The Scottish Mail on Sunday

MEGHAN’S MIRROR-IMAGE MINDER

No, you’re not seeing double! Meet the look-alike, dress-alike stylist who is now inseparabl­e from Harry’s girl

- by Charlotte Griffiths

HE’S FAMOUS as a party animal and, presumably, is no stranger to seeing double. But even Prince Harry might sometimes need a second glance when out on the town with his new love, American actress Meghan Markle.

Whether she’s on the beach, the slopes, the red carpet or at a yoga workout, Meghan, 35, is rarely far from her stylist, confidante, soul mate – and look-alike – Jessica Mulroney, the socialite daughterin-law of former Canadian prime minister Brian Mulroney.

The pair met after Meghan moved to Toronto to film the TV series Suits.

It is believed that Meghan employed Jessica, 36, as a fashion stylist three years ago after the actress shot to fame as ambitious paralegal Rachel Zane in the legal drama. And Jessica, who bears a startling resemblanc­e to Ms Markle, has been credited with reinventin­g the star, transformi­ng her wardrobe, polishing her style and introducin­g her to the wealthy, fashionabl­e and well-connected young crowd in Canadian high society.

Jessica has become the actress’s essential Girl Friday, advising her on what to wear and where to be seen.

Some have even remarked that the two women now appear to have become almost indistingu­ishable, with similar facial features, long dark hair and close to identical dress sense.

Jessica first came to the public’s attention in November 2015 after she styled Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, wife of current Canadian premier Justin Trudeau. It was an appointmen­t that raised eyebrows in Canada because of the political rivalry between Jessica’s father-inlaw and Justin Trudeau’s father, Pierre, another ex-prime minister.

But these days she is most often seen alongside Meghan. The two women love drinking expensive wine (Meghan called her website The Tig after her favourite Tignanello ‘super Tuscan’ red) and socialisin­g. They also enjoy yoga and Pilates.

Friends say Meghan has been transforme­d since meeting Jessica.

A decade ago the actress was a humble ‘briefcase girl’ on the American version of the TV quiz show Deal Or No Deal. Now she has been refined and polished into a sophistica­ted socialite worthy of a politician – or even or a prince.

With an eye to the future, Meghan might also have noticed that Jessica also has a sideline in styling society weddings – she will know, of course, that the scope for prettifyin­g what would be a major British State occasion is strictly limited.

And, as our pictures show, if such an occasion were to take place, Prince Harry would do well to do a double-take – to make sure he’s marrying the bride and not the maid of honour.

‘They have become almost indistingu­ishable’

 ??  ?? SHAPING UP Jessica has taught me everything I know about posing. You should see my downward dog! TWO BLUE Glossy locks, an enigmatic pout and hips thrust forward in a svelte sapphire frock. Meghan and Jessica, far right, nail the demure look.
SHAPING UP Jessica has taught me everything I know about posing. You should see my downward dog! TWO BLUE Glossy locks, an enigmatic pout and hips thrust forward in a svelte sapphire frock. Meghan and Jessica, far right, nail the demure look.
 ??  ?? CLOSE: The pair embrace in a snap on Jessica’s Instagram account
CLOSE: The pair embrace in a snap on Jessica’s Instagram account
 ??  ?? CLOSE KNIT IT’S A LACE-OFF... LADIES IN RED A TIGHT CALL It may look like my nan knitted it. But Jessica says it’s cool. Did we come out in the same dress again? Oops! Jessica said dress to impress – and this scarlet gown helped to bag me a...
CLOSE KNIT IT’S A LACE-OFF... LADIES IN RED A TIGHT CALL It may look like my nan knitted it. But Jessica says it’s cool. Did we come out in the same dress again? Oops! Jessica said dress to impress – and this scarlet gown helped to bag me a...

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