Royal Jam Drama: Meghan Sells, Kate Shares for Free - Who Will Win?

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, along with other members of the royal family, at church in Sandringham on Christmas Day 2017. Photo courtesy of Mark Jones under CC BY 2.0.

The Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Sussex might not seem to have much in common, but they share a love of jam. However, their approaches to this shared interest couldn’t be more different. While Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, recently promised to share her homemade plum jam recipe with young gardeners in Wales, Meghan Markle is taking a business-oriented approach by selling her own line of fruit preserves under her newly rebranded lifestyle brand, As Ever. This difference in approach highlights the growing rift between the two royal sisters-in-law.

Meghan’s As Ever Brand: More Than Just Jam

Meghan Markle’s As Ever brand represents a relaunch and rebranding of her earlier company, American Riviera Orchard. This time, she is not only focusing on fruit preserves but also expanding into lifestyle products like tableware, skincare, and even gardening tools.

The brand’s launch video featured a mood board with labels for raspberry jam, adding a playful touch with her line, “Jam is my jam,” according to the Daily Mail. Trademark applications for As Ever suggest ambitions that go far beyond the kitchen, potentially positioning Meghan as a competitor in the crowded lifestyle market. However, there might be issues with trademarks that have yet to be resolved.

Kate’s Jam Recipe as a Royal Gesture

Kate and William’s recent visit to the Meadow Street Community Garden and Woodland in Pontypridd, Wales, showcased their hands-on approach to community engagement. They toured the garden, learned about local initiatives, and even made traditional Welsh cakes with local business owners.

Kate’s promise to share her special homemade plum jam recipe with volunteers wasn’t just a casual offer. It was a moment that reflected her ongoing efforts to connect with the public on a personal level. Her interactions with the young gardeners, discussing plums and preserves, aligned with her broader work in promoting well-being through nature and gardening. This grassroots approach - emphasizing direct connection and support - contrasts sharply with Meghan’s business model, which is built on curated branding and polished product lines.

The Royal Rift: A Tale of 2 Sisters-in-Law

The contrast between Kate and Meghan’s approaches to jam-making may seem lighthearted, but it underscores a deeper divide. Since Meghan and Prince Harry stepped back from royal duties in 2020, the relationship between the two couples has reportedly become strained. Public appearances and media coverage often reflect this rift, with Kate and William leaning into traditional royal duties and Meghan and Harry embracing entrepreneurial ventures and media projects.

While Kate was promising jam recipes to young volunteers, Meghan was focused on a broader market strategy with As Ever, a brand that could soon include everything from textiles to gardening tools.

The Broader Implications of the Jam Wars

The “Jam Wars” may sound playful, but they serve as a microcosm of the broader differences between the two royal women. Kate’s approach is rooted in tradition and community, often drawing on her role within the royal family to support British culture and community initiatives. Meghan, on the other hand, has charted a new path with a focus on entrepreneurship and self-made success.

While Meghan is looking to build a lifestyle empire with As Ever, Kate remains focused on charitable work, often highlighting small, community-based projects. This difference is not just about business vs. charity - it’s a reflection of their roles, public personas, and perhaps even their values.

Whether you prefer a homemade recipe from the Princess of Wales or a jar from Meghan’s As Ever brand, the Jam Wars offer a small, sweet glimpse into the very different lives of these two royal women. While Meghan builds a business empire, Kate nurtures community connections - each following a path as distinct as their choice of fruit. Only time will tell if jam-making will be the olive branch that brings these royal sisters-in-law closer together, or if it’s just another sticky situation.

References: Princess of Wales to give away jam recipe – as Meghan sells her own | Kate Middleton Reveals She Has a Jam Recipe of Her Own, Promising to Send It to Kids “So You Can Try It” | Meghan’s not the only royal jam-maker!