When Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry formally separated from the Royal Foundation they previously headed up with Prince William and Duchess Catherine earlier this year, many wondered what would come next for the new royal parents.
But ever the go-getters, we didn’t have to wait long to find out.
Despite settling into a new chapter with their son Archie, Meghan and Harry have also been busy setting up their official team who will help to bring their big plans to life.
And said team is gearing up to be a female-led force to be reckoned with.
Shortly following the announcement that Prince Harry and Meghan would part ways from Prince William and Duchess Catherine under the Royal Foundation’s umbrella, their brand new organisation started coming into fruition.
First came the name, which was revealed to be Sussex Royal The Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex (Sussex Royal for short).
It’s understood the new charity will combine the charity efforts both Meghan and Harry have previously been involved in.
This includes Meghan’s Hubb Community Kitchen project, (which included her cookbook Together) as well as Harry’s involvement with the Endeavour Fund.
Prince Harry’s big passion project The Invictus Games is also understood to come under the couple’s new charity umbrella.
“There are multiple scenarios being discussed,” a source has previously said of their plans.
Meghan and Harry have big plans for their new charity Sussex Royal.
(Getty)The next big step for Meghan and Harry was to find the right people to help them bring these exciting charity plans to life.
And do that, they certainly have.
In fact, to the delight of many, the pair have picked a team that boasts a number of inspirational females – an encouraging sign in today’s modern landscape.
So, to highlight and celebrate their powerful team of women doing big things, we’ve taken a look and each of their leading staffers.
Fiona Mcilwham, Private Secretary
Fiona is a new recruit for the Sussexes, taking over the well-respected Samantha Cohen’s role. Samantha worked with the royal family for years and was well-liked within the regal fold.
Despite having big shoes to fill, Fiona, 45, holds a dazzling portfolio of work.
According to Hello! she was one of the youngest ambassadors in Britain to be posted to Albania when she was 35.
She has also previously held the position of director for Western Balkans and Enlargement at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom.
A mum herself (which she’s outlined comically on her Twitter profile), we’re sure she and Meghan have a lot in common.
Karen Blackett, Trustee of Sussex Royal
To say Karen Blackett has an impressive resume would be an understatement.
The talented 48-year-old was appointed CEO of MediaCom in 2011, and became a chairperson in January 2016, according to her LinkedIn profile.
She is also the Country Manager for WPP, where she describes her role as being a “Chief Cheerleader, Performance Coach and Guardian for 14,000 people” across their operating brands in the UK.
She has been named no less than five times in the Power List of Britain’s 100 Most Influential Black People, and actually headed the list in 2015.
Her position with the royals will see her assist and oversee the direction of their charity as it gets started.
We couldn’t think of a better fit!
Karen is nothing short of inspirational.
(Getty)Clara Madden, Projects Manager
Clara has worked with the royal family for a number of years, being named projects manager ahead of Meghan and Harry’s royal wedding in 2018 – no small feat, might we add!
Before that, she worked with Prince William and Duchess Catherine, with whom she shared a strong bond with.
Hello! even revealed the royal pair even met Clara’s parents, who live in New Zealand, during one of their royal tours.
Clara Madden has close ties with the royal family.
(Getty)Sara Latham, Head of Communications
With a background working for the likes of Hillary Clinton, you know you’ll have a gun of an employee in Sara.
Previously the senior advisor during Hillary’s electoral campaign in the US, she’s had a lot of practice when it comes to managing global attention – something Meghan and Harry are particularly familiar with.
Sara has also worked as a government affairs advisor at Microsoft Europe, and was a special advisor to Britain’s Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Tessa Jowell.
With this dazzling resume under her belt, it seems team Sussex will be in very safe hands.
Natalie Campbell, Sussex Royal Director
As one of Harry and Meghan’s foundation directors, Natalie has a big job ahead of her – but going by her background, she’s more than up to the task.
Previously working on the Royal Foundation as the Director of Insight and Innovation, Campbell is well versed in the historic family’s work in the charity landscape.
According to her LinkedIn, Natalie is also a board member on various UK-based funds, including the Civil Service Commission, the Big Lottery Fund and the London Economic Action Partnership.
WATCH: Duchess Meghan discusses her big plans for charity work as a royal. Story continues after video…
Heather Wong, deputy private secretary
Heather is nothing short of a legend when it comes to her background in private secretary work.
She previously worked as an assistant secretary and deputy assistant secretary of public affairs in the US Department of Homeland Security during the Obama administration.
Heather has also worked in leading roles within the Super PAC NextGen Climate and prestigious London-based consulting agency Milltown Partners.
Talk about a glowing CV!
Heather has an incredible portfolio of work under her belt already, and she’ll no doubt continue to thrive in her role with Harry and Meghan.
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