Meghan Markle Strikes Up Unlikely Friendship With Spice Girl Geri Horner Ahead of U.K. Return

Meghan Markle has found an unlikely new British ally in Spice Girl Geri Horner ahead of her move back to England, according to new claims.

RadarOnline.com can reveal the Duchess of Sussex, 44, and husband Prince Harry, 41, have struck up a close friendship with the singer, 54, and her F1 boss husband Christian Horner, 52, who live in the Cotswolds, a sought-after area the Sussexes are rumored to basing themselves once they return to the U.K.

According to the Daily Mail, the couples have discussed what life in the U.K. looks like.

A source said: "Meghan and Geri in particular have become increasingly friendly and have been in ever more regular contact in recent weeks."

"Christian has also had a number of conversations with Harry. They are friends."

The source added, "Geri is absolutely buzzing about the relationship – and she's loving being involved from the inside in their return to U.K.," while her husband "is a bit more circumspect – less overawed."

"But both of them are aware that the Sussexes will be relaunching themselves socially in a matter of days and they see themselves as potentially a key part of this new friendship group," the source shared.

The two couples have mutual friends in common, including Princess Eugenie with whom Harry has long been close — and whom Geri has reportedly become friendly with.

The Sussexes are also believed to have stayed in the Cotswolds during their recent trip to the U.K.

They already have strong links with the area having lived in a rented $3.4million farmhouse in the area in 2018 – only moving away after the location of their house was revealed.

As Radar previously reported, Harry and Meghan’s planned return to Britain has triggered backlash over the prospect of taxpayers potentially facing a security bill if the Sussex family receives extensive protection.

The family is expected to relocate later this month to a private, non-royal residence believed to be outside London.

Critics argue that providing round-the-clock protection could cost millions annually.

The controversy intensified after the Home Office responded to reports about the Sussexes' impending return by emphasizing the strength of Britain's system for protecting prominent individuals.

"The U.K. Government's protective security system is rigorous and proportionate," the U.K.'s Home Office said. "It is our long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on those arrangements, as doing so could compromise their integrity and affect individuals' security."

The statement does not confirm Harry, Markle or their children will receive taxpayer-funded police protection, nor does it disclose what arrangements could be implemented following their reported relocation.

However, a well-placed U.K. government source claimed to Radar: "There will be genuine fury if Harry and Meghan return to Britain as private individuals and the public suddenly discovers it is expected to pick up a security bill potentially running into millions of pounds every year."