The Duchess of Sussex has been pictured holding hands with the wife of Netflix’s boss, just weeks after her high-profile split from the streaming giant.
The Sussexes attended a party hosted by Ted Sarandos, the chief executive of Netflix, where the Duchess was also seen in a close embrace with his wife, Nicole Avant.
Their friendship appears to have continued despite the apparent souring and eventual end of relations between Netflix and As Ever, Meghan’s lifestyle brand.
Last month, she split from the streaming platform to take “complete control” of As Ever, her domestic company selling jams, wine and flower sprinkles.
The break came just weeks after it emerged that Netflix had axed the Duchess’s show With Love, Meghan, after two series amid scathing reviews.
The Duchess of Sussex with Ted Sarandos, the chief executive of Netflix, at the Beef Season Two Tastemaker event – Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images
Despite this, both the Duke and Duchess were among the line-up in attendance at the Beef Season Two Tastemaker event in Montecito, California, on Friday evening.
They were joined by actor Orlando Bloom, singer Katy Perry, Justin Trudeau, Canada’s former prime minister, Riverdale star Charles Melton, and British actress Carey Mulligan.
Both Mr Sarandos and Ms Avant have previously praised the Duchess, with the former calling her “the rock star” last spring.
However, her relationship with the streaming platform has been rocky in recent years.
As Ever was launched last April in collaboration with Netflix, but has experienced a number of setbacks including stock regularly running out, leaving consumers disappointed.
The Duchess is also understood to have been frustrated by the “cautious” approach of Netflix and is keen to sell her products globally rather than just in the US.
A source previously told The Telegraph the decision to part with Netflix came because As Ever no longer needed Netflix’s money and the Duchess wanted to be able to “move quicker” without having to liaise with the company about decisions.
Both the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are understood to remain on good terms with Mr Sarandos. Their production company, Archewell Productions, maintains a “first look” deal with the company.
Last month, it was announced the couple would be producing a polo-themed television drama for the platform.
The as-yet untitled series, set in Wellington, Florida – where America’s national polo centre is based – will follow two rival teams and the families that run them.