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Gwyneth vs. Meghan: The Subtle Breakfast Battle You Didn’t See Coming

BBG News

In the future, students studying social media’s impact on celebrity culture may find themselves delving into the significance of a 31-second video of Gwyneth Paltrow preparing breakfast, marking the breakdown of the pretense of politeness between the Academy Award-winning actress and the Duchess of Sussex. This intriguing moment could serve as an interesting case study for their dissertations.

Without makeup, donning casual pyjama shorts that accentuated her long legs, Paltrow – the founder of the £200 million company Goop since 2008 – exuded effortless grace while cooking what she refers to as a ‘#boyfriendbreakfast’.

On Saturdays, she shared this on Instagram: ‘A modern twist on a traditional breakfast: gluten-free buttermilk scones, slightly runny fried eggs, and crunchy strips of bacon.’

For months now, I’ve been whipping up “boyfriend breakfasts” like it’s my job, but the details of the latest one have people talking and arguing!

Was this breakfast more than just an ordinary meal, or was it perhaps a subtle jab, albeit a clever one, directed at Meghan, who has recently debuted her television show and is set to introduce her personal lifestyle brand? The timing was strategic too, as the tension between Goop and its ‘imitator’ may be reaching a climax with Meghan’s entry into the world of selling specially selected clothing and jewelry – much like Gwyneth does.

Yesterday, the Duchess of Sussex strengthened her lifestyle brand’s connection to Goop-like concepts by launching an online store featuring select items from brands such as Saint Laurent, Reformation, and J Crew.

Gwyneth manages her personal ‘G Label’ brand, yet she also offers carefully selected items from various other brands on her Goop platform, similarly arranged.

So, what is the truth behind the froideur between Meghan, 43, and Gwyneth, 52?

It’s clear that a cool detachment has been noticeable between the Queen of the Californian coast, or more specifically the long-established figure, and the newcomer Duchess, ever since the Sussexes settled in Montecito and Meghan began cultivating friendships with numerous affluent and influential women who had previously been associated with Gwyneth’s circle.

Prior to the arrival of the Sussexes, Montecito was a tranquil, exclusive neighborhood known for its cashmere-soft atmosphere, a serene sanctuary that had long been a discreet haven for the Hollywood aristocracy.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the co-CEO of Netflix, Ted Sarandos, owned a weekend home here, while Brian Robbins, head of Paramount, purchased a getaway for his family in Montecito.

Oprah Winfrey owns a substantial property in Montecito, including a large house, and she’s often seen staying within its boundaries as she spends minimal time outside its gates.

Ellen DeGeneres previously resided there for a considerable time, but following the election of President Trump, she decided to relocate to the Cotswolds.

Since 2016, Gwyneth Paltrow has owned a house in Montecito. She’s just started living there permanently after selling her property in Los Angeles, as her children have grown up and left home.

She’s recently finished the complete makeover of her stunning eco-home, which happens to be larger and located on a more desirable street compared to the residence of the recent arrivals Meghan and Harry, who settled there in 2020.

In layman’s terms, it’s a tale of an underdog versus a giant in the business world. Meghan’s young enterprise, backed by Netflix, is planning to start off by selling biscuit mixes and jams. The journey to its launch has been challenging, marked by trademark disputes and setbacks.

Meanwhile, Gwyneth’s brand, Goop, dominates the market of health and wellness, expanding into various sectors such as food (Goop Kitchen), beauty (skincare line), and fashion.

Remarkably thriving, it started out as a newsletter back in 2008 and transformed into a commercial entity in 2011, well before Meghan became famous for her role in Suits, and an impressive three years prior to the launch of her personal blog in the lifestyle sector, The Tig.

As a devoted follower, I’d like to share an interesting connection: Years ago, Whitney Wolfe Herd, the founder of Bumble – whom I’ve come to know as a friend of Gwyneth Paltrow – lent her private jet to someone named Meghan in 2023. It turns out that they had been friends for quite some time before this gesture was made.

Additionally, Tracy Robbins, a fashion designer, extended invitations to Harry and Meghan for the premiere of One Love, the Bob Marley biopic in Kingston, Jamaica, last year. This event was produced by her husband’s company, Paramount. Interestingly, while she is featured on With Love, Meghan, Tracy has a longer-standing relationship with Gwyneth.

