The Duchess of Sussex has been given a “loving” reception after returning to the UK, which has been “beautiful to witness”, her friend has said.

She described Meghan as her “bestie” and said she “loved seeing this sweet chapter through her eyes” as she shared snapshots of Meghan cuddling six-month-old Jack on her lap in a pub and Harry lying on the floor playing with him.

Ms McKee Zajfen, who appeared in the duchess’s Netflix lifestyle show With Love, Meghan, wrote: “To everyone we’ve met or bumped into, thank you for being so loving to my friend. It’s been beautiful to witness. She missed you too!”

Princess Lilibet was shown, from behind, in the montage of photos, looking at baby Jack as he lay on a sofa next to his mother.

Ms McKee Zajfen also said: “There’s something so special about getting a taste of this magical place with my bestie, and having my sweet Jack along for the adventure.

“I’ve loved seeing this sweet chapter through her eyes and daily adventures! Especially getting to experience so many little firsts with Jack by my side.

“Family time is just what the heart ordered. With a side of mashed peas and fish n chips! All of it has filled my heart.

“(GB) you’ve been so good to us. We’re leaving with full hearts and definitely leaving a piece of ours here.”

On her trip to Australia earlier this year, Meghan wore an All Mama, All Heart T-shirt which featured a red heart with the word “Mama” printed on it – sales of which support the Alliance of Moms organisation co-founded by Ms McKee Zajfen to help young parents in the LA foster care system.

The Sussexes arrived in the UK just over a month ago, making their dramatic U-turn after quitting the working monarchy and heading to the US six years earlier.

The move has not been plain sailing, with Harry and Meghan pulling their children Prince Archie and Lili out of their new school after just two days when heavy traffic in the area meant their private security team struggled to stay in a convoy during the school run.

The youngsters are said to have transferred to a new school.

Tensions also grew between Team Sussex and the Royal Household when a letter, authorised by the King, was circulated to senior stakeholders in the Government reiterating the couple were “private citizens” and setting out guidance on how they should be treated.

Harry and Meghan were said to have been caught off guard by the instructions, with the couple, who are waiting to hear whether they will be given taxpayer-funded security, reported to prefer the term “public figures” instead.