Prince William Spreads the Shade: Future King Mocks Meghan Markle's Failed Jam Brand During  Photo-Op Jab in South Africa

William, Prince of Wales, 42, earned the title of "king of subtle shade" during an engagement in South Africa on Thursday, November 7, where he appeared to make a veiled jab at his estranged sister-in-law, Meghan Markle, 43.

The future monarch was given a pot of sour fig jam while hosting a dinner in Cape Town alongside Billy Porter, Heidi Klum and Winnie Harlow. The heir to the British throne, 42, was snapped curiously looking at the jam, which led a former palace aide to spill, "Nothing happens by accident when it comes to royal photos. It looks very much like he is trolling her."

The ex-actress' first product from her brand, American Rivera Orchard, was likely promoted with so few jars of the jelly to "create hype," according to PR expert Megan Boyle.

However, a source from Kensington Palace, which is the next king's official base, countered the speculation by sharing, "HRH was handed a jar of jam by a fisherwoman who he met at Kalk Bay. I wouldn’t read any more into it than that."

This move comes as the prince balanced being heir to the British throne with the "emotionally devastating" cancer battles King Charles III, 75, and Kate, Princess of Wales, 42, endured throughout 2024.

In a rare interview during his current trip, the future king was asked about his "annus horribilis" (Latin for "terrible year"), and HRH candidly replied, "Honestly? It’s been dreadful. It’s probably been the hardest year in my life."

HRH added, "So, trying to get through everything else and keep everything on track has been really difficult. But I’m so proud of my wife, I’m proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done. But from a personal family point of view, it’s been brutal."

When asked how the future queen, who is not in attendance, was doing since completing chemotherapy in early September, HRH replied, "She's doing really well thanks. And hopefully, she is watching tonight and cheering me on."

William's grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, famously called 1992 her annus horribilis due to the breakdown of three of her children's marriages and a fire at Windsor Castle. This year, her grandson "faced a far more devastating" lousy year that has won him the admiration of many royal fans.

Porter also praised the prince during an interview by sharing, "He’s lovely. He’s present. He reminds me of his mama when she was alive. His mother was a princess for the people. She cared about the planet. She cared about the people. That was one of the special things about Princess Diana. And that blood runs deep. It’s like she’s smiling down on heaven on him."

The Pose star added, "I don’t even remember how it happened, but the Earthshot Prize — which is Prince William’s initiative for sustainability and global warming — they give out five prizes every year to remarkable human beings who are doing the most earth-shattering work to sustain our planet in many different areas. I was called to be the host, so I came over here to Cape Town."

The Daily Beast reported on William's shade.