Will Ellen DeGeneres be dropped by Meghan Markle? As the talk show queen is cancelled for 'being mean', she runs the risk of being shunned by Duchess

Over her years in the spotlight, the Duchess of Sussex has slimmed down her friendships into a curated inner circle - and as a consequence, it appears some connections have cooled.

While the pair look to currently be close, Ellen DeGeneres's recent resurfacing controversies may well put her next on the chopping block. 

Rumours of why the wife of Prince Harry has been said to part ways with acquaintances have ranged, but one of her most public friendship breakups hit the headlines after close pal Jessica Mulroney was mired in a white privilege row.

When she first started dating the Duke in 2016, the ex-Suits actress - who was living in Toronto at the time - counted 'Jess' among her best friends and even included the stylist's three children in her wedding party.

Despite the friend reportedly playing an 'influential' role in Megxit, Meghan distanced herself from her after she became embroiled in a feud in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020.

While the pair look to currently be close, Ellen DeGeneres's recent resurfacing controversies may well put her next on the chopping block

It signals a warning sign for Ellen, 66, who was dethroned as daytime royalty after a blizzard of allegations about its 'toxic' work environment.

While Meghan and Harry appear to be pally with their fellow Montecito dweller - and were even seen excitedly cheering at Ellen and her wife Portia's vow renewals last year - the presenter's recent scandals may muddy the waters.

Hence, Ellen's cancellations - which come amid her announcing she is 'done' with showbiz once her Netflix special drops - could be a red flag for the Duchess.

The comedian is in the midst of her farewell tour Ellen's Last Stand... Up, the final shows of which will be filmed for the streaming service.

She last toured in 2018, four years before her daytime talk show ended amid a blizzard of allegations about its 'toxic' work environment. 

Onstage in Santa Rosa this month, she discussed her exit from the spotlight and joked that she will next be canceled for being 'old, gay and mean', as per SFGate.

When questioned if she might return to fame sometime in the future, she firmly shut down the possibility. 

'This is the last time you're going to see me. After my Netflix special, I'm done,' Ellen said of her upcoming one-hour show taping this fall. 

Hence, Ellen's cancellations - which come amid her announcing she is 'done' with showbiz once her Netflix special drops - could be a red flag for the Duchess

Meghan and Ellen's dynamic is a contrast to her notorious rift with Jessica - one of Meghan's most high-profile friendship break-ups in recent years

'Let me catch you up on what's been going on with me since you last saw me,' Ellen told the audience.

'I got chickens. Oh yeah, and I got kicked out of show business for being mean.'

DeGeneres added: 'I used to say, "I don't care what people say about me." Now I realize I said that during the height of my popularity.'

The 34-time Emmy winner noted how the first time she was 'kicked out of show business' it was for coming out as a lesbian in 1997.

'Next time, I'll be kicked out for being old. Old, gay and mean, the triple crown,' Ellen - who said her intention was never to hurt anyone - wisecracked.

'I can be demanding and impatient and tough. I am a strong woman. I am many things, but I am not mean.'

DeGeneres' scandal was sparked by a single tweet penned by comedian Kevin T. Porter in March 2020 asking people for the 'most insane stories you've heard about Ellen being mean,' which amassed 2,600 replies

While Meghan and Harry appear to be pally with their fellow Montecito dweller - and were even seen excitedly cheering at Ellen and her wife Portia's vow renewals last year (pictured) - the presenter's recent scandals may muddy the waters

Meghan pictured jumping for joy as she watched pals Ellen and Portia renew their vows last year

DeGeneres' scandal was sparked by a single tweet penned by comedian Kevin T. Porter in March 2020 asking people for the 'most insane stories you've heard about Ellen being mean,' which amassed 2,600 replies.

Four months later, BuzzFeed News published an exposé featuring one current and 10 former employees of the Louisiana-born funnywoman's former self-titled daytime talk show alleging racism, workplace bullying, and sexual harassment.

By August 2020, WarnerMedia had launched an internal investigation, Ellen had issued a formal apology to her 255 employees, and executive producers Ed Glavin, Kevin Leman, and Jonathan Norman were all fired from the show.

DeGeneres - who also apologized to fans on air - broadcast her final episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show on May 26, 2022 after 19 seasons.

She later branded it a 'coordinated misogynistic' attack on her and she has mostly stayed out of the spotlight since the talk show's finale aired on May 26, 2022. 

Earlier this week Ellen chose not to address her fans before quietly canceling four scheduled shows in Dallas, San Francisco, Seattle, and Chicago on her 32-date comeback tour.

The comedian's cancellations came hours after SF Gate homepage editor Gabe Lehman published his detailed review of her show at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa, CA. 

