Meghan Markle’s friend is launching a new business and the Sussexes are the first customers
During the past four years, Meghan Markle And Prince Harry has been growing its US-based staff to help them establish a legacy in philanthropy and business under their own name. Ashley Hansen, the pair’s current head of communications, has worked with the pair for more than two years, helping steer the ship through key moments like the release of Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan and Harry’s blockbuster memoir, Preventive. Now Hansen is expanding her operations by launching her own media company called Three Gate Strategies, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be her first clients.
“We are so proud of Ashley, especially as a businesswoman,” the Duchess said. Vanity fair in a statement on behalf of the couple. “We look forward to her focused expertise on our business and creative projects as well as her ongoing oversight of our communications team. My husband and I are excited to stand alongside Ashley as she builds something incredibly special with her company.”
While Hansen will take on more accounts as her company grows, she plans to continue working with Meghan and Harry and their communications team across the country. Archewell Foundationbusiness endeavors and media projects. Hansen will work with other high-profile clients in entertainment, technology and finance and will remain based in Los Angeles.
The Three Gates takes its name from a proverb often attributed to Rumi, which holds that one should let his words pass through “three gates” before speaking: “Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?” Hansen said that Meghan helped her come up with the name for the company and, recalling their shared affection for that quote, the choice was like a “lightbulb moment.” The mention of Rumi also pays homage to Hansen’s Persian heritage, as the poet lived in Greater Iran in the 13th century. In 2022, Hansen was present when Meghan gave a speech drawing attention to Iran’s Women, Life, Freedom movement, wearing a shirt with the name in Farsi.
Since moving to the US in 2020, Meghan has been investing in women-owned businesses, and she sees Hansen’s new venture as part of her growing portfolio, which also includes accessories brand Cesta Collective, beverage brand Clevrand more Since April, the duchess has also teased the launch of her own lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchardwith sneak peeks at its future products, including gift baskets with jar of strawberry jam. In addition to Archewell’s charity work, Hansen will also work with the duchess on her business and other creative projects.
Hansen told Vanity fair Her new business will build on the work she has done to support the couple. She said: “It happened after I was approached by other clients looking for the high-quality advice I provided to the Sussexes. “The Duke and Duchess’s continued support and confidence in me in delivering on their vision is testament to the meaningful working relationship we have built.”
Hansen began working with Meghan and Harry in May 2022, following a media career that included roles at UTA, Annapurna Pictures and Universal Filmed Entertainment Group. During her time with the Archewell team, she oversaw communications during a particularly historic and tumultuous time for the couple, including Queen Elizabeth II’s 2022 death and the 2023 coronation of King Charles III.
