It can't be easy being Meghan Markle - going from television star to a part of the British Royal Family is a testing experience at the best of times, but Markle's fairytale has at times become a bit of a horror story.
Hounded by the media and facing plenty of criticism from her father and stepsister, it's been a stressful time for Meghan and Harry, but she's found plenty of support from outside.
Meghan Markle's friends have leapt to her defence following a turbulent first few months as a Royal, revealing the extent of her kindness and generosity.
They've gone as far as saying that getting married to Prince Harry hasn't changed her a bit, and that she still manages to cook for herself despite having several royal chefs on hand.
Speaking to People, a loyal friend and former co-star of Meghan's says that a great deal of the negative press surrounding the 37-year-old is unfounded, and expressed their desire to "stand up against the global bullying we are seeing and speak the truth about our friend".
"Meg has silently sat back and endured the lies and untruths. We worry about what this is doing to her and the baby [Meghan Markle announced her pregnancy back in October]. It’s wrong to put anyone under this level of emotional trauma, let alone when they’re pregnant."
This loyal friend is one of five women who are standing up for Meghan Markle, and say that despite becoming a royal, she's still pretty handy in all of her previous talents - including cooking. "We’ve all been to their cottage," explains the friend.
"It’s small and she’s made it cozy, but the perception of their lifestyle and the reality are two different things. Meg cooks for herself and Harry every single day," she added, while another friend based in LA recounted a time when Prince Harry went out, and Meghan Markle was the perfect host.
"We had a couple of days together recently. Her husband was out of town on work. In the room she made up for me, there was a candle lit by the bed, slippers, and a robe. We were the only two in the house. It was our time. She made the most lovely meals.
She made tea every day. It was raining and muddy outside, so the dogs got all dirty, and she’s wiping them off with towels. How much she loves her animals, how much she loves her friends, how much she loves feeding you, taking care of you — none of that has changed."
Although Meghan Markle has faced backlash in some corners of the world, it's clear that in the eyes of her close friends, the 37-year-old hasn't changed a bit. They still remember her as the kind and thoughtful person she always appears to be in public appearances and charity events, and the meals she lovingly cooks for others is just one example of her generous and kind spirit.