Prince Harry and Meghan live in Montecito, California

Meghan Markle has expressed heartfelt appreciation to customers of her As Ever lifestyle brand, whilst revealing intimate details of her family’s Thanksgiving celebrations in California.

In a newsletter distributed on Thursday, the Duchess of Sussex shared that she and Prince Harry are entertaining close friends at their Montecito residence.

The 44-year-old duchess acknowledged the challenges of holiday hosting, particularly managing the turkey preparation.

She conveyed deep gratitude for being surrounded by her husband, their children, and loved ones during the festive gathering.

Meghan Markle admits ‘family and dear friends’ will be visiting Sussexes for Thanksgiving | GETTY

Her message thanked supporters for embracing As Ever products throughout the year, noting how the brand has become part of customers’ daily routines and special occasions.

“I am so thankful for your support and warmth as we’ve grown As ever throughout the year, and the way in which you’ve invited this collection to be a part of your home,” Meghan wrote in her Thursday newsletter.

The duchess reflected on her bustling household preparations, stating: “Please know that as I look around my home and see my husband and children, family, dear friends (and also navigate the timing on the turkey and the love and layers that come with hostessing) — I feel grateful.”

She concluded her holiday wishes by hoping recipients would enjoy “a Thanksgiving with full hearts and full bellies.”

Meghan Markle took to social media as she prepares for Thanksgiving | INSTAGRAM: @MEGHAN

Before the holiday festivities, the Sussexes participated in charitable work at Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles, a community-operated organisation.

The Duke and Duchess, accompanied by six-year-old Prince Archie and four-year-old Princess Lilibet, assisted in meal preparation for vulnerable residents.

The nonprofit facility produces over 70,000 nutritious meals annually for food-insecure individuals across Los Angeles.

During their visit, the family helped package food destined for Los Angeles Mercy Housing, Pico Union Project and PATH, according to the Archewell Foundation’s website.

Meghan Markle lives in Montecito with Harry and their two children | NETFLIX

The young royals joined their parents on the packaging line, where they were photographed shaping dough into balls alongside other volunteers.

The duchess documented her culinary preparations on social media, posting a time-lapse video on Wednesday that captured her seasoning the holiday bird.

The footage displayed her applying various spices to the turkey in a roasting dish, completing the preparation with freshly grated lemon zest.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle hugging on the beach | INSTAGRAM: @MEGHAN

“Let the ‘game’ begin,” she wrote alongside the Instagram clip, which featured Bob Dylan’s “Turkey Chase” as background music.

Following the family’s charitable efforts, Meghan shared an Instagram Stories post featuring images from their volunteer work.

“Show up, do good,” she wrote, encapsulating the family’s approach to community service during the holiday season.