Besides her relationship with Victoria Jackson, who was previously close friends with Gwyneth Paltrow and is currently part of the Duchess’s mahjong group, Meghan has also nurtured a friendship. This is revealed in “With Love, Meghan” as they often gather for game nights with their female companions.

Ted Sarandos and his wife Nicole Avant were also friends of Gwyneth Paltrow prior to their friendship with her. As for Ellen DeGeneres, she was reportedly one of Meghan Markle’s closest local friends (before she relocated to the UK) – they became acquainted when Ellen was pregnant with Apple in 2003.

In the vibrant bloom of last spring, I had the privilege of orchestrating an enchanting gathering at my residence, graciously hosting representatives from the distinguished cashmere label, Loro Piana. This special occasion was a heartfelt tribute to the timeless art of savoring life in its most refined and fulfilling form – an evening dedicated to celebrating the finer aspects of living well.

At the event, both Oprah and her close friend Gayle King were present, along with Ted Sarandos, Avant, Whitney Wolfe Herd, and Tracy Robbins. It’s worth noting that Tracy Robbins was part of Meghan’s first series on With Love, Meghan, and Oprah attended her wedding. However, it seemed Meghan wasn’t invited to join Gwyneth and her group for rhubarb white negronis that evening.

And now Gwyneth has apparently been ruffled just enough to make her irritation clear.

In her breakfast video, several hints suggest a potential conflict may be brewing, given the casual, “it’s no big deal” vibe it conveys.

Could we discuss the amusing resemblance between Mona Lisa’s enigmatic smile on Gwyneth as she displays a coffee mug adorned with playful ‘G’ and ‘B’ (her and her husband Brad Falchuk’s initials)? This seems to be a humorous nod towards Meghan’s well-known talent in calligraphy, which she takes great pride in.

Additionally, it subtly challenges the grandeur symbolized by the ‘M’ crowned atop the Duchess of Sussex’s personal stationery, as she is no longer an active member of the British Royal Family.

It seems as though Gwyneth’s act of transferring store-bought cookies onto a baking sheet is subtly hinting at Meghan in a small way too. In her book “With Love, Meghan,” there’s an unexpected abundance of pre-made snacks like peanut butter pretzels.

The upbeat song “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” by Natalie Cole, known for its positive vibe, was indeed utilized in promotions for Meghan’s Netflix series.

Yet much of the time, it’s the contrast rather than the similarities which are instructive.

A brief look at Gwyneth Paltrow’s stunning Montecito view and a sneak peek into her personal kitchen serves as a reminder that Meghan Markle recorded her hosting advice in a £6 million mansion which she had rented specifically for the occasion.

In a more casual and relatable way: Gwyneth’s bare-faced simplicity and rumpled pajamas contrast sharply with Meghan’s expensive neutral cashmere outfits dripping in gold and diamonds, giving off an air of forced and fake elegance. (Just like every mom watching With Love, Meghan, who wears a white linen shirt while making tomato sauce? That seems a bit overdressed, doesn’t it?)

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but express that the heartfelt smooch between Gwyneth and her cherished pooch, Gaucho, certainly isn’t intended as a cold jab at Meghan. Instead, it echoes the tender love shared by Meghan with her beloved late beagle, Guy, who graces our screens with his heartwarming appearances in her show.

You might think this ‘take-down’ was so juicy it’s bound to be some sort of joint marketing tactic.

However, it’s not untrue. There’s ample proof that this connection exists, as one of the key indicators is Gwyneth following the clothing brand As Ever NYC on Instagram. This is the same brand that was reportedly contemplating legal action against Meghan due to her launching a jam brand with the name As Ever. Interestingly, Gwyneth does not follow Meghan herself or Meghan’s official As Ever brand, and Meghan is not among Gwyneth’s 8.7 million followers.

Of course, anything flashy wouldn’t suit Paltrow’s taste. And while on Dynasty, the wealthy characters Alexis and Krystle had heated fights (even in a lily pond), in 2025, rich women settle their disputes quite differently – they do so through Instagram, displaying an apparent sophistication.

