Meghan Markle's American Riviera Orchard Might Benefit the Royal Family in This Unexpected Way

Kristyn Burtt
·2 min read
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As Meghan Markle fans keep track of who is receiving the first batch of American Riviera Orchard strawberry jam (Mindy Kaling received No. 19 out of 50!), a curious thing is happening over in the U.K. — and it’s benefiting the royal family. Even though Meghan’s product is just a tease and not currently available for sale, King Charles III’s jam is also getting a major boost.

Oh, you didn’t know that Charles was also an influencer? The monarch has sold items from his Duchy of Cornwall estate since the 1990s, but many royal fans weren’t aware of his brand until the Duchess of Sussex’s jam became a social media talking point. Charles’ version of strawberry preserves became an instant sensation from the publicity and is now officially sold out on the Highgrove website, per the Daily Mail. The good news for fans is that if the king’s strawberry preserves continue to sell out, there are plenty of other flavors to try, including marmalade, raspberry and blackberry, and rhubarb and ginger. It’s a win-win situation for both Meghan and her father-in-law because they are both finding success, thanks to her American Riviera Orchard launch. 

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Mindy Kaling's Instagram Story.
Mindy Kaling’s Instagram Story.

That bit of news has to feel good to the Duchess of Sussex, who is taking a big risk by developing a lifestyle brand. The space is crowded with other A-list celebrities’ companies, including Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop and Kourtney Kardashian’s Poosh. “Meghan finds the name American Riviera Orchard perfect. It feels authentic to her,” a source told People recently. “She can’t wait for the website to launch. She is excited about her latest, personal venture. This is something she’s been wanting to do for a while. She is excited to share her style and things that she loves.”

King Charles’ jam has been around since 2010 and a portion of every product’s sales goes to the Prince of Wales’s Charitable Fund which has generated close to $50 million for his philanthropic venture since 2009. Jam wasn’t the king’s first product, though, it was homemade biscuits created from the wheat and oats at his Highgrove home, beginning in 1992 — so it seems surprising that it took almost two decades for his jam to come into the lineup since they go so well together.

It will take a while for Meghan to catch up to her father-in-law’s product line since he currently produces over 300 products. However, the Duchess of Sussex’s burgeoning brand is likely going to be a sure-fire hit with the royal family getting an indirect boost from the headlines alone. That’s publicity that money can’t buy.

Before you go, click here to see more of Meghan Markle & Prince Harry’s milestones since leaving the royal family.

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