Kris Jenner has become the latest celebrity friend to receive a limited-edition jar of Meghan Markle’s new American Riviera Orchard strawberry jam, as the Duchess continues to gently launch her lifestyle brand.
The Kardashian mother and reality TV star shared a photo of the jar nestled in a bowl of oranges, alongside a handwritten letter, believed to be from Meghan who previously worked as a calligrapher.
Unlike some of the duchesses’ other friends, like her Suits co-star Abigail Spencer, Jenner didn’t pose in an elaborate photoshoot alongside the item, instead simply writing “thank you American Riviera Orchard” with a yellow love heart emoji.
The basket means Kim Kardashian’s mother is one of 50 lucky celebrities and influencers selected as part of Meghan’s elite Montecito friendship group.
Jenner’s pot was given the number 13. The pair were previously pictured together, along with Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland, while attending This Is About Huamnity’s 5th Anniversary Soiree in Los Angeles.
Over the past week, a small portion of the California-based royals’ friends have taken to their social media to show off the brand’s first product ahead of its public launch.
The soft launch of Meghan Markle’s lifestyle brand not only marked the latest business venture for the Californian royals, but also revealed insights into the Duchess’ newfound friendship circle
Kris Jenner became the latest of Meghan’s famous friends to receive a jam jar from her American Riviera Orchard
The Kardashian mom and reality TV star (pictured last week) shared a photo of the jar nestled in a bowl of lemons, next to a handwritten letter, believed to be from Meghan.
Adding her own personal touch to the PR hurdles, Meghan wrote a note to each of her friends using her calligraphy. The Duchess previously learned the skill between 2004 and 2005 while trying to land an acting job.
Netflix actress Mindy Kaling, 44, who starred in American Office and The Mindy Show, was one of the first to reveal she had received the first product from Meghan.
Mindy and Meghan have enjoyed a friendship together since she appeared on the first episode of the Duchess’ now-defunct Spotify podcast Archetypes 18 months ago.
The award-winning comedian posted a photo of her jar of strawberry jam among a bowl of ripe and juicy lemons to reveal she received the product last week.
She tagged Meghan’s American Riviera Orchard brand and simply said: “Obsessed.”
Spencer was gifted the sixth jar from Meghan’s batch, which was revealed two days ago during an over-the-top photoshoot that showed her lying in the grass with the precious preserves.
The jar of jam was presented in a bowl of lemons surrounded by flowers, smiling in a sunny garden next to her dog. “This jam is my jam,” she told her followers. ‘A wonderful taste of what is to come, I love you so much M.’
Others who made it onto the launch list included parenthood campaigner Kelly McKee Zajfen, Meghan’s fellow ‘polo lady’ Delfina Blaquier and fashion designer Tracy Robbins.
However, there were also notable absences from the list. Jessica Mulroney, the Duchesses’ former best friend, many of her Suits co-stars and former couple friend the Beckhams, were apparently left off the gift list.
Meghan Markle’s close friend and former Suits co-star Abigail Spencer is one of the lucky 50 to receive a limited-edition jar of the Duchess’ new American Riviera Orchard strawberry jam
American Rivera Orchard is a lifestyle brand that will sell products such as jam and cookbooks
Culture and PR gurus have told MailOnline that Meghan’s friendship group has evolved to support her new venture, with an emphasis on those who also live in the Californian enclave of Montecito or are women in business. Pictured: The Duchess last week
Yesterday, PR gurus told MailOnline that Meghan’s friendship circle had been updated and evolved to align with her new business venture, hence the gang includes others from the Californian enclave or women in the business community.
Culture expert Nick Ede told MailOnline: ‘Like all friendships and circles they are always changing.
“We can see who’s in and who’s out that the old guard of celebrity friends from Meghan’s pre-Megxit days appear to be excluded from this PR campaign and that there is a new crew living in and around the Montecito area and supports women in business. .
‘It makes sense that she and the brand have a local team supporting her, because it’s all about homemade products and a sense of community.
‘With the success of Suits on Netflix and now the BBC is buying it, I think she is missing a trick by not involving all her old fellow stars and wedding guests in supporting the brand as it launches as this will give the brand a boost and create demand. ‘
Meanwhile, PR expert Mark Borkowski said Meghan’s newfound circle of friends proves she still has a “profound influence,” but added that she has started “curating” friends who fit her new “story.”
The PR wiz said: ‘Meghan’s circle proves she has a profound influence and will continue. The array of names surrounding her in this endeavor certainly speaks volumes about her evolving inner circle.
‘Mindy Kaling and Tracee Ellis Ross, it’s clear she’s curating a circle of influencers and creatives, signaling a shift toward a more culturally resonant vibe.
“As for those left out in the cold, it’s a curious mix of former confidantes and acquaintances who perhaps didn’t quite fit into the new narrative. It’s a strategic move that undoubtedly showcases Meghan’s knack for reinvention and seizing the news cycle.”