Needless to say, Meghan Markle (opens in new tab) has been through a lot in recent months (well, years). But through it all, she has had one constant source of support: her mother, Doria Ragland.

When Meghan and her husband Prince Harry (opens in new tab) announced earlier this year that they were stepping down from their royal family duties, she returned to Canada to be with her son Archie Harrison (opens in new tab), while Harry remained in the UK to discuss the details of his departure with his grandmother, father and brother. They discussed.

During the weeks in Canada without Harry, Megan and Archie (opens in new tab) were not alone. Naturally, her mother stepped up to the plate.

"While Harry was in England, Meghan had friends and her mother," a source told People (open in new tab) about that period of Meghan's life.

Anyone who knows anything about Princess Meghan knows how close the bond between her and her mother is. And those closest to the Duchess of Sussex say Doria's influence on her daughter's life has been profound.

"She definitely gets a lot of strength from her mother," a friend said.

As for Doria herself (opens in new tab), those close to the royal family say she is sweet, but definitely not a pushover. And she was close to Princess Meghan (and Harry) throughout their transition to royal life.

"She has a softness, but I sensed a resolute core to her," said a family friend. 'She and Meghan are very close. Harry gets along really well with her, too. It's great because any new mom would want her own mother to be around during this time."

As Meghan and Harry move on to the next phase of their lives (which is rumored to include quite a bit of time spent in Los Angeles (open in new tab) where Doria lives), that bond is bound to grow even stronger. That is, if that is possible.

For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, subscribe to the Marie Claire newsletter.

Sign up here (opens in new tab) [21]