RICHARD EDEN: Revealed – How Harry and Meghan are planning to launch themselves as an alternative Royal family amid the Windsors’ woes. And could the Kardashians be helping?

With King Charles undergoing treatment for an unspecified form of cancer and the Princess of Wales still recovering from abdominal surgery, half of the eldest members of the royal family are out of action.

So what better time for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to launch the latest phase of their apparent plan to become the new, more glamorous royal family across the pond?

In a slick Instagram video, Meghan unveiled her new lifestyle and cooking brand, American Riviera Orchard. The former actress was busy in a rustic-looking kitchen in the video, which was posted online a day after I contacted her office for comment on her plans. American Riviera Orchard will focus on home, garden, food and lifestyle products.

Meghan and her team decided to post the video even though the coverage it would generate would likely overshadow a major appearance by Prince Harry that same evening.

Via video link from the US, he spoke at an awards ceremony for the Diana Trust, an esteemed charity dedicated to promoting his late mother’s legacy. Prince William attended the event in person, although he made a point of leaving before his brother’s face appeared on a video screen.

Although American Riviera Orchard is primarily Meghan’s venture, Harry, I’m told, will join his wife for a series of “royal” public appearances in the coming days and weeks.

But when the Duchess was seen arranging flowers and whipping something in a mixing bowl in her promotional video, Harry caused trouble with an intriguing new friend. I revealed on Saturday in my social diary, Eden Confidential, that the Duke, 39, enjoyed a ski holiday last week with Corey Gamble, 43, a businessman who happens to be the partner of Kris Jenner, the 68-year-old mother of reality TV stars. US royalty, Kim, Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian. She also has two daughters, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, who have become super-rich stars with the help of their mother as a manager, or “momanger,” as she is known.

On the slopes with Harry and Corey at Aspen, America’s fanciest ski resort, were other friends, including Whitney Wolfe Herd, 34, who became the world’s youngest female billionaire when she took her online dating company Bumble public in 2021, and Whitney’s husband, Michael, whom she first met during a ski trip to the resort.

Harry enjoyed a ski vacation in Aspen last week with super-rich new friends. Pictured: Harry and Meghan skiing in Whistler, Canada, in February

Corey Gamble, 43, a businessman and partner of Kris Jenner (pictured together), the 68-year-old mother of American reality TV royalty Kim, Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian

Michael Herd, a Texas oil heir, owns the private jet that flew Harry and Meghan to Las Vegas last November to see their Californian neighbor, pop star Katy Perry, in concert.

Harry’s previously unknown friendship with Kris Jenner’s boyfriend is fascinating. Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, is known to be pals with Jenner. I’m told Harry and Gamble “really hit it off.” They can certainly compare notes on having ambitious other halves.

Kris Jenner and daughter Kim Kardashian, who ridiculed the Princess of Wales in a series of posts on Instagram last week

And while the Kardashian clan can’t give tips on royal behavior, there’s no doubt they can give advice on making money.

However, before Gamble had time to give a full debrief about his holiday with the King’s youngest son, Kim Kardashian poked fun at the Princess of Wales.

Amid speculation about Kate’s whereabouts, Kim posted a series of photos of herself on Instagram to her 364 million followers, along with the caption, “On our way to find Kate.” The post added fuel to the fire of often bizarre and cruel conspiracy theories about the princess and her current condition.

While Harry and Meghan’s new show business friends may help them make a fortune, they could spell trouble for the real royal family.