Birds of a feather, Meghan Markle and Chrissy Teigen bond over tea, knitting bracelets, resin necklaces, and working mom lives. In With Love, Meghan, their chemistry glimmered in spontaneity with a tinge of warmth enhanced by a pinch of scandals. But under that friendly veneer are stronger currents of loyalty and public life. To stand up for such a relationship is to invite examination, but Teigen steps up for her friend anyway.

One thing Teigen does not understand is why her close friend, the Duchess, has acquired a rather polarizing public image.

The defiant Duchess, who courts controversies like moths to the flame, has her group of close friends in her line of defense. One of them is Chrissy Teigen, who recently told PEOPLE that the hate Meghan Markle receives is a result of media overreading her behavior as they "hyperfocus into what they want to believe in" rather than seeing her truth. To Teigen, "it is insane... how polarizing she is for so many different people." She maintained, pushing back against fake narratives made by critics about Markle, whom she perceives as an honest, "incredibly strong" and "a kind, good person" who only wants the best for friends, family, and children.

In the interview with PEOPLE at Hello Sunshine's Shine Away event, Teigen also praised Markle's refusal to cower under scrutiny. She marveled at the positive mindset of the Duchess of Sussex, by which she lives her life happily and healthily. Despite this camaraderie, Markle's choice to feature her in an episode of her Netflix show elicited an instant backlash. However, their friendship prevailed. 

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Meghan Markle's bond with Chrissy Teigen was forged on loss and recovery; however, never shy of scandals. 

Meghan Markle and Chrissy Teigen first crossed paths in the early 2000s on Deal or No Deal. Cut to twenty years later, the duo reached out to each other for support and empathy following shared harrowing experiences of miscarriage. Their friendship deepened over time, though they remained completely private until Teigen celebrated Markle's brand American Riviera Orchard and its strawberry jam online. When the With Love, Meghan Season 2 teaser revealed Teigen as a guest, fans and critics alike expressed strong objections on social media.

Many criticized Mrkle for having Teigen on her show, contending it is contrary to her advocacy against online bullying. Critics called the show tone-deaf and accused it of hurting vulnerable people. However, the Duchess's camp stayed mum publicly, and representatives for Teigen did not comment either. Their friendship, though debated in the public eye, Teigen's support of Meghan Markle is an affirmation that some alliances are worthwhile.

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What are your opinions on Meghan Markle and Chrissy Teigen's friendship? Comment below.