Harry and Meghan in a jam
From sweet preserves to a bitter legal defeat, it’s been a - yes - jam-packed week for the Sussexes
In a bit of jam was literally where Harry and Meghan found themselves this week. Harry woke up on Monday to hear he faces an estimated cost of over £1million in legal fees, while Meghan dispatched 50 bespoke jars of American Riviera Orchard strawberry jam to her high-profile friends. Meanwhile, a quick-thinking mystery person purchased the UK domain of Meghan’s new lifestyle brand, linking it instead to a British food bank charity.
Hopefully, Meghan saved a pot of jam to keep Harry sweet, because he lost a bid to appeal his case against the Home Office, for removing his right to automatic police protection in the UK and he reportedly faces a large bill. He also had to apologise for breaking confidentiality rules by sharing private information about the case.
On Tuesday, Meghan launched American Riviera Orchard’s debut product, sending pots of limited-edition jam to 50 people. Tracy Robbins, wife of Paramount Pictures CEO, was one recipient, posting a pic on Instagram and giving rave reviews. “Thank you for the delicious basket! I absolutely love this jam so not sure I’m sharing with anyone … Thank you M!,” she posted.
Meghan’s new brand is set to sell everything you need to create a domestic idyll (from jams to place mats and cookbooks). The website, launched on March 14, is still a holding page with the option to join a waiting list.
Fingers crossed Meghan wasn’t thinking of launching a UK site just yet, as this week an anonymous person and apparently, a Princess of Wales fan, bought the UK domain americanrivieraorchard.uk and redirected it to a Just Giving page for donations to the food bank charity Trussell Trust, writing (in lower case): ‘this is not meghan but hopefully meghan wouldn’t mind. thoughts with catherine, princess of wales and his majesty the king. x’
We’re sure philanthropist Meghan doesn’t mind. Anyway, she’s probably way too busy prepping for her new Netflix at-home-style cookery show - which will “celebrate the joys of cooking and gardening, entertaining, friendship”.
There’s also a new Netflix miniseries for Harry, about polo. Last weekend saw the Duke (with Meghan and Netflix camera crew) in Florida taking part in the Sentebale Polo Cup, an annual charity match for the African charity he co-founded in 2006.
In the week that Harry filed papers at Companies House changing his country of residence from the UK to the United States, these new ventures show the couple are clearly trying to make a living from their hobbies and passions. However jammy you may think that is, we wish them every success.
William promises to look after his wife
Prince William is back to work post the Easter break. On Thursday he visited community organisations in West London and Surrey. At Surplus to Supper, he joined the delivery team of the food charity, which sends excess food from local companies to schools and community groups like a London youth centre, which he also visited.
While at the charity in Sunbury, one volunteer, Rachel Candappa, gave the prince two get well cards, one for the King and one for the princess. She told him to look after his wife. “Thank you, you are very kind”, William said, adding, “I will.”
The Queen’s favourite mishaps
Happy heavenly birthday to the late Queen Elizabeth II, who would have turned 98 today (April 21). She was renowned for her sense of humour (see video compilation above) and her former press secretary, Samantha Cohen, (nicknamed Samantha the Panther by her royal boss) recently revealed the merry monarch absolutely loved it when things went awry on tours and engagements.
“The Queen had no ego, she was comfortable in herself, yet she loved it when things went wrong,” she told Australia’s Herald Sun. “If a cake was not cutting or a plaque didn’t unveil, because everything was so organised, it spiced her life up.”
At her 1977 Silver Jubilee celebrations, Major Sir Michael Parker apologised to the Queen, when things began to unravel. “Your Majesty, I’m afraid it’s all going terribly wrong”, he said, to which she replied, “Oh good. What fun!”
When the Queen visited the White House in 2007, President Bush accidentally aged her 200 years saying she had helped celebrate the US bicentennial in 1776. He was mortified, but she found it funny – he said, “She gave me a look that only a mother could give a child.”
She was also delighted when some American tourists once failed to recognise her at Balmoral. Former protection officer Richard Griffin revealed the Queen played a prank when they spotted her walking and asked her if she had ever met the Queen. She replied, “No, but this policeman has.”
Happy sixth birthday, Prince Louis
There’s another royal birthday this week, as Prince Louis turns six on Tuesday, April 23. It’s expected the Wales’ will continue the tradition of releasing a new photo to mark the occasion, but this will inevitably come under more scrutiny than the past, following Catherine’s previous “Photogate”.
There’s speculation she will use a professional photographer like last year, as the family will no doubt want to avoid another social media frenzy, after it appears to have finally calmed down following Catherine’s cancer announcement. “They appreciate the public’s love and affection for their children and know there is a public appetite to see them on their birthdays,” an aide told The Sunday Times.
While it’s not known what fun-loving Louis will do to celebrate his special day, it’s certain the family will do something together. Prince William this week revealed one of Louis’ passions is cricket, so perhaps they’ll get a game in.
Fergie’s cute card
Sarah Ferguson sent a well-wisher an adorable thank you card adorned with corgis wearing crowns and we can’t get enough of the illustration. The person who posted on their social media account was delighted to receive it after sending a message of support after her recent cancer scares. In January, Sarah was diagnosed with skin cancer just months after having a mastectomy for breast cancer. Sarah adopted the late Queen’s corgis, Sandy and Muick, after her passing.
Read more from The Royal List writers
Finally, from the UK to Australia, we - Maria and Kerry - love researching and writing royal features for top-selling brands, which is why we are thrilled to have several articles in the latest issue of Woman Royal Special. On sale now in all good UK supermarkets and newsagents, or order a copy here.