In 2019, while serving as a senior member of the British Royal Family, Meghan Markle, wife of Prince Harry, embarked on a secret trip to New York City. This clandestine visit was driven by a desire for “safety” and a respite from the relentless media attention that came with her royal title. The Duchess of Sussex went incognito, donning a hat and keeping a low profile as she ventured out to watch Serena Williams compete in the US Open.
This anecdote, shared by Markle herself during the recent opening of the Montecito bookstore, Godmothers, offered a glimpse into the Duchess’s longing for normalcy and a sense of privacy. “For me, sneaking to New York five years ago was a really big deal,” she shared, recounting how she sought refuge in a bookstore, finding comfort in its quiet ambiance. “I was still so uncomfortable being out in the world. The safety of what I was craving, I knew I could find in a bookstore,” she explained.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down from their senior royal roles in January 2020, relocating to California with their two children. They have since relinquished their official residence in the UK, embracing a new chapter in their lives.
The recent opening of Godmothers, a community bookstore founded by literary agent Jennifer Rudolph Walsh and entrepreneur Victoria Jackson, attracted a star-studded crowd. In addition to Meghan and Harry, the event was graced by Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, Portia de Rossi, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos, Jane Lynch, and others. The name “Godmothers” was coined by Harry himself during the book party for his memoir, “Spare.” He acknowledged the unwavering support he received from Winfrey, Jackson, and Walsh, affectionately dubbing them his “fairy godmothers.”
Godmothers boasts an “Our Local Authors” display, featuring Harry’s memoir and Markle’s children’s book, “The Bench,” alongside titles from Rob Lowe, Cameron Diaz, Winfrey, DeGeneres, and other notable authors. Nestled in the heart of Montecito, a haven for A-list celebrities including Ariana Grande, Jennifer Aniston, Adam Levine, and Gwyneth Paltrow, Godmothers promises to be a vibrant hub for book lovers and a testament to the power of community and shared passions.
