While the Montecito mansion might be shaking in its overpriced organic boots, the Prince and Princess of Wales were rolling up their sleeves and getting to work—literally. In a delightful display of effortless charm (and an unintentional but oh-so-perfect dig), Princess Catherine shared her love of jam-making during an official visit to Wales. Meanwhile, across the pond, Meghan Markle was likely drafting a manic Instagram post to remind everyone that she, too, is in the fruit preservation business—though at a steep price, of course.
Yes, while Catherine sweetly promised a young royal fan that she’d send over her personal plum jam recipe—free of charge—one can’t help but recall Meghan’s exclusive batch of strawberry jam. That artisanal delight was gifted only to her inner circle of Hollywood influencers last year. Ah, the accessibility! The relatability! If only the peasants had pockets deep enough to indulge in the “Markle Artisanal Jam Experience.”
During their visit to a community garden in South Wales, Catherine and William proved they’re not just about titles and appearances. They genuinely engaged with local traditions, enthusiastically getting their hands dirty as they learned how young volunteers grow their own plums and transform them into jam. Naturally, Catherine—ever the class act—saw the opportunity to share, offering her recipe without a press release, PR stunt, or marketing campaign attached.
Meanwhile, Meghan—who last year dramatically unveiled her *American Riviera Orchard* lifestyle brand (since rebranded, because *reasons*)—was busy ensuring her elite friends received her limited-edition strawberry jam. Not just any jam, mind you, but the kind that comes in a carefully curated package designed to whisper, *“I’m better than you,”* to those who weren’t on the exclusive list. And let’s not forget her recent self-important announcement: *“Fruit preserves will still be a part of my brand.”* As if the world was waiting with bated breath.
While Catherine and William demonstrated their willingness to learn and have fun in the kitchen, Meghan’s cooking efforts remain questionable. Let’s not forget her pioneering cookbook project, which somehow managed to be about everything except the actual cooking. Meghan and Harry’s PR-heavy ventures always come with an air of *“Look at us, aren’t we inspiring?”* whereas the Waleses simply engage without the need for a high-production Netflix documentary to capture the moment.
Speaking of Netflix, it’s no coincidence that the timing of Catherine and William’s down-to-earth cooking moment comes just before Meghan’s much-anticipated (by no one) self-congratulatory *“Love Me, Megan”* show. Naturally, we can expect her to throw together some hastily edited footage of herself cooking or gardening, complete with a poetic voiceover about authenticity and resilience.
If history serves as any guide, we can anticipate Meghan’s next move in three… two… one:
- A desperate Instagram story showcasing her homemade jam (filmed six months ago but carefully released at just the right moment).
- A sudden obsession with making plum jam (she does love to one-up).
- Another staged attempt at relatable cooking in a pristine kitchen where she barely touches the food, hair perfectly styled, apron strategically placed.
If there’s one thing Catherine excels at, it’s elegant, unintentional shade. A simple, heartfelt offer to share a jam recipe speaks volumes—especially when contrasted with Meghan’s carefully curated exclusivity. And let’s face it: Catherine’s been making preserves for years. Even Queen Elizabeth adored her homemade creations. Meanwhile, Meghan has seemingly jumped from one half-baked business venture to another, all while trying to trademark anything that isn’t nailed down.
But let’s not get sidetracked. The Waleses’ visit wasn’t about competition; it was about embracing Welsh traditions, celebrating St. David’s Day, and engaging with the community. The fact that it inadvertently highlighted the stark contrast between two very different approaches to royalty and public service is just a bonus.
So, while Meghan scrambles to reclaim the narrative with yet another contrived Instagram post, the Waleses will continue doing what they do best: effortlessly winning hearts, one homemade Welsh cake at a time. Now, who’s up for a jam session?
Princess Catherine, Meghan Markle, jam-making, Prince William, royal visit, Wales, American Riviera Orchard, homemade jam, royal contrast, Netflix, PR stunts, community engagement, St. David’s Day, artisanal jam, Montecito.
