Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s Archewell Foundation made a very expensive hiring decision, allegedly choosing to bring in Michelle Obama’s former press chief, Katie McCormick Lelyveld, at a whopping £90,000 pounds (AUD $166,000 approximately).
According to the New York Post, the payment was made to Lelyveld’s public relations firm. The original document was obtained in a tax return leak to The Sun.
Lelyveld is a well-known publicist who worked with Michelle Obama from 2007-2011. Her resume boasts other strong talent including once Presidential hopeful, Hillary Clinton.
While the Sussexes may themselves need a bit of positive PR, the 2021 payment made to the Archewell Foundation was strictly business, listed as “strategic support for social impact PR”.
However, the White House connections of the PR expert has led some to question if the royals may be pivoting into politics.
In fact, Meghan has quite a history of being intertwined with politics. In 2021, it was revealed the Suits actress had been ‘cold-calling’ senators regarding a law for paid family leave.
It came to light after Republican Senator Shelley Capito mentioned to US-based political title Politico that she was “surprised” that Markle had found her personal phone number.
In 2021, Harry and Meghan also pushed for vaccine equity in the United Nations, regarding the Covid-19 pandemic.
The couple are well acquainted with advocating for good causes within their royal duties as well, working on a range of charities from mental health awareness to ensuring children have access to books.
Could it be that Meghan is looking to turn her compassion into a new career? At this stage, it’s not something she’s openly talked about.
In fact, a source told Vanity Fair, “While there is no denying that she is interested and engaged in politics as an issue, she harbors no ambitions for a political career.”
So, we may need to watch this space on this one. In the meantime, Meghan fans are eagerly hoping the ex-royal will return to life as an influencer, with rumours recently sparked that she could be relaunching her old platform The Tig.
