The Royal Spotlight: Meghan Markle’s Oprah Snub Sparks Buzz
Meghan Markle’s latest attempt to make waves in the lifestyle world has hit an iceberg—and this time, it’s none other than Oprah Winfrey steering the ship of shade. Let’s break it down.
Every year, Oprah’s Favorite Things list creates a media frenzy. Products featured on the list often sell out overnight, becoming instant sensations. But in 2024, something—or someone—was noticeably absent: Meghan Markle.
Not a single mention of Meghan’s American Riviera Orchard venture, particularly her much-touted strawberry jam, made the cut. Despite sending out 50 jars of the exclusive spread to Hollywood elites, including Oprah herself, the product didn’t even receive a nod in the food section.
Instead of spotlighting Meghan’s jam, Oprah included Tatcha body products, casually crediting them as “a favorite thing introduced by my neighbor, Meghan.” And there it was—the Duchess of Sussex reduced to a footnote, her jam overshadowed by products from another brand.
This isn’t the first time Oprah has sidestepped Meghan’s ventures. Back in 2021, Oprah highlighted another brand Meghan introduced her to without directly promoting any of Meghan’s personal projects. Coincidence? Likely not. Oprah is a master of messaging, and this seems calculated.
For those keeping tabs, this isn’t the first time Oprah has kept Meghan at arm’s length. Remember the awkward bookshop event where Oprah showed up late, stealing the spotlight during Meghan’s speech? Or the infamous 2021 Favorite Things list where Oprah gave a nod to a wellness brand Meghan suggested but skipped over anything tied directly to Meghan’s efforts? The pattern is hard to ignore.
What makes this especially notable is the stark contrast between their past collaboration—like that explosive royal interview—and Oprah’s apparent reluctance to remain closely associated with the Sussexes.
Meghan’s jam launch has been marred by issues from the start:
Trademark Troubles: Her team reportedly failed to ensure the name "American Riviera Orchard" was free from legal complications.
Muted Buzz: While jars were sent to influencers and celebrities, the reception was underwhelming. The only notable acknowledgment came from Sofia Vergara in a fleeting Instagram Story.
Inauthentic Branding: Critics argue Meghan’s attempts to emulate Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop or Jessica Alba’s Honest Company lack the authenticity and dedication that made those brands successful.
This isn’t just about jam; it’s about influence. Oprah’s cold shoulder signals a larger issue: Meghan’s waning relevance in Hollywood. Once hailed as a fresh voice with a royal pedigree, Meghan’s ventures—from Spotify deals to Netflix specials—have struggled to gain traction.
Meanwhile, the royal family continues to shine. The public has rallied around Catherine, Princess of Wales, as she navigates her health challenges with grace and dignity. In stark contrast, Meghan’s foray into lifestyle branding feels increasingly disconnected and opportunistic.
It wasn’t long ago that Meghan and Harry were Hollywood darlings, mingling with A-listers and securing lucrative deals. Now, their social circle seems to have narrowed, and even their most prominent supporters—like Oprah—appear to be stepping back.
As the jam fades into obscurity, Meghan’s brand aspirations face an uphill battle. Hollywood operates on authenticity, and right now, the Sussexes’ narrative feels overplayed. Without fresh ideas or new angles, maintaining relevance will be a challenge.
While Meghan’s ventures falter, the royal family continues to captivate. King Charles, Queen Camilla, and the Waleses—Prince William and Princess Catherine—exemplify resilience and dedication to service. Their ability to balance tradition with modernity has solidified their place in the public’s hearts.
Meghan Markle’s journey from royal life to Hollywood has been anything but smooth. Her latest setback with Oprah’s Favorite Things list is just another reminder that success requires more than name recognition. Authenticity, dedication, and genuine connections are the keys to lasting influence.
As this saga unfolds, one thing is certain: while Meghan’s star power may be dimming, the royal family’s enduring legacy continues to shine.
