Kris Jenner becomes Meghan's latest celebrity friend to be gifted a jar of her American Riviera Orchard jam - complete with a bowl of lemons and handwritten letter - as Duchess teases her new lifestyle brand

Kris Jenner has become the latest celebrity friend to be gifted a limited edition jar of Meghan Markle's new American Riviera Orchard strawberry jam, as the Duchess continues to soft launch her lifestyle brand.

The Kardashian momager and reality TV star shared a snap of the pot nestled in a bowl of lemons alongside a handwritten letter, presumably from Meghan.

Unlike some of the Duchesses' other friends, such as her Suits co-star Abigail Spencer, Jenner did not pose in an elaborate photoshoot alongside the item, but simply wrote 'thank you American Riviera Orchard' with a yellow love heart emoji.

The basket means that Kim Kardashian's mother is one of the 50 lucky celebrities and influencers to have been selected as part of Meghan's elite Montecito friendship group.

Over the past week, a trickle of the Californian-based royals friends have taken to their social media to show off the brand's first product ahead of its public launch.

Netflix actress Mindy Kaling, 44, who starred in the American Office and The Mindy Show, was one of the first to reveal she had been gifted Meghan's first product. 

Mindy and Meghan have enjoyed a friendship together since she appeared on the first episode of the Duchess' now-axed Spotify podcast Archetypes 18 months ago.

The award winning comedian posted a snap of her jar of strawberry jam among a bowl of ripe and juicy lemons to reveal she has received the product last week. 

Tagging Meghan's American Riviera Orchard brand, she simply said: 'Obsessed.'

Spencer was gifted the sixth jar in Meghan's batch revealing two days ago in an over-the-top photoshoot that showcased her reclining in the grass with the precious preserve.

The jar of preserve was presented in a bowl of lemons surrounded by flowers, smiling in a sunny garden alongside her dog. 'This jam is my jam,' she told her followers. 'A delicious taste of what's to come indeed… love you so M.' 

Others who made it onto the launch list included parenting campaigner Kelly McKee Zajfen, Meghan's fellow 'polo wife' Delfina Blaquier and fashion designer Tracy Robbins.

There were, however, also noticeable absences from the list. The Duchesses' former best friend Jessica Mulroney, many of her Suits co-stars and one-time couple friend the Beckhams, seemingly did not make the gift list. 

Yesterday, PR gurus told MailOnline that Meghan's friendship circle had been updated, evolving to be in keeping with her new business venture, hence why the gang include others based in the Californian enclave or women in business.

Culture expert Nick Ede told MailOnline: 'As with all friendships and circles they always change.

'We can see from whose in and whose out that the old guard of celebrity friends from Meghan's pre Megxit days seem to have been excluded from this PR campaign and there is a new squad who live in and around the Montecito area and support women in business. 

'It makes sense for her and the brand to have a local squad supporting her as this is all about home made produce and a sense of community. 

'With the success of Suits on Netflix and now with the BBC buying it I think she's missing a trick by not engaging all her old co stars and wedding guests to help support the brand as it launches as this would boost the brand and create demand.'

Meanwhile public relations expert Mark Borkowski said Meghan's updated circle of friends proves she still has 'profound influence' but added she has started to 'curate' friends that fit her new 'narrative'.

The PR wiz said: 'Meghan's circle proves she has a profound influence and will continue. The lineup of names surrounding her in this endeavor certainly speaks volumes about her evolving inner circle. 

'Mindy Kaling and Tracee Ellis Ross, it's evident she's curating a circle of influencers and creatives, signaling a shift towards a more culturally resonant sphere.

'As for those left out in the cold, it's a curious mix of former confidants and acquaintances who perhaps didn't quite fit the new narrative. It's a strategic move, undoubtedly showcasing Meghan's knack for reinvention and remaining in the news cycle.'