Earlier this year, Meghan Markle ventured into the world of entrepreneurship with the launch of her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard.
The brand's debut product? A strawberry jam marketed as artisanal, exclusive, and curated for an elite audience. This limited-edition jam became an instant sensation, with just 50 jars sent to a carefully selected group of influencers and VIPs. Among the recipients were Argentinian model Delfina Blaquier, wife of polo player Nacho Figueras, and designer Tracy Robbins, who proudly shared her jar on Instagram. The exclusivity and sophistication surrounding the product were clearly key to its initial appeal.
However, whispers soon began circulating about where Meghan might have drawn inspiration for this venture. Around the same time Meghan was spreading her strawberry dreams, Elton John was making his own waves in the culinary sphere. Known for his tradition of creating homemade jams at his Woodside estate, Elton's efforts gained additional attention during a QVC holiday gift show. Promoting a candle collaboration inspired by his jam-making adventures, Elton’s products were described as a symphony of raspberries, orange peel, apples, and vanilla sugar, all slowly simmered to perfection. Unlike Meghan’s new entry, Elton’s jams were celebrated for their authenticity and legacy, leaving critics to wonder: did Meghan take a cue from Elton’s long-standing tradition?
The potential jam rivalry sparked a mix of amusement and skepticism online. It’s not hard to imagine Elton, seated at his grand piano, shaking his head at the thought of Meghan stepping into his jam territory. With his culinary prowess, financial clout, and an established reputation, Elton appeared to have the upper hand in this sticky situation.
Adding another layer to the discussion, Meghan’s strawberry jam was also compared to King Charles’s Highgrove Collection, a well-regarded line of preserves and other products with proceeds supporting charitable causes. Unlike Meghan’s exclusive and seemingly personal project, the Highgrove Collection has a philanthropic mission and a loyal customer base. Ironically, after Meghan's jam made its debut, sales of Highgrove preserves reportedly surged, perhaps a testament to the public’s preference for established and charitable brands.
Critics were quick to point out that Meghan’s foray into jam-making felt more like a glorified hobby than a serious entrepreneurial endeavor. Some commentators noted that this wasn’t the first time Meghan’s ideas seemed derivative, drawing comparisons to Elton John’s legacy, Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop, and even royal traditions. One particularly biting comment quipped, “She’d need to sell infinite jars of jam—and probably her soul—to make this profitable.” Another joked, “She thinks making toast requires a culinary degree.”
As the chatter continues, some speculate that Meghan might find herself selling jam on QVC alongside Elton John someday. After all, stranger things have happened. Imaginations run wild with the idea of a Duchess Basket featuring her strawberry jam, pinecones, and inspirational quotes about "living your truth."
For Meghan, the jam project appears to be a branding exercise rather than a serious culinary endeavor. For Elton, jam is a cherished family tradition. While his marmalade empire remains unshaken, Meghan has undeniably stirred the pot—if not with her product, then certainly with the conversation surrounding it.
