Chrissy Teigen opened up about her close friendship with Meghan Markle, calling her a “kind, good person” who just wants the best for her family and friends, despite the public’s polarized views.

In an exclusive conversation with People, Chrissy Teigen offered a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into her deep friendship with Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, revealing what their bond means to her and addressing the polarized views surrounding her famous friend.

The 39-year-old model and television personality, who attended the Shine Away event on October 11 to promote type 1 diabetes (T1D) awareness, shared heartfelt insights into their relationship, emphasizing the kindness and authenticity she believes define Meghan’s character.

“I really adore her,” Teigen said with warmth when speaking about Meghan. “I think she is incredibly strong. She really is a kind, good person who wants the best for everyone around her, especially her family and friends.”

Teigen’s words come as no surprise, given the two women’s shared experiences in the spotlight, but they hold particular weight as they delve into a friendship that has often been subject to public scrutiny.

Teigen, who made a guest appearance on Meghan’s Netflix series With Love, Meghan, reflected on the unexpected ways their lives have intertwined, despite the stark contrasts between their personal journeys. “It’s insane to me how polarizing she is for so many different people.

She’s just living her life. She’s not trying to make a statement, not trying to be anything other than herself,” Teigen continued. “But people have come up with all these different things about what she should be, who she should be, and why. It’s not that complicated.”

While the public has dissected Meghan’s every move—from her departure from royal life to her outspoken advocacy on social issues—Teigen sees a woman who is grounded in simplicity and authenticity.

“She’s just someone who cares deeply about her family, her friends, and her community,” Teigen explained. “She doesn’t do things for public perception. She doesn’t live for what other people think.”

Teigen and Meghan’s friendship is often scrutinized through the lens of the media, which has presented a variety of narratives about the Duchess—some supportive, others harshly critical.

Despite the negative attention Meghan has received over the years, Teigen remains steadfast in her admiration for her friend, dismissing the notion that Meghan is anything less than genuine.

“People are always going to read into what they want to read into,” Teigen said.

“They’re going to hyperfocus on what they want to believe, but it doesn’t change the fact that Meghan’s a kind person. She’s just living her life. She’s happy, she’s healthy, and that’s all that matters to her.”

In fact, Teigen credits Meghan’s grounded approach to life as one of the reasons their bond has remained so strong.

“I think it’s really cool that Meghan is like, ‘Listen, say whatever you want. I’m happy, and I feel good,’” Teigen said. “She doesn’t let the noise distract her. And that’s something I really respect about her.”

Their friendship has remained intact despite the pressures both women face in the public eye. “We’ve become close over time, and I’m proud of the way she handles everything,” Teigen said. “She’s incredibly resilient, and I’m so grateful to have her in my life.”

When asked whether their children have had the chance to bond with each other, Teigen gave a lighthearted but honest answer.

With four children of her own—Luna, 9, Miles, 7, Esti, 2, and Wren, 2—Teigen joked that she’s not exactly the most social when it comes to scheduling playdates.

“I don’t leave the house,” Teigen quipped, laughing. “I try to do everything, from photo shoots to everything else, right here at home. I’m not joking—I’m a homebody.”

Still, she didn’t rule out the possibility of the two families getting together in the future. “But if the time comes up, absolutely,” Teigen said. “It would be so much fun to have the kids hang out. But for now, I’m just enjoying my quiet moments at home.”

Meghan and her husband, Prince Harry, are parents to two children: Archie, 6, and Lilibet, 4.

Despite the geographical distance between the two families—Meghan and Harry now live in Montecito, California, while Teigen and her husband, singer John Legend, reside in Los Angeles—the two women share a bond that transcends their busy lives and the media circus that surrounds them.

Beyond her personal connections, Teigen is also using her platform to advocate for causes close to her heart.

At the Shine Away event, she spoke passionately about the importance of type 1 diabetes (T1D) screening, a cause she became involved with after her son Miles was diagnosed with the disease.

“We’re so lucky to have had Sanofi engage us in raising awareness about early screening for T1D,” Teigen explained. “It’s been such a learning experience for us. We had so many questions, and there were moments when we felt really scared and nervous.”

Teigen’s son, Miles, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was young, a shocking and frightening experience for the family. “When Miles was first diagnosed, we were really scared.

I probably played it cool because I’m used to chaotic things happening, but I had no idea how much I would have to learn so quickly,” she said.

“It was overwhelming, and we didn’t have a lot of resources at the time. Being able to talk about early detection and screening means a lot to me because I know how much it would have helped us to have a few extra months or weeks of preparation.”

Through her involvement with the Screen For Type 1 campaign, Teigen is helping other families navigate the complexities of early detection and advocacy.

“It would have been so helpful to have the community support and knowledge that we have now, right from the start. If we’d had those tips and resources earlier, it would have made a huge difference.”

Teigen’s advocacy extends beyond diabetes awareness—she’s also dedicated to fostering a supportive community for families facing similar health challenges.

“The biggest thing I’ve learned is that it’s not just about early detection, but also about finding the right support system,” she said. “We’ve been so lucky to have people who genuinely care about helping us through this, and we want to make sure others know they’re not alone.”

Her openness about her own struggles with her son’s diagnosis is a reminder of the power of community and the importance of reaching out for support when it’s needed most.

“When you’re thrown into something you don’t understand, having people to guide you, people who have been through it, can make all the difference,” Teigen said. “We’re lucky to be part of a network that’s helping others, too.”

As she continues her advocacy work, Teigen is also focused on her family, her friendships, and the simple joys of life at home.

And for Meghan, despite the public scrutiny she faces, Teigen remains a steadfast source of support. “She’s just a wonderful person,” Teigen said of her friend. “I’m so proud of her, and I’m lucky to know her.”