Why Meghan Markle loves going barefoot at home and what research say about its health benefits

Meghan Markle has revealed that she often answers the door barefoot and wears jeans at home in Montecito, a habit she says “demystifies” her environment and promotes calm. During a taped conversation on October 23 at the Godmothers Bookstore with her friend Courtney Adamo, while discussing Adamo’s new book The Family Home: Inspiring Ideas for a Home Filled with Joy, Markle explained, “It demystifies. People walk in and go, ‘Oh, she’s in this with me.’ And what are they drawn to? Your kitchen. They come right in, and suddenly everyone’s a little bit softened.”



The Duchess of Sussex, who shares her home with Prince Harry and their two children, Archie and Lilibet, added that going barefoot helps create a more centred, welcoming atmosphere. She previously mentioned her barefoot habit in her 2022 Netflix series Harry & Meghan, recalling that when Prince William and Princess Kate visited, “I remember I was in ripped jeans, and I was barefoot… Like, I was a hugger, I’ve always been a hugger. I didn’t realise that that is really jarring for a lot of Brits.”

Markle’s barefoot comfort is more than a domestic quirk, it connects to a growing wellness trend called grounding, also known as earthing, which involves direct physical contact with the earth’s surface. Advocates believe grounding can relieve stress, ease anxiety, and promote mental and physical balance.



Markle’s casual approach, seen in photos from her Netflix series With Love, Meghan and her social media, reflects this philosophy. One image shows her barefoot in the garden with daughter Lilibet, hands in the soil, a visual symbol of mindfulness and connection to nature. Not just Meghan, Pop Star Sabrina Carpenter has also spoken about using mindfulness techniques such as grounding, something she learnt from her mother, and says she often steps outside barefoot to feel the grass beneath her feet whenever she starts to feel overwhelmed.

What science says about grounding and mental wellbeing

Research on grounding suggests there may be measurable effects on mood, inflammation, and overall physiological balance. A 2022 review titled Grounding – The Universal Anti-Inflammatory Remedy found that regular contact with the earth’s surface can influence inflammation, immune response, and wound healing. However it also cautions that the research is in its infancy and more is needed to be conclusive absolutely.



Another small observational study titled: 'Effects of Barefoot Walking in Urban Forests on CRP, IFNγ, and Serotonin Levels' suggested that participants who walked barefoot in natural settings appeared more relaxed and showed signs of improved circulation, although experts emphasise that these findings are still early and need further exploration.

While the science is still developing, these studies suggest there may be interesting physiological connections between our bodies and the natural world, an idea that resonates with Meghan Markle’s own preference for simplicity, mindfulness, and being barefoot at home.

Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment.