent months. Despite their high-profile life, the couple has consistently shown their dedication to their family, particularly their two young children. The Duchess’ quick exit to care for Archie and Lilibet only reaffirmed her commitment to motherhood, despite her ongoing public engagements.

The Godmothers bookstore event drew a number of prominent figures from the entertainment industry. Jane Lynch, Ellen DeGeneres, and Portia de Rossi were among the A-list attendees spotted mingling with the Sussexes.

In addition, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos and his wife, Nicole Avant, were present to show their support for the bookstore’s opening. It was a significant gathering, with the Sussexes at the heart of the celebration, despite Harry’s absence from the red carpet.

Victoria Jackson, one of the bookstore’s co-owners, expressed her gratitude for Meghan and Harry’s involvement in the store’s opening. “Seeing them be able to come here and be in a safe space is what we want it to be,” Jackson shared with Town & Country. She went on to describe the couple’s support of the bookstore as “pretty extraordinary,” adding that their contribution had made a lasting impact.

The opening of the bookstore wasn’t the only recent public appearance for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Just days before the event, Meghan and Harry returned from a four-day trip to Colombia, where they accompanied Vice President Francia Márquez to various events.

The couple’s trip was in support of their new Archewell Foundation initiative, The Parents Network, which focuses on promoting safety and well-being in the digital age, particularly for parents and their children.

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Meghan and Harry’s involvement in social causes and their ongoing philanthropic work have kept them in the public eye this year, even as they balance family life. In the weeks leading up to Harry’s 40th birthday, the couple’s schedule has remained packed.

According to Us Weekly, Harry is set to celebrate his milestone birthday on Sunday, September 15, with a low-key gathering at the couple’s $14 million Montecito home. The intimate party will precede a planned mountain getaway with a close group of Harry’s friends.

A source close to the Sussexes told Us Weekly that Harry is keeping his circle small for personal reasons. “He has a small [group] of close friends in the U.S.,” the insider explained, emphasizing that Harry has remained cautious about whom he trusts since relocating to California. “The way he views it, his wife and kids are his priority. If that means making sure they’re safe and happy in Montecito, then he supports that,” the source added.

Despite their fame and the constant public attention on their lives, Harry and Meghan have clearly prioritized their children and their privacy. Meghan’s decision to leave the high-profile bookstore event early to be with her kids further highlights the couple’s dedication to balancing their public commitments with their family responsibilities.

The bookstore’s opening marked yet another milestone for the couple, who continue to shape their life in California. Their friendship with Jackson and their involvement in the local community further illustrate their commitment to their new home. As they juggle the demands of public life, philanthropic projects, and family, Meghan and Harry are clearly focused on creating a safe and supportive environment for their children.