Oprah Winfrey calls Meghan Markle her ‘neighbor friend’ after receiving $68 gift from duchess

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The holiday season is all about spreading love and joy, and Meghan Markle and Oprah Winfrey are joining in the festive spirit. Markle, 43, gave her Montecito neighbor and close friend, Winfrey, 70, a modest but thoughtful present. 

The $68 gift was carefully chosen to reflect Winfrey’s deep love for trees and nature, adding a personal touch to the gesture. This meaningful gift serves as a symbol of the enduring friendship between Markle and Winfrey, which began in 2018.

Meghan Markle's thoughtful gift for Oprah Winfrey

Meghan Markle, known for her thoughtful gift-giving, surprised Oprah Winfrey with a $68 Tatcha Hinoki skincare set, OK! Magazine reported.

Inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, the set includes body wash, body milk, and body oil infused with hinoki oil, renowned for its calming and rejuvenating properties. 

The media mogul, clearly touched by the gesture, expressed her excitement, saying, "I love it because it was sent to me by a neighbor friend, Meghan Markle.”

To make the gift even more personal, Markle included a book about forest awakening, highlighting Winfrey’s deep love for trees and nature. The gift has now been spotlighted in Oprah's highly-anticipated Favorite Things list of 2024.

The Tatcha Hinoki skincare set is part of the brand’s Forest Awakening collection, inspired by the therapeutic benefits of immersing oneself in nature.

An insider close to the Sussexes explained that Markle's thoughtful choice not only showcased her impeccable taste but also demonstrated her "deep understanding of Oprah’s interests and passions".

The source added, "Meghan’s choice may very well spark a surge in interest for Tatcha’s Forest Awakening collection. 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."

Markle and Winfrey’s friendship became well known following their 2021 interview, where Markle and Prince Harry openly discussed their struggles within the royal family. Since then, the two have maintained a close bond, often sharing heartfelt moments through gifts and gestures.

Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to spend the holiday season with their two children and Markle’s mother, Doria Ragland, at their Montecito home.

What did Netflix insiders say about working with Meghan Markle?

Recently, Netflix insiders have shared their experiences working with Meghan Markle while expressing skepticism about the future of her upcoming Netflix show focused on cooking and lifestyle.

A source close to the streaming giant spoke to Daily Mail, revealing that working with Markle has been challenging. "It's so much work with her," the insider shared, adding doubts about the potential success of her upcoming show. "Bluntly, the 'deliverable' does not seem to be worth it," they continued.

The insider further commented that Markle’s culinary series "may not see the light of day" and suggested that there might not be another deal. "There may be one-offs, but that’s it," they said.

The source also discussed Markle’s absence from a recent surprise event hosted by Oprah Winfrey for their mutual friend Gayle King, mentioning that "A-listers are now actively keeping away from them and events they are apparently going to attend. One told me, 'It’s not a good look to be around them'."