However, what it means for her and Meghan's friendship stands to be seen.

The Suits actress' close relationship with Ellen is not a secret – with her appearing on the talkshow in 2021.

Pictured: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry surrounded by their pageboys and bridesmaids on their wedding day

Pictured: The Princess of Wales with her children and Jessica Mulroney at the wedding of Meghan and Harry

She opened up about her life in California with Harry and their two children Archie and Lilibet as well as taking part in a cringe-worthy prank where she was forced to do and say whatever Ellen told her to via a hidden earpiece.

And despite Ellen's controversy, she and Meghan appear to still be on good terms. The couple has, earlier this year, adopted one of the host's ailing chickens which was being bullied.

The former presenter, whose sprawling $25 million Montecito compound is just a five minute drive from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's $14.5 million mansion took to Instagram to update her 139 million followers on the progress of 'Sinkie', a rescue chicken.

Animal lover Ellen had been sharing regular health updates with fans about Sinkie, who suffered a broken fibula bone in her leg shortly before Christmas.

Ellen revealed she and wife Portia called the rescue bird 'Sinkie' because she took up residence in an old stone sink in her back yard.

'I know it's a stupid name. You can blame Steve Carell for that, he named her,' joked DeGeneres, referring to The Office star - who is also a close friend.

But while Sinkie's leg successfully healed, the bird was being bullied by DeGeneres' other rescue chickens, hence her relocation.

Writing under a picture of Sinkie enjoying meal of fresh lettuce, DeGeneres said: 'Sinkie's leg is fixed but our chickens were still picking on her so she had to be re-homed. 

'Luckily our friends Harry and Meghan's coop had room for one more. Not sure yet what her royal title will be.' The picture appeared to be taken outside the Sussex's large wooden coop.

Pictured: Lifestyle blogger Sasha Exeter accused Jessica Mulroney 'problematic behaviour' after she posted about Black Lives Matter in 2020

It's a contrast to her notorious rift with Jessica - one of Meghan's most high-profile friendship break-ups in recent years.

As well as attending Meghan Markle's lavish New York baby shower in 2019, Jessica - who is married to Ben Mulroney, son of the former Canadian PM - joined the couple on their royal tour of Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and Tonga and is also said to have played an 'influential' role in Megxit.

Over the past few years, rumours of a rift between the two women have been swirling - as the Duchess appeared to distance herself from her former BFF after Jessica was caught up in a 'white privilege' race row with blogger Sasha Exeter.

Jessica is said to have 'taken offence' to a 'generic call to action' post Sasha had shared about the Black Lives Matter movement. 

In a follow-up video, Sasha said: 'What happened next was a series of very problematic behaviour and antics [...]

'I'm by no means calling Jess a racist but what I will say is this: She is very well aware of her wealth, perceived power and privilege because of the colour of her skin and that, my friends, gave her the momentary confidence to come for my livelihood in writing. Textbook white privilege really, in my personal opinion.'

Following the blogger's claims, Jessica issued three public apologies, however she still faced consequences and was dropped by numerous television networks.

DailyMail.com exclusively revealed that ABC severed ties with her, confirming that Jessica would not be returning to her occasional role as a fashion contributor on Good Morning America.

Canadian TV network CTV also cut off ties with the stylist, revealing that it would be pulling all episodes of her wedding-themed reality TV show I Do Redo from its platform. 

Jessica issued three public apologies, however she still faced consequences and was dropped by numerous television networks

In one instance, commenting on a video clip shared by Sasha, Jessica said she was 'unequivocally sorry', writing: 'As I told you privately, I have lived a very public and personal experience with my closest friend where race was front and centre. It was deeply educational.'

Despite their close relationship, insiders claimed that the Duchess had permanently cut ties with Jessica after she became embroiled in a race row with the influencer.

An insider told Page Six that the duo's relationship was already on the rocks because Meghan felt that Jessica was trying to 'make a career out of the friendship'.

'The white privilege row has really given Meghan the excuse she was waiting for to cut Jess off for good,' the source said. 'I don't know what the tipping point was, but Jess has been on the outs for some time. 

Although her friendship with Meghan appears to have broken down, Jessica still friendly with Suits' star Sarah Rafferty - who also appears to not had much recent contact with the Duchess.

The actress - who still follows Jessica Mulroney on Instagram - last publicly spoke about Meghan in 2019 where she gushed about the Duchess 'very exciting' baby shower in an interview with Entertainment Tonight.

However earlier this year, Meghan's other Suits co-star Gina Torres revealed that the cast 'don't have her number' anymore - as the stars reunited on the Golden Globes red carpet.