Sussexes have ‘no intention’ of selling milk to the Chinese
Couple insist they will be very selective about deals after Duke’s cousin appears in adverts for dairy farm
THE Duke and Duchess of Sussex have no intention of putting their names to products such as milk or perfume as they embark on their new careers, The Sunday Telegraph has learnt.
In a marked contrast to relatives such as Peter Phillips, the couple insist that they will not use their royal heritage to sell anything in the commercial marketplace.
A friend said: “They could not have been more clear, they will never sell milk or anything like that. The idea that they will put their names to products in that way is wide of the mark. It completely misinterprets what they want to do.”
Royal sources confirmed that the couple are planning to pursue careers in television, investigating executive producer roles such as that taken by Prince Harry, 35, on the forthcoming mental health series he has co-created with Oprah Winfrey, the chat show star, for Apple television.
Similarly, the deal the Duchess, 38, signed with Disney, involving a voiceover in return for a donation to Elephants Without Borders, is expected to form a blueprint for her future work.
The couple have not ruled out lucrative speaking engagements but are likely to be extremely selective about the events that they choose and will be keen to maintain a focus on the causes close to their hearts such as mental health, conservation and female empowerment.
Last week, Peter Phillips, the Queen’s grandson and Prince Harry’s cousin, was ridiculed as it emerged he had used his royal connections to sell milk on Chinese television. The 42-year-old son of Princess Anne appeared in two adverts for a state-owned dairy firm boasting about being brought up on Jersey milk.
Lady Kitty Spencer, 29, a niece of Diana, Princess of Wales, has also traded from their new home in Canada. Kate Stephens, of Smart Works, said they were “delighted” that the Duchess would continue as their patron. “As a lifelong champion of women, the Duchess has a fundamental insight into the needs of our clients and has made an enormous impact as part of the Smart Works family,” she said.
“We look forward to continuing her excellent work with us to help more women return to the workforce with confidence.”
Caroline Yates, chief executive of Mayhew, an animal charity, said that they were “thrilled” that the Duchess would remain as their patron.
The Duchess is also patron of the National Theatre and The Association of Commonwealth Universities.
Prince Harry will continue to work with his key charities, including the Invictus Games and Sentebale, which helps children affected by HIV in Lesotho and Botswana. Others close to his heart include WellChild, which supports families caring for seriously ill children, and African Parks, a conservation charity.
However, nothing is likely to be announced before they formally sever official ties with the Royal family in the spring.
Over the past two months, the couple are understood to have been working closely with a new team tasked solely with shaping their next steps.
Picked by the Duchess, they include PR experts from Manhattan-based Sunshine Sachs, her close friend, fashion stylist Jessica Mulroney and music producer and fixer David Foster.