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 the soft launch of her lifestyle brand.
The Kardashian mom and reality TV star shared a photo of the jar nestled in a bowl of lemons next to a handwritten letter, presumably from Meghan.
Unlike some of the Duchesses’ other friends, like her Suits co-star Abigail Spencer, Jenner didn’t pose in an elaborate photo shoot alongside the post, but simply wrote “thank you American Riviera Orchard” with an emoji in yellow love heart shape.
The basket means Kim Kardashian’s mother is one of 50 lucky celebrities and influencers to be selected into Meghan’s elite Montecito friendship group.
Over the past week, a few friends of the California royal family took to their social media to showcase the brand’s first product ahead of its public launch.
The soft launch of Meghan Markle’s lifestyle brand not only marked the California royal family’s latest business venture, but also revealed a glimpse into the duchess’ renewed circle of friendship.
Kris Jenner became the latest of Meghan’s famous friends to receive a jar of jam 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, presumably from Meghan.
Netflix actress Mindy Kaling, 44, who has starred in American Office and The Mindy Show, was one of the first to reveal she had received Meghan’s first product.
Mindy and Meghan have enjoyed a friendship together since she appeared on the first episode of the duchess’ now-deleted Spotify podcast Archetypes 18 months ago.
The award-winning comedian posted a photo of her jar of strawberry jam among a bowl of ripe, juicy lemons to reveal she received the product last week.
Marking Meghan’s American Riviera Orchard brand, she simply said, “Obsessed.”
Spencer received the sixth jar of Meghan’s batch, revealed two days ago in an over-the-top photo shoot that showed her lying in the grass with the precious jam.
The jar of jam was presented in a bowl of lemons surrounded by flowers, smiling in a sunny garden alongside her dog. “This jam is my jam,” she told her followers. “A delicious taste of what’s to come indeed… I love you so much Mr.”
Others who were on the launch list included parenting activist Kelly McKee Zajfen, Meghan’s fellow “polo wife” Delfina Blaquier, and fashion designer Tracy Robbins.
There were, however, also some notable absences from the list. The Duchesses’ former best friend Jessica Mulroney, several of her Suits co-stars and a former friend of the couple, the Beckhams, were apparently not on 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 jams and cookbooks
Culture and PR gurus told MailOnline that Meghan’s friendship group has evolved to support her new venture, focusing on those who also live in the Californian enclave of Montecito or are women of ‘business. Pictured: The Duchess last week
Yesterday, PR gurus told MailOnline that Meghan’s friendship circle has been updated, evolving to accommodate her new business, which is why the gang includes other people based in the Californian enclave or business women.
Culture expert Nick Ede told MailOnline: ‘As with all friendships and circles, they always change.
“We can see who and who is coming out that the old guard of famous friends from Meghan’s pre-Megxit days seem to have been left out of this PR campaign and that there is a new team living in and around the Montecito area and supports business women.
“It makes sense for her and the brand to 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 with the BBC buying it, I think she’s missing a trick by not engaging all of her former co-stars and wedding guests to help support the brand during of its launch, as it would boost the brand and create demand’.
Meanwhile, PR expert Mark Borkowski said Meghan’s updated circle of friends proves she still has a “profound influence”, but added that she has started to “arrange” friends who fit his new “narrative”.
The PR wizard said: “Meghan’s circle proves she has a profound influence and will continue to do so. The list of names surrounding him in this company certainly speaks volumes about the evolution of his 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 sphere.
“As for those left behind, it’s a curious mix of old confidants and acquaintances who may not quite fit the new narrative. It’s a strategic move, one that undoubtedly showcases Meghan’s talent for reinventing herself and staying in the news cycle.
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