If you thought tensions had finally died down between Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and the Royal Family, you’d be wrong.
Buckingham Palace dropped an Instagram post about their Strawberry Preserve – and while jam might seem the furthest thing from controversial, conspiracy theorists believe it’s an attempt to undercut Meghan’s new lifestyle brand.
The Duchess of Sussex launched the Instagram account for her latest venture, American Riviera Orchard, in March.
Nothing’s on sale yet, but according to the company’s initial trademark application, it will sell homeware, tablecloths, napkins and cookbooks.
It will also offer jellies, spreads, and preserves, as well as beauty products such as soap and body oils.
In true celebrity business-owner form, Meghan sent out strawberry jams to 50 of her (all very famous) close friends last week.
Recipients including Mindy Kaling, Kris Jenner, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Chrissy Teigen were presented in a basket of lemons, complete with a handwritten note from the former HRH.
Teigen did her bit and posted a gushing video, talking about how she served the jam in a sourdough sandwich with brie cheese and bacon.
‘That sandwich was, like, incredible. One of the best bites I’ve had in a long time,’ Teigen’s husband, singer John Legend, said in the clip.
Teigen said the jam ‘made us happy for the entire weekend’.
Others shared pictures of the strawberry spread on their feeds, with actor Mindy Kaling claiming she was ‘obsessed’ with the fruity preserve. High praise indeed.
Then just days later, Buckingham Palace spruiked its own Windsor Castle strawberry preserve.
‘Our Strawberry Preserve is made using only the finest berries and is delicious served in a variety of ways,’ the Buckingham Palace Shop wrote in an Instagram post, set to a soundtrack of Mozart – Dissonance 3.
The post suggested serving the royal jam on a scone or a crumpet, but most commenters were more concerned about what they say is some not-so-coincidental timing.
‘Is it just me that loves the subtle shade?’ one Instagrammer, Klaudia Czerwinska, wrote.
‘Wait! Did the Palace just subtly troll Ms. Montecito?!’ said Faizan Mustafa.
Harry and Meghan moved to Montecito, an upmarket neighbourhood in California, in 2020, after they stepped down from royal duties.
Others felt the timing of the ad was not befitting of a royal brand.
‘Poor taste. In many aspects,’ Lila J Kelley commented.
‘What… Is your communications team holdovers from Mean Girls? Absolutely distasteful and classes,’ said B Kittridge
The Strawberry Preserve, which costs £3.95, is on sale in the royal giftshop alongside other spreads like marmalade and honey. The then-Prince Charles launched the first ever royal preserve – Highgrove Jam – back in the 1990s.
