Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have developed a close bond with TV star Ellen DeGeneres and her wife Portia De Rossi – however, they’ve been cautioned to steer clear of the ‘toxic’ talk show host

Meghan Markle has been issued a warning to cool off her friendship with ‘toxic’ Ellen DeGeneres ahead of her and Prince Harry’s ‘make or break’ year.

The former Suits star first met Ellen in 2017, and the pair grew close before she got engaged to Prince Harry in 2018 – even appearing on the 66-year-old’s talk show.

The pair’s friendship developed into a close bond after Meghan and Harry moved from the UK to the US in 2020, with the Sussexes spending a lot of time with Ellen and her wife Portia De Rossi, reports the Mirror.

Harry and Meghan were even among the A-list guest list for Ellen and Portia’s vow renewal last year alongside Kris Jenner at the TV star mansion in Montecito, and Ellen has previously dubbed the royal pair as “down-to-earth compassionate people.”

Recently, the talk-show host revealed the couple had adopted one of her rescue chickens, hinting at their close bond in a social media post.

Now, Meghan has been advised to ‘steer clear’ of Ellen after claims were raised of her overseeing a ‘toxic workplace’ on the set of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, with the star attempting to rebuild her image.

The Insider told Closer magazine that the Duchess of Sussex has been advised to cool off their friendship, as it could result in her reputation in America being tainted further.

“She’s been warned against purring this potentially toxic relationship with Ellen and advised that being associated with anything scandalous could result in her and Harry losing everything they’ve worked for, so it’s best to steer clear,” the source explained.

And despite being reportedly upset at the warning, Meghan ‘knows she needs to play the game.’

Following reports that their Netflix deal is due to come to an end in 2025 and with no new projects in the foreseeable future for the Sussexes, Harry and Meghan are aware this year is make or break for their public image.

“This year is all about them trying to wipe the slate clean and keep their image intact,” the source added.

Ellen’s long-running talk show ended in 2022 after she was accused, along with other senior members of staff, of creating a toxic work environment and bullying.

More than 36 employees came forward with allegations, leading Ellen to abruptly announce the end of her eponymous talk show.

“It broke my heart when I learned that people here had anything other than a fantastic experience — that people were hurt in any way,” she said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.