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Meghan Markle found herself unexpectedly in the latest episode of EastEnders after character Bea Pollard took a brutal swipe at the royal on the BBC show. During Tuesday's episode (February 10), the former Minute Mart employee joked that Honey Mitchell could "make jam like Meghan" when discussing ways to earn money after recently losing their jobs. The throwaway line was part of their discussion about setting up their own market stall, hoping to sell crafts and homemade goods.

The conversation began when Honey's husband, Billy, played by actor Perry Fenwick, suggested, "Maybe you could get your old job back at the market?" To which the Honey, portrayed by Emma Barton, furiously replied: "What, and work for creepy Mr Lister again? No, thank you!"

Meanwhile, Bea, depicted by actress Roni Ancona, quipped: "Well, you and me could run a stall maybe?" before they a business plan started to form. Bea suggested: "I dunno... uh, jumpers, hats, novelty pin cushions. Ooh, you could make jam! Like Meghan - and I could crochet those little covers to go with it."

The reference to the Duchess of Sussex wasn't missed by fans as the mum-of-two continues to push her lifestyle brand, As Ever, out to the masses. Launched back in 2025, the Suits star sells fruit spreads and other food products, as well as candles and flower sprinkles.

On the brand's website, a jar of Raspberry Spread is listed at $12 (£8.79), while Raspberry Spread in Keepsake Packaging is priced at $15 (£10.99). As Ever also sells bundles, including a Signature Fruit Spread Gift Box at $42 (£30.76) and a Honey Duo Gift Box at $52 (£45.41).

It comes after Markle's business suffered another blow, with a TV insider claiming Netflix employees have been swiping multiple jars of her pricey jam that the royal reportedly couldn't sell to paying customers. This cheeky swipe at the royals' business is the latest in a long line of jokes made at Markle's expense.

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Meghan has yet to make an in-person appearance in the BBC soap, but several other members of the Royal Family have made the rounds on Albert Square. In 2001, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip toured the EastEnders set at Elstree Studios, with Barbara Windsor among the cast members who met the late royals.

More than two decades later, then-Prince Charles and Camilla appeared as themselves in a special Platinum Jubilee episode in 2022 when they joined an Albert Square street party. One year later, the soap celebrated another royal celebration in 2023 for a Coronation-themed episode built around King Charles III's rise to the throne.

The long-running soap has also shown it can move quickly when royal headlines break. In 2017, the programme incorporated a nod to Prince Harry's engagement to Meghan, after the news dominated coverage.