Competing with Meghan Markle’s strawberry jam, the Buckingham Palace shop shared a video promoting its own preserve. Meghan’s jam, part of her American Riviera Orchard brand, was sent out to friends and shared on social media. Buckingham Palace’s jam, with a Royal Coat of Arms label, is recommended as an accompaniment to scones, crumpets, croissants, or toast, priced at £3.95. Meghan’s jam launch coincides with a Netflix show she is working on about cooking, gardening, entertaining, and friendship, while Prince Harry films about polo as part of their Netflix deal.
Despite the personal touch to Meghan’s jam venture, she faced criticism for the timing of her projects as Prince Philip and Princess Kate are both facing health issues. Royal commentator Lizzie Cundy accused Meghan of trying to emulate Gwyneth Paltrow, highlighting insensitivity during a vulnerable time for the royal family. Cundy noted the mismatch between the Sussexes’ projects’ focus on lifestyle and leisure while the royal family deals with serious health challenges. The couple’s initiatives have sparked online backlash for being out of touch and self-absorbed in their pursuits amid the royal family’s crisis.
Meghan’s friend Abigail Spencer’s support of the Duchess’ jam also drew mockery online, adding to the backlash against Meghan’s royal preserve. The interviews and public opinion highlighted the growing divide between the Sussexes and public perception. The criticism came at a time when the royal family’s health concerns took center stage, questioning Meghan and Harry’s choices to promote lifestyle and leisure projects. The controversy around the jam venture raised questions about the Sussexes’ awareness of the broader context and public sentiment about their initiatives.
The Buckingham Palace shop’s promotion of its strawberry jam hinted at a competition between royal and non-royal brands, with Meghan Markle’s American Riviera Orchard poised for commercial success. The juxtaposition of the Palace’s traditional branding with Meghan’s modern, personal touch in the jam business showcased a clash of royal and celebrity images. The pricing, presentation, and marketing of the two jam products reflected the different approaches to branding and positioning in the market. The online reactions to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s ventures that coincided with the royal family’s challenges underscored the scrutiny they face as public figures in the cultural and societal context.
The controversy surrounding Meghan Markle’s jam venture and the Buckingham Palace shop’s promotion highlighted the intersecting worlds of royalty, celebrity, business, and public perception. The clash of interests, timing, and branding strategies by the Sussexes and the royal household added layers to the narrative of royal business ventures. The criticism and mockery directed at Meghan and Harry exposed the challenges of balancing personal passions with public responsibilities and expectations. The conversations around the jam products exemplified the complexities of being in the public eye and engaging in commercial activities in the context of a larger societal landscape.
