For Meghan Markle and Prince Harry — or any royal, really — navigating controversy comes with the territory. Over time, the couple has cultivated a trusted circle of friends, a group that seems to expand or contract depending on the public’s ever-changing view of the Sussexes. But now, the dynamic has flipped, with the Sussexes offering support to one of their A-list neighbors facing a career crossroads: Katy Perry.
Perry is stranger to pressure, having spent nearly two decades in the spotlight, but 2024 was a rough one for the pop star. Critics dragged her decision to work with Dr. Luke on her latest album, 143, a project further overshadowed by a completely out-of-touch music video for “Women’s World” that left even die-hard fans unimpressed. Add tepid album sales and struggles to fill massive arenas in certain cities, and it’s clear her career is in an unexpected slump.
To make matters worse, her tour — which is designed to promote the album — is floundering in certain markets. One show in Minneapolis has reportedly sold just 30% of its seats, while other dates in Denver, Raleigh, and even Los Angeles are seeing similarly underwhelming numbers.
“Her last tour in 2017 sold really well, there was absolutely no concern, so this is very new for her,” a source shared with InTouch Weekly. “She’s not going to sit around crying about it or doing anything rash like cancel shows, but it’s no secret she’s very anxious,” Given the runaway success of other artists’ tours (hello, Taylor Swift’s $2 billion cash cow that was the Eras Tour), Perry’s situation “would be so embarrassing” if numbers don’t improve, adds another source.
Fortunately, Perry isn’t going through this chaotic chapter alone. While her husband Orlando Bloom has been “her main cheerleader,” her circle of celebrity friends — including her Montecito besties Prince Harry and Meghan — is stepping in with much-needed emotional support. “They get it,” says a source close to Perry. “They all operate in very high-stakes worlds, so they know how to comfort her and help her get through this.”
Perry and Bloom have been close to the Sussexes for years, even bringing along their daughter Daisy to Princess Lilibet’s birthday bash last summer. Whether working through paparazzi drama together or showing up at each other’s big events, the two families seem to always have had each other’s backs, even in discreet ways.
Back in 2021, Harry revealed he and Bloom texted frequently to give each other the heads up about lurking paparazzi near their Montecito homes. Perry and Markle also reportedly bonded over parenting, sharing advice on raising daughters under intense media scrutiny. And now, it seems, the Sussexes are more than willing to return the favor.
Before you go, click here to see Meghan Markle’s best post-royal fashion moments below!
