Meghan Markle’s tribute to friend two years after his death

The Duchess of Sussex has made a surprise appearance via video link in London as she shared an emotional message to honour a friend.

Meghan Markle has paid tribute to her friend Oli Juste who died two years ago while opening a new wing of an animal charity named in honour of him.

The Duchess of Sussex appeared in London via video link where she spoke about the dog trainer’s sudden death in January 2022, which left family and friends heartbroken.

Meghan and Mr Juste, a renowned dog trainer and animal behaviourist, worked together at her former patronage and animal rescue organisation Mayhew Animal Home.

A video message from The Duchess of Sussex who has been a longtime Mayhew supporter. Picture: @themayhew

She stepped down from the role in 2022, one year after she and husband Prince Harry moved to California.

A photo shared on Harry and Meghan’s new website, which has been the subject of controversy because of the prominence of its royal branding, shows a beaming Duchess in a beige coat crouching down and petting a dog.

In the video message watched by Mr Juste’s friends and family, where the Oli Juste wing was unveiled in his name, Meghan said: “A heartfelt thank you to the wonderful team at Mayhew who have worked tirelessly to bring this dream to life.

“It was so important to find a way to celebrate Oli’s memory in a manner that he would have loved.

“Mayhew is a beacon of hope for those in need and a shining example of what can be achieved when we work together.”

A statement on Sussex.com recounted the Duchess’ bond with Mr Juste, saying: “They shared many things throughout their friendship, among which was a deep commitment to animal welfare and a love of rescue dogs.”

“The Oli Juste Wing is a testament to his unwavering love and commitment to our furry friends, and will improve the lives of countless animals, reminding us all of the power of compassion, connection, and care.”

At the time of Mr Juste’s death Meghan said it left her “heartbroken” and she made a donation via the Archewell Foundation which helped the new wing be built.

Her video message for the charity came just days after Harry reportedly told friends he wanted to step back into royal roles to support his father, King Charles III, while he undergoes treatment for cancer.

The Duke of Sussex, who is fifth in line to the throne, remains a counsellor of state but quit frontline royal life four years ago.

PRINCE WILLIAM HAS ‘BLOTTED PRINCE HARRY OUT OF HIS MIND’

Prince William has “blotted Harry out of his mind” and “no longer regards him as a person in his life”, claims a former BBC royal correspondent.

Prince Harry is reportedly ready to help the royals as King Charles undergoes treatment for cancer – but Buckingham Palace has shut down any notion of a temporary royal return for the exiled Duke.

According to a report in The Sun, Palace insiders insist the 2020 Megxit deal barring Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from a “half in, half out” hybrid royal role arrangement remains in place.

The Brothers in happier times in 2017. Picture: Getty Images

One said no offer had been made – while a source for the Sussexes insisted Prince Harry was not seeking a return.

But royal insider Jennie Bond has insisted that Prince William wouldn’t accept his brother back, as the trust has been broken after Prince Harry took swipes at the royals in his Spare memoir and a bombshell Oprah Winfrey interview.

“The bricks that have been thrown, the insults, the allegations, the accusations, the hurt, the pain, the rift is too deep now between William and Harry, I think,” she told The Times.

“I personally think William has more or less blotted Harry out of his mind, out of life, and is focused on his role, his family and what he has to do.

Prince William is said to remain particularly angry over the Sussexes’ repeated attacks on Princess Catherine. Picture: Getty Images

“And I think he regards Harry as a non-person, really, in his life, which is terribly sad.”

Bond said she doesn’t think there would be a chance of Prince Harry undertaking royal investitures in the UK and then flying back to his home base in California.

“How would William feel? William, steadfast William, who has loyally stood by his father, who has stepped up to the plate when necessary,” Bond said.

“William would feel profoundly hurt, aggrieved. So that’s not going to happen.

“There’s an element of not letting the little brother have his cake and eat it, isn’t there?

“I think that he sort of shut that door and that’s a kind of coping mechanism of sorts.”

King Charles spent just 30 minutes with Prince Harry when the LA-based royal flew to the UK to see him after the monarch’s cancer diagnosis. Picture: Getty Images

Bond claimed that Prince William has become even more protective over his family since Prince Harry’s attacks in Spare.

In his explosive memoir, Prince Harry claimed Princess Catherine made Meghan cry, “grimaced” when Meghan asked to borrow her lip gloss, and had a furious argument over comments about her hormones.

“There’s been so much kind of accusations towards him – but not just that, his wife as well.

“And I think that’s always been the line with William,” Bond said.

The royal brothers were said to be exceptionally close in childhood after the death of their mother. Picture: Supplied

“It’s like he’s got broad shoulders, but don’t come anywhere near criticising Kate, because she doesn’t deserve it.

“I think there’s been so much pain that he just has said, ‘I actually can’t handle that right now. I’ve got a heck of a lot on my plate. And now my wife has had this serious surgery, I can’t do it.’”

Bond said royal insiders didn’t see the rift between the two brothers happening.

“No, absolutely didn’t see this coming. And yes, we thought they were very, very supportive and protective of one another.”

It comes as Princess Catherine continues to recover from abdominal surgery.

The princess spent 13 days in a London hospital – and is now recuperating at the family’s Windsor home.

Meanwhile Prince Harry earlier this month flew thousands of kilometres from his California home to be by King Charles’ side following his cancer shock.

But he did not meet with his brother or sister-in-law following years of attacks.

The Duke of Sussex was said to have only spent 30 minutes with his father, staying in the UK for just 24 hours before flying back to the US.

Originally published as Meghan Markle’s tribute to friend two years after his death