In their ongoing bid to revitalize their public image and expand their influence beyond royal roots, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have made headlines once again — this time for a bold double hiring decision that has tongues wagging in both the U.S. and the U.K.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have brought on board two new top-level advisers in a move many see as a strategic reshuffle in their post-royal empire. What’s raising eyebrows is the unconventional background of the appointees: one is a former executive assistant to Bill Gates, while the other previously worked in the snowboarding world.

A Power Pair of Advisers

Sources close to the couple revealed that the pair of new advisers — one aligned more closely with Meghan, the other with Harry — have been hired not only for their resumes, but for their compatibility with the couple’s evolving vision for their Archewell Foundation, media ventures, and personal brand.

For Meghan, the new adviser is none other than Catherine St. Laurent, a former senior communications executive who spent time as Bill Gates’s executive assistant before rising through the ranks at the Gates Foundation. Known for her sharp organizational skills and philanthropic vision, St. Laurent also previously held a role with the Sussexes in 2020 before stepping away. Her return now signals renewed confidence in Meghan’s leadership direction — and perhaps a renewed push for global impact through Archewell’s charity work.

For Harry, the choice is more offbeat but intriguing: David Riley, a strategic planner and logistics specialist who once managed operations for a major U.S. snowboarding athlete. While his background may not scream royalty, insiders suggest his experience with high-profile personalities, rigorous travel schedules, and public-facing events made him a strong fit for Harry’s sports and veteran initiatives, including the Invictus Games.

From Palace to Pacific Palms

Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020 and relocating to California, the Sussexes have worked to redefine their identity outside of the traditional monarchy. But with a flurry of projects — from Netflix documentaries and podcast deals to philanthropy and brand-building — the couple’s ambitions have often been met with mixed public reaction and internal growing pains.

This recent hire suggests they are getting serious about surrounding themselves with experienced professionals who can guide them through the complex world of celebrity, activism, and commerce.

Unconventional? Certainly. But Strategic?

Critics have mocked the latest appointments, with one U.K. tabloid quipping, “First Netflix, now snowboards — what’s next for the royals in exile?” Others have questioned whether these advisers truly have the gravitas to guide a couple under global scrutiny.

But defenders argue that these hires reflect the Sussexes’ modern, boundary-breaking approach. “Meghan and Harry aren’t trying to replicate palace protocol,” said a source close to the Archewell Foundation. “They’re building something new. To do that, they need people who understand Silicon Valley just as well as they understand Aspen.”

Building a ‘His and Hers’ Team

What’s also notable is the deliberate pairing of advisers — a “his and hers” structure that underscores Meghan and Harry’s increasingly independent operating styles. Insiders suggest this strategy allows both to pursue their passions — Meghan in storytelling and women’s advocacy; Harry in mental health and sports diplomacy — while maintaining cohesion as a couple.

Whether this twin-hire approach will yield long-term results remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the Sussexes aren’t slowing down, and they’re assembling a team on their own terms — however unconventional that might appear.

Final Thoughts

With St. Laurent and Riley now onboard, Meghan and Harry seem poised to turn the page on past staff controversies and reset the trajectory of their post-royal journey. The message is clear: They’re doubling down, not backing down.

Only time will tell whether these latest additions will bring the kind of luck — and leadership — the Sussexes need.