Meghan and Harry ‘aiming to create global Sussex brand’
THE Duke and Duchess of Sussex are to bring in their own team to shape their future work in the Royal family, as they build a new Sussex brand on a global platform.
The couple, who will become parents next month, now need to fill key positions in their household after officially splitting from Kensington Palace.
Based at Buckingham Palace, under the Queen’s own staff, the Duke and Duchess are seeking aides including a permanent private secretary to shape their working futures.
They have already embraced a markedly different style to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, becoming known for their rousing speeches, language of empowerment and inspiration, and tactile public appearances.
Their recent appearances have suggested they hope to build a profile as global philanthropists, speaking of “humanitarian issues” and feminism to Commonwealth youth.
Yesterday, it was announced that they will be advised by Sara Latham, who has been appointed as their head of communications.
Described as “chic and superbly connected”, Ms Latham is a major political player, mixing professionally with the Clintons and Obamas and working with Tony Blair.
The Duke and Duchess will form a new household under the guidance of Samantha Cohen, a long-standing senior royal aide who has been interim private secretary since last year. It is also likely they will seek a replacement for Amy Pickerill, their assistant private secretary, who has been considered as the Duchess’s right-hand woman and will depart once the baby has arrived.
The Sussexes’ communications team, which will be funded by the public purse via the Sovereign Grant, will report to Donal Mccabe, the Queen’s communications secretary.
The Royal Foundation, which has until now been shared by the Cambridges and Sussexes working together, is likely to be restructured.