Duchess of Sussex's Mahjong Night Unveiled: Inside Meghan’s Elite ‘Maj Squad’ Gatherings

ROYAL ROMP: MEGHAN MARKLE ENJOYS GAME NIGHT WITH "MAJ SQUAD"

The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, 44, is giving her fans a glimpse into her private life as she shares behind-the-scenes moments from her recent game night with friends. The mother-of-two took to her Instagram Story to post adorable snaps of her playing mahjong on Monday, surrounded by the ladies who are part of her exclusive "Maj Squad."

The strategy board game is believed to have originated in 19th-century China and requires skill, strategy, and a dash of luck. Sources close to Meghan reveal that she was joined by her friends Tracy Robbins, Victoria Jackson, and Jennifer Rudolph Walsh for an evening of fun and games.

"Mahjong night with my favorite squad," Meghan captioned one of the photos on her Story. "No tacos, ceviche, or cocktails this time around, but still a blast!"

The Duchess's love affair with mahjong was also revealed in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE Magazine earlier this year. Close friend Vicky Tsai, founder of Tatcha skincare, gushed about Meghan's passion for the game, saying: "She's really creative and curious... She enjoys things that you wouldn't expect - like mahjong."

But Meghan isn't just a fan of strategy games; she and her husband Prince Harry are also avid pickleball enthusiasts. The popular paddle sport combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong and requires quick reflexes and teamwork.

Vicky Tsai, who has been friends with the Duchess for years, revealed that Meghan is constantly trying to convince her to join their weekly mahjong group. "And she and Harry are pretty passionate about pickleball," she added. "They are trying to convince me to join the group!"

A GLIMPSE INTO THE $14M MANSION

In a separate post on Friday, Meghan gave fans a rare glimpse into her stunning California home in Montecito. The 44-year-old mother-of-two shared a clip on her Instagram Story showcasing an elegant floral arrangement and her adorable beagle, Mia, sleeping on a plush cream armchair and matching cushioned footstool.

The eye-catching flowers were placed in a white stone vase adorned with the logo from Meghan's lifestyle brand, As Ever. But what fans may not know is that the vase was actually created for the set of Meghan's Netflix show "With Love, Meghan" and is a one-of-a-kind piece. Despite rumors of an upcoming home goods collection, sources close to the Duchess confirm that there are no plans to launch a new range of products.

However, the subtle hint at expanding her brand into home goods and fashion was not the only hidden detail in Meghan's post. The garden roses in her As Ever vase were wrapped in Queen Anne's lace, which is a nod to the royal family. "Delphinium, Nigella, Veronica - meet As ever," Meghan wrote on her Story. "With garden roses and Queen Anne's lace (and a very sleepy Mia). Looking lovely, ladies."

A ROYAL GESTURE

The Duchess's cozy living room also featured a stunning $2,000 Hermès throw, which added to the opulent atmosphere of the space. Behind the comfortable armchair set-up, a stylish patio could be glimpsed by fans - complete with a chic outdoor chair and table and a canopy of greenery.

This week, it was revealed that Meghan and Prince Harry are heading to New York City next month, where they will accept an award for their mental health advocacy. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been given the Project Healthy Minds' Humanitarians of the Year Award in recognition of their campaigns to make the online world a safer place for families and young people.

KELLY MCKEE ZAJFEN DEFENDS THE DUCHESS

In an Instagram Q&A session with her followers last night, Kelly McKee Zajfen, Meghan's best friend, shared some gushing praise about the Duchess. "I've actually known her for almost 20 years," Kelly revealed. "She even came to my wedding (15 years ago) and she's been the most amazing, nurturing, fun, loving human."

Kelly also highlighted their close friendship over many years, writing: "She's been by my side especially since Georgie died and I cherish our friendship very much." Meghan has long supported her friend Kelly, who was bereaved in 2022 when her son George died suddenly at the age of nine after contracting a viral illness.

STASSI SCHROEDER'S CHANGE OF HEART

But not everyone is singing Meghan's praises. Reality TV star Stassi Schroeder recently turned against the Duchess after being left off the list for receiving PR gifts from Meghan's lifestyle brand, As Ever. Talking on podcast The One Where Stassi Is Still Drunk w/ Taylor Strecker, released September 10, Stassi explained how she was furious about being overlooked.

"I literally defended her when no one else did," Stassi said via Us. "I think that she is stuck in 2017 and she just thinks I'm a lowly reality TV person, and I am furious, and this is the last straw." The television personality, podcaster, and author added: "I'm not watching her show anymore, I'm not going to talk about her anymore. I'm going to unfollow her right now."

It seems that Meghan's popularity with influencers has been dwindling of late. But one thing is certain - the Duchess is still living her best life, whether it's playing mahjong or enjoying quality time with her family.

TODAY'S TOP STORIES

• Meghan Markle enjoys game night with "Maj Squad" at her California home
• The Duchess shares behind-the-scenes moments from her recent mahjong night on Instagram Story
• Kelly McKee Zajfen defends the Duchess, saying she's been a supportive friend for over 20 years
• Stassi Schroeder turns against Meghan Markle after being left off As Ever's PR list

Sources:

People Magazine The Scholarly Note