Paltrow wouldn’t be caught dead in anything flashy. On Dynasty, the wealthy characters Alexis and Krystle used to fight physically (even in a lily pond). But in 2025, rich women have found a more refined way to argue – they do so through Instagram posts, maintaining an air of politeness.

In a casual, understandable manner: Gwyneth Paltrow’s response after dominating her opponent in a court case about a ski accident was classic Gwyneth – ‘I hope you fare well.’

Just last week, it seemed as though Paltrow was softening her stance towards her competitor. In an interview with Vanity Fair magazine discussing her return to acting in the upcoming film “Marty Supreme”, she appeared to express a more generous sentiment towards Meghan.

Or was she?

She expressed surprise, as they reside quite near to each other, yet she’s never had the chance to meet Prince Harry. However, she has interacted with Meghan, finding her delightful, but their relationship remains unknown to her.

She went on: ‘Maybe I’ll try to get through their security detail and bring them a pie.’

The Oscar-winning actress then seemingly welcomed Meghan into the lifestyle space.

Whenever there’s talk about particular women within our society, I instinctively feel a strong urge to support and advocate for them.

Growing up, I learned to view other women as companions rather than adversaries. I believe that there’s always plenty for everyone.

‘Everybody deserves an attempt at everything that they want to try.’

And yet surely this was the faintest of faint praise?

An attempt? At what they want to try?

Reframing the situation by saying that addressing Meghan, an accomplished author of The Tig lifestyle blog, as if she were a novice, is undeniably the wittiest, subtlest insult one could deliver.

Gwyneth’s numerous supporters and admirers are confident that they’ve effortlessly grasped the message she sent to Meghan.

One person commented on their video, ‘I adore this!’ They were appreciating its authenticity, saying, ‘No staged backdrops or sets. It’s all your genuine self, which is truly refreshing.’ Another remarked, ‘Where are the edible flowers?’ This was in response to the abundance of real flowers seen in Meghan’s broadcast.

Some individuals criticized Gwyneth in the comments section of her video, labeling her as ‘aggressive and small-minded’ and ‘tacky’ due to perceived jabs at a younger competitor, who they believe she was aiming at.

However, on what was once known as Twitter, numerous individuals expressed unconcealed delight at the feud. One person remarked, ‘She doesn’t need to say a word. She’s more authentic, superior in every way while dressed casually in her pajamas and without makeup, yet still so refined.’

Here’s another take: ‘Gwyneth Paltrow keeps dishing out the subtle digs, and I can’t get enough! She was caught in her own kitchen, bare-faced and cozy in pajamas, with hair unstyled, no makeup on, sipping coffee. No one complimenting her. Just her phone recording. Straightforward and casual.’

Within a few hours, Meghan had posted her own breakfast-making on Instagram.

On this occasion, they were together in a kitchen that wasn’t used for the program, and their company included Kelly McKee Zajfen, who happens to be a friend of Gwyneth as well.

The two ladies are depicted preparing a unique breakfast item – a banana split dressed with yogurt, berries, and granola. They savor it elegantly using a knife and fork.

Lo and behold! exclaims Meghan. Following a bite, she unexpectedly toasts her companion with a ‘Cheers!’ as both of them have taken a bite of banana using their utensils.

She captioned the reel: ‘When one of your besties reinvents a banana split for breakfast.’

It seems Meghan might be standing up against Gwyneth, as if to say “I won’t let our breakfast debate end with you having the final say.

And maybe Gwyneth isn’t the only person who wants to hold Meghan slightly at arm’s length.

As a devoted admirer, I’ve noticed that there seems to be ongoing chatter suggesting that since my interview with Meghan in 2021, Oprah has been maintaining a certain distance from the philanthropist who was once an actress.

It certainly seems curious that Oprah does not follow Meghan on Instagram.

She does, though, follow her long-time friend Gwyneth.

Earlier this year, an anonymous neighbor criticized Harry and Meghan quite harshly in Vanity Fair, calling them naive and remarking that they appeared to be the most pretentious and insincere individuals around.

Now, we’re curious which among our affluent and renowned neighbors could have expressed that less than flattering viewpoint. If there are others who hold similar opinions, that is.

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2025-03-25 05:09

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