Serena Williams shows love to Meghan Markle as $60 million-worth Duchess of Sussex rings in New Year 2025

Serena Williams rang in the New Year by expressing her affection for her long-time friend Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex. Markle, whose estimated net worth is a staggering $60 million (via celebritynetworth.com), welcomed the new year with a serene moment captured in a beachside clip.

On New Year’s Day, Meghan Markle posted a short video clip that encapsulated her joyful welcome to 2025. In the video, that marked her return to Instagram, Markle could be seen running playfully along a beach before writing "2025" in the wet sand with her fingers.

Watch the video here:

Williams shared the video on her Instagram stories and captioned the clip with a smiling face with hearts emoji.

"🥰."

Serena Williams' Instagram story/@serenawilliams

Williams and Markle have been close confidantes for over a decade, forging their friendship after meeting at the Super Bowl in 2010. Williams was one of the select guests at Markle’s wedding to Prince Harry at Windsor Castle in 2018.

The tennis legend also co-hosted Markle’s New York baby shower in 2019. Markle, in return, has been a steadfast supporter of Williams, often seen enthusiastically cheering from the stands during her matches.

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Serena Williams reflected on the special bond she shares with Meghan Markle

Serena Williams (Image source: Getty)

Serena Williams reflected on her bond with Meghan Markle during a post-match press conference following her 6-2, 6-2 defeat to Simona Halep in the 2019 Wimbledon women's singles final. She commended Markle's uplifting personality and appreciated her genuine interest in tennis.

"It's so good to have people like that, just to know," Williams said (quoted via People.com)

"such a great friend and a great person as well. And always positive, no matter what."...."such a fan of the sport," she added.

In August 2022, Williams joined Markle on her podcast, 'Archetypes with Meghan,' where she delved into her tennis career. During their conversation, Markle shared the origins of their friendship, revealing that they first connected at the 2010 Super Bowl and instantly became close.

"It was the same year as the Super Bowl when the Super Bowl was in New York," Meghan Markle said. "I'd never been it before and then I show up and I see you walking toward someone. I remember thinking, 'Oh my gosh, who is Serena Williams going to talk to?'"

"I looked behind me and when I turned around, you were there right in front of me. ... We became such fast friends," Markle added.

Williams also spoke about their connection, emphasizing their shared values and the many similarities that have strengthened their relationship.