Could this be the real reason Meghan Markle ‘healed the rift’ with Gwyneth Paltrow?

Meghan Markle and Gwyneth Paltrow seemingly broke the internet yesterday as they appeared together in an Instagram post amid swirling rumors of their ‘rift’ – but is there more to the story?

Over the past few weeks, there have been rumors of a feud between the two stars, after Meghan’s show dropped on Netflix early this month.

Meghan’s eight-episode series, With Love, Meghan, launched her into the lifestyle space, as she showed off her home entertaining and cooking skills alongside famous friends like comedian Mindy Kaling.

At the same time, she also announced the opening of her lifestyle brand, As Ever, where she will be selling a variety of items like flower sprinkles, pancake mix, raspberry spread and wildflower honey.

But, as if that wasn’t enough, the Duchess even stepped into the world of influencing this week as she announced the creation of her ShopMy page, where she will post affiliate links to her clothing items and accessories.

Some of the items will be eligible for her to earn commission from. 

When Meghan launched the brand, many began to pit her against Goop goddess Gwyneth, suspecting that Prince Harry‘s wife was trying to follow in her footsteps.

Gwyneth launched her own lifestyle brand in 2008, and has since created a booming business complete with her own private clothing label.

Meghan Markle and Gwyneth Paltrow seemingly broke the internet yesterday as they appeared together in an Instagram post addressing rumors of their ‘rift’ – but is there more to the story?

When Meghan launched the brand, many began to pit her against Goop goddess Gwyneth, suspecting that she was trying to follow in her footsteps

But in a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Gwyneth admitted that although she didn’t know Meghan too well, she had no ill-will towards her. 

In fact, she said that there was room for multiple people to sit at the lifestyle table.

‘I don’t know Meghan and Harry,’ Gwyneth divulged to Vanity Fair in a new interview published last Tuesday.

‘I mean, I’ve met Meghan, who seems really lovely, but I don’t know her at all,’ she continued. ‘Maybe I’ll try to get through their security detail and bring them a pie.’

The actress admitted that she hadn’t seen the duchess’ new show, but is not feeling any competition between the two.

She told Vanity Fair that when ‘there’s noise about certain women in the culture, I do have, always, a strong instinct to stand up for them.’

The mom-of-two told the outlet that she embraces bringing Meghan, and others, into the wellness and lifestyle space.

‘I was raised to see other women as friends, not foes,’ Gwyneth said.

‘I don’t know Meghan and Harry,’ Gwyneth divulged to Vanity Fair in a new interview published last Tuesday

The mom-of-two told the outlet that she embraces bringing Meghan, and others, into the wellness and lifestyle space

However, things then appeared to go south after Gwyneth posted a recent video of herself making breakfast in the kitchen while sporting casual striped pajamas.

Some viewers suggested Gwyneth’s unmade-up look, rumpled PJs and simple, speech-free cooking demonstration were chosen to contrast with Meghan’s flawless make-up, designer clothes and rented kitchen. 

Off the heels of her ShopMy launch, branding expert Courtney Johnson divulged to DailyMail.com that Meghan’s brand, As Ever, is keen to rival Goop

Other clues include the music playing behind Ms Paltrow’s video – This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) by Natalie Cole – which was used in promos by Meghan. 

But yesterday, the two put rumors of a feud to bed as Meghan appeared in Gwyneth’s Instagram stories after a fan asked her about the ‘rift.’

The two were seen laughing alongside each other as Meghan ate a piece of pie.

But could there be another meaning behind this newfound friendship?

The two never shared more about their meeting, leading some to believe Meghan could be learning a thing or two about what she needs to do for As Ever. 

Off the heels of her ShopMy launch, branding expert Courtney Johnson divulged to DailyMail.com that Meghan is indeed keen to rival Goop with As Ever. 

So could this latest meeting signal a potential collaboration between the pair, or a trading of insider brand secrets?  

‘Meghan has recognized that connecting with her audience requires meeting them where they are,’ the expert shared

‘Meghan’s definitely positioning herself to compete with Goop in the lifestyle space,’ Johnson told DailyMail.com exclusively.

‘The big difference, though? Authenticity. Gwyneth has a clear sense of who she is and doesn’t waver from it,’ Johnson continued.

‘That self-awareness gives her brand a consistency that Meghan hasn’t quite established yet in her ventures.’

However, Johnson believes that Meghan’s new ShopMy could help her achieve that authenticity.  

‘Meghan has recognized that connecting with her audience requires meeting them where they are,’ the expert shared.

‘Her previous approach, which came across as disconnected from everyday realities, hasn’t resonated well,’ Johnson added.

‘By shifting to a more authentic and relatable strategy that emphasizes everyday experiences, she stands to build significantly stronger connections and gain much more favorable public perception.’

And it looks like Meghan’s brand only stands to get bigger, as Netflix has already renewed the series for a second season.

The Duchess confirmed the news on Instagram, when she uploaded a story with the caption ‘I’m thrilled to share that season 2 of With Love, Meghan is coming!’