Meghan Markle likely made the 50 jars of jam she sent to friends ‘with her own hands using ingredients from Montecito’ as part of very soft focus launch of American Riviera Orchard – in an attempt to highlight the brand ‘rather than herself’, claims expert [Video]

09:22 EDT 16 Apr 2024 , updated 09:46 EDT 16 Apr 2024

Meghan Markle distributed strawberry jam to her friends as a way of highlighting her new business venture by giving them a ‘personal present’ that she likely produced herself with ingredients sourced from Montecito, a branding expert revealed today.

The Duchess of Sussex sent friends a limited-edition jar ahead of the formal launch of her brand American Riviera Orchard (ARO) later this spring with a range of items.

Fashion designer Tracy Robbins and Argentine socialite Delfina Balquier posted on Instagram that they each received one of the jars, which PR expert Nick Ede said looked ‘very home made with a stylish crest and almost handwritten brand name’.

Mrs Robbins and her husband Paramount boss Brian Robbins are friends with the Sussexes and invited them to the Bob Marley film premiere in Jamaica in January.

The couple are also friends with Ms Balquier, who is married to Prince Harry‘s friend Nacho …