For the last four years, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been building a team in the US to help them leave their mark in the business world under their names. While recent controversies and claims of staff mistreatment have surely raised some eyebrows about their work ethic, Markle and Prince Harry still have the backing of many of their current and former employees. One of them is their communications chief, who worked with the couple for over two years before recently stepping away- not due to any fallout, though. 

The Sussexes PR expert is now starting a new communications firm- without leaving Meghan Markle and Prince Harry behind. 

Ashley Hansen, who is currently Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s head of communications, has helped the couple through major milestones like the release of their docuseries Harry & Meghan and Prince Harry’s bestselling memoir, Spare. Now, as she branches out from her role to launch her own business, Three Gate Strategies, Hansen has signed the Duke and Duchess as her firm’s first clients. Nonetheless, Hansen will continue to represent and guide the Duke and Duchess while keeping an eye on their international communications team.

Even Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are fully behind Hansen’s new endeavor, having helped her come up with the firm's name as well. The name is inspired by a Rumi proverb, encouraging people to consider the 'three gates' before speaking anything. While the Sussexes are no strangers to creative branding, and coming up with thoughtful names, this in particular has landed Meghan Markle in some trouble recently.

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Markle’s lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, was put on hold due to the unique and interesting name.

Meghan Markle’s trademark applications for American Riviera Orchard ran into problems last month. Because of this, the brand launch, which was supposed to happen by the end of the year, has been put on hold once again. The issue is that the US Patent and Trademark Office does not allow trademarks for geographic locations, including the nickname for the California coast, the American Riviera.

Meghan Markle also faced trademark issues because the product listings for her brand were unclear. However, Ashley Hansen is here to support Markle through this situation, as she will continue to work closely with the Duchess on new business projects, including her upcoming Netflix show and the lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, now with her new communications firm, Three Gate Strategies. 

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What do you think about Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's link with the new firm? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!