They were the two women everyone in Montecito and London couldn't stop talking about last year. Emma Grede—the British powerhouse behind the Kardashian's billion-dollar empires—and Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, who has been trying to stick the landing on a lifestyle pivot for what feels like forever.
When pictures finally surfaced of them huddled together at a high-stakes dinner in Los Angeles, the internet basically broke. People weren't just looking at the clothes (though Meghan’s beige power suit was a whole mood). They were looking for the spark of a new business empire. If Emma Grede can turn shapewear into a $4 billion behemoth like Skims, surely she could help Meghan turn jam and tablecloths into a global powerhouse, right?
Honestly, the reality is a lot more layered than just "two famous women having dinner." It’s a story of "girl boss" energy meeting royal branding, and it hasn't all been smooth sailing.
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Why Emma Grede and Meghan Markle are the Duo Nobody Saw Coming
If you've followed Emma Grede’s career, you know she doesn't do things by accident. She’s the one who cold-called Kris Jenner. She’s the architect behind Good American and Safely. She is, quite literally, the woman who teaches the Kardashians how to be CEOs.
So, when Meghan Markle appeared on Emma’s podcast, Aspire, in June 2025, it felt like a tactical shift. This wasn't just another soft-focus interview. It was Meghan sitting down with a woman who understands the "Kardashian School of Marketing"—the art of turning personal notoriety into a physical product you can actually buy.
During that podcast, things got surprisingly candid. Or as candid as a Duchess gets. Meghan talked about her brand, As Ever (which evolved from the original American Riviera Orchard concept), and her partnership with Netflix. But the real kicker? Emma Grede didn't just lob softballs. She asked the "how" questions. How do you scale? Who does quality control? How do you handle failure?
Meghan’s response—"I do not think about failing"—became a viral soundbite. Some saw it as pure confidence. Others saw it as a disconnect from the reality of her recent business hurdles. But the subtext was clear: Meghan is leaning on Emma's expertise to prove that her business isn't just a hobby.
The "A Seat at the Table" Dinner: Strategy or Just Sushi?
In October 2025, things went from "podcast colleagues" to "inner circle." Emma hosted a star-studded dinner in L.A. called "A Seat at the Table." The guest list was a who's who of female founders—Maria Sharapova, Rachel Zoe, and of course, the Duchess.
Meghan didn't just show up; she supplied the wine through her brand, As Ever.
- The Vibe: High-end, professional, and very "New Hollywood."
- The Look: Meghan wore a structured, oversized beige suit that felt more "Creative Director" than "Princess."
- The Goal: It was a soft-launch for her 2025 holiday collection, which included signature scent candles and high-end jams.
But there was a weird twist. Shortly after the dinner, Emma Grede posted a video for her own book, Start with Yourself, featuring a cameo by Martha Stewart. Now, Martha is the undisputed queen of the lifestyle space—and effectively Meghan’s biggest competitor. The internet, being the internet, immediately started whispering about a "double-cross." Did Emma use Meghan's star power for the dinner and then pivot to the "Original Girl Boss" for her book?
Probably not. In the world of high-level business, you don't pick one side. Emma Grede plays the long game. She knows that having a connection to both a Royal and a Lifestyle Legend is just good business.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Collaboration
There’s this persistent rumor that Emma Grede is secretly running Meghan’s brand. Let’s clear that up: she isn't. Emma has her hands full with Skims and Good American. However, she is acting as a mentor and a sounding board.
Meghan actually teased a potential fashion line during their podcast chat. She joked that she and Emma would "talk about it later." For a style icon like Meghan, a fashion pivot is the "natural inclination," but she's been hesitant to jump in. If she does, you can bet Emma Grede’s fingerprints will be all over the distribution strategy.
The partnership is about credibility. Meghan has the fame, but Emma has the "hustle" credentials that people actually respect in the boardroom. By aligning with Emma, Meghan is trying to move away from the "celebrity influencer" label and into the "serious founder" category.
The Friction Points: Why It’s Not All Perfect
It hasn't been a total lovefest. Some critics pointed out a weird tension during the Aspire interview. There was a moment where Meghan seemed to "mom-shame" Emma regarding work-life balance, which didn't go over well on social media.
Then there’s the "transactional" nature of these friendships. In the 1% world, everyone is a resource. Some royal observers claim Emma is just using the Sussex connection to boost her own profile in the UK, while Meghan is using Emma to get a foothold in the competitive American retail market. Honestly? That's just how business works at this level. It doesn't mean they don't like each other; it just means the stakes are $100 million plus.
What’s Next for the Emma and Meghan Partnership?
So, where is this going? We’ve seen the wine, the jams, and the candles. But the real test comes in 2026.
- The Fashion Pivot: Watch for Meghan to finally drop a capsule collection. If it’s produced through Emma’s manufacturing networks, it’ll be a guaranteed sell-out.
- The Netflix Synergy: Meghan’s cooking and lifestyle show on Netflix is the "commercial" for the products. Emma’s expertise in "content-to-commerce" is exactly what that show needs to be profitable.
- The "As Ever" Expansion: Expect more than just food. We're talking home goods, linens, and maybe even a "wellness" line that rivals Goop.
Actionable Takeaway for the Rest of Us
You don't need a Duchess or a billionaire business partner to use the "Grede-Markle" strategy. The core lesson here is strategic alignment. Meghan knew she needed business "teeth," so she sought out the sharpest person in the room. Emma knew she needed a different kind of prestige, so she opened a seat at her table for a Royal.
If you’re building something—whether it’s a side hustle or a full-blown brand—look for your "opposite." Find the person who has the skills you lack and figure out how to share the table. Just maybe skip the 2,000-word beige suit debate.
Keep an eye on the 2026 retail filings. If Emma Grede's name appears on any board documents for As Ever, the lifestyle world is about to get a very expensive shake-up.