Oprah Winfrey Calls Meghan Markle Her 'Neighbor Friend' After Receiving Modest Gift From the Duchess
Meghan Markle, 43, once again proved her knack for thoughtful gift-giving, this time delighting her close friend and neighbor Oprah Winfrey, 70, with a modestly-priced skincare set.
The Duchess of Sussex surprised the media titan with the Tatcha Hinoki skincare set, which retails for roughly $68 dollars, as part of her holiday generosity.
The set, inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku or forest bathing, features body wash, body milk and body oil infused with hinoki oil, known for its calming and rejuvenating properties.
Winfrey, never one to shy away from sharing her favorite things, couldn’t contain her excitement over Meghan’s gesture. "I love it because it was sent to me by a neighbor friend, Meghan Markle."
To make the gift even more personal, Meghan included a forest awakening book, a nod to the media mogul’s well-known love of trees and nature. This thoughtful addition was the perfect touch, cementing the Duchess’s reputation for meaningful, personalized presents.
The friendship between Meghan and the Beloved star dates back to 2018, but it truly captured the world’s attention with their infamous 2021 interview. In the conversation, the ex-actress and Prince Harry candidly discussed their struggles within the royal family, sparking global conversations about race, mental health, and the pressures of royal life.
Since then, Meghan and Winfrey have maintained a close bond, occasionally offering glimpses of their connection through moments like this heartfelt gift.
The Tatcha Hinoki skincare set is part of the brand’s Forest Awakening collection, inspired by the therapeutic practice of immersing oneself in nature. By selecting this gift, Meghan not only highlighted "her impeccable taste but also demonstrated a deep understanding of Oprah’s interests and passions," a Sussex insider explained.
The gift’s message of rejuvenation and tranquility aligns with both women’s advocacy for mental wellness and self-care.
The Oscar-nominated star's endorsement of the gift is already causing a buzz, as her influence on consumer trends is legendary in showbiz. Known for her annual "Favorite Things" list, Winfrey’s stamp of approval has the power to catapult products into the spotlight.
"Meghan’s choice may very well spark a surge in interest for Tatcha’s Forest Awakening collection," the source said. "This thoughtful exchange between two of the most high-profile women in the world is a reminder that even amidst the spotlight, personal connections and meaningful gestures remain at the heart of holiday traditions. Meghan’s knack for combining luxury with intention proves she’s not just a Duchess — she’s also a friend who truly pays attention."
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to spend the holiday season at their Montecito home with their two kids and Meghan's mom, Doria Ragland.
GBN reported on Meghan's gift.