Inside Jessica and Ben Mulroney’s Split After 16 Years: The Meghan Factor
Hey, I’m Riley Carter, your low-key guide to the latest celeb twists. Okay, but like why is Jessica Mulroney suddenly sporting no ring at summer poolside posts?
This summer marked more than just warmer weather for Meghan Markle’s ex best friend and her TV host spouse. Sources confirm that Jessica Mulroney and Ben Mulroney officially separated after 16 years of marriage, following a subtle but telling social media shift. It all kicked off in early June when Jessica dropped a series of family snapshots without her wedding band, sparking immediate speculation among fans and fashion insiders. Paparazzi noticed the change too, and before long, outlets like E! News and ET Canada were running headlines about a possible split.
Neither Jessica nor Ben has issued a formal statement, despite E! News reaching out to both camps. Jessica’s representatives have stayed tight-lipped, and Ben – the son of former Canadian prime minister Brian Mulroney – has not publicly addressed the rumors. Until March, his social feed featured at least one public nod from Jessica: a birthday tribute complete with a candid photo of him blowing out candles and her warm caption, “Hope all your wishes come true.”
The couple celebrated their 16th wedding anniversary last October with playful banter that seemed to underscore their closeness. Jessica quipped on Instagram, “Ok so our wedding anniversary was a slight oversight this year ie… we forgot, but the love all year round makes up for it. Which reminds me, how many years has it been @benmulroney? I feel lucky every day so what’s a number?” Back in 2021, Ben returned the sentiment in grand fashion – penning a heartfelt Instagram tribute that declared Jessica his “everything” and promised he was “never letting you go.”
Over the years, the Mulroneys appeared inseparable, especially during Meghan Markle’s Suits era in Toronto. Their three children frequently crossed paths with the now-Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, with family lore noting that the Mulroney kids played roles—flower girl and page boy—in the 2018 royal wedding. That close bond seemed to fray in 2020, however, when Jessica was accused by another influencer of exhibiting “textbook white privilege.” Facing backlash, she temporarily deleted her social accounts and later reinstated them minus the iconic royal wedding shot of her alongside Meghan.
Jessica swiftly moved to quash reunion rumors, taking to her Instagram Stories to assure followers that “Meghan and I are family. She is the kindest friend.” Meghan, for her part, has remained silent on the status of that friendship and did not include Jessica in cameos for her Netflix series Love, Meghan, which featured other pals like Mindy Kaling and Abigail Spencer.
This split adds to a parade of celebrity breakups that have defined the summer months. From Cat Deeley and Patrick Kielty ending their 12-year marriage to reality star Matt Roloff calling off his engagement, it seems no union is immune to shifting tides. But given the Mulroneys’ high-profile background and royal connections, this split feels uniquely poignant.
Fans and industry watchers will be eyeing Jessica’s next moves—be it new styling ventures, possible TV hosting gigs, or simply how she navigates co-parenting their three kids in the public eye.
Alright, that is the scoop. Stay tuned if you want more on the latest from that side of the pond.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! News
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
