Meghan Markle was recently involved in a secret getaway at the exclusive Soho House, a retreat that was exposed by billionaire Ron Burkle, according to reports.
Sources revealed that earlier this month, Markle was seen enjoying a luxurious day aboard Burkle's superyacht, off the stunning coast of Italy. Ron Burkle, a billionaire venture capitalist and a longtime friend of the Clintons, owns the 213-ton yacht Limitless, which features eight guest cabins, a gym, a hot tub, and other luxurious amenities. On July 30th, Meghan was reportedly spotted boarding the yacht at the Portofino harbor, accompanied by her security guard and a close friend from her acting days.
She appeared relaxed, dressed in a chic white sundress and sunglasses, as she boarded the vessel. Also present on the yacht that day were Burkle himself, his assistant, and the yacht’s captain. The group sailed along the picturesque Italian Riviera, indulging in a leisurely day away from the public eye.
Eyewitnesses shared that the yacht anchored off a secluded private beach, where Meghan was seen sunbathing and reading a book in peace. Later that afternoon, the Limitless dropped anchor near Paraggi, an exclusive beachfront community frequented by the world's elite. It was here that things took an unexpected turn. While the group was enjoying drinks on the top deck, an Australian paparazzi photographer, equipped with a powerful zoom lens, managed to spot Meghan from the shore. He quickly snapped several photos of the Duchess, capturing her lounging in her sunglasses and sundress on the yacht—without any other members of the royal family or representatives in sight.
As word of Meghan’s presence on the yacht began to spread, the media became increasingly curious, eager to report on any potential royal drama. Interestingly, rather than attempting to deny or downplay the situation, Ron Burkle allegedly took advantage of the opportunity. According to insiders, Burkle discreetly started shopping the photos and information about Meghan’s yacht trip to select media outlets. Reports suggest he negotiated fees as high as $25,000 for some images and eyewitness accounts of their luxurious day at sea. All the while, Meghan was unaware that her billionaire friend was leaking details of her Italian retreat. By the next morning, headlines emerged, featuring zoomed-in photos of Meghan on the superyacht, confirming her identity as the mystery woman spotted aboard.
Meghan was reportedly shocked when the news broke, realizing that Burkle had betrayed her by exposing her private getaway. She had been hoping to enjoy a quiet day out of the spotlight, particularly after the birth of her daughter Lilibet. Instead, her low-key escape became headline news. Sources say that Meghan immediately canceled further plans to meet with Burkle and ended her time on the yacht earlier than intended. What was once a close friendship between Meghan and Burkle is now said to be severely damaged, as Meghan feels deeply betrayed by his actions.
This situation raises several intriguing questions. First and foremost, why would Ron Burkle risk exposing Meghan in such a manner? Some speculate that Burkle was motivated by financial gain, as images of high-profile figures like the Duchess of Sussex on a luxurious vacation can easily fetch five or six-figure sums from media outlets. Others suggest that Burkle may have sought the publicity that such a high-profile connection could bring to him and his yacht. Additionally, there is speculation about Burkle’s political connections, particularly his long-standing friendship with the Clintons, to whom he has donated millions over the years. Some insiders theorize that by leaking details of Meghan's trip, Burkle might have been sending a subtle message, perhaps in response to the backlash Meghan and Prince Harry faced for their foray into U.S. politics last year, a move seen by some as a breach of traditional royal neutrality.
Another question lingering in the aftermath is why Meghan agreed to such a trip in the first place. Given the intense media scrutiny surrounding her every move, the decision to take an unannounced trip abroad, especially so soon after the birth of her daughter, seems risky. Some believe Meghan is still adjusting to life outside the royal family, learning to navigate the constant attention and pressures of her public profile. Others speculate that she may have simply let her guard down, trusting Burkle as a friend, only to be blindsided by his betrayal.
The nature of Meghan’s friendship with Burkle is also called into question. While they have crossed paths at various political and charitable events over the years, the true depth of their relationship remains unclear. Were they genuinely close friends, or was Burkle merely using Meghan for access to high-profile connections and photo opportunities? If the latter is true, Burkle’s decision to sell her out in Italy seems all the more calculated, prioritizing financial gain over personal loyalty.
In the end, Meghan Markle believed she was enjoying a discreet and peaceful day aboard a billionaire’s yacht, away from the public eye. Little did she know, her host had other plans, choosing to profit from the attention her presence would bring. This incident has not only thrust Meghan back into the spotlight but has also cast a shadow over her once-close relationship with Ron Burkle, leaving many to wonder about his true motives.
