
Meghan Markle has made it clear that she’s willing to put her name on the push for paid family leave in the U.S., and now she’s going above and beyond for the other people in the fight, too. This week, the Duchess gifted the workers of PL+US, the campaign group organizing to get family leave adopted by 2022, each with vouchers for $25 at Starbucks, which they can access through the Sussexes’ Archewell website. It’s a gift to thank them for working overtime to get paid family leave adopted in the next Congressional spending bill, which is painstakingly working its way through both chambers.
Just last week, the Duchess wrote an impassioned open letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Shumer and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi on why the issue is so important to her, and how much it would help American parents. The letter angered some politicians—notably, Republicans who thought that the Duchess should stay out of politics, though social media users were quick to point out that family leave has never been considered a partisan issue before the Democrats started considering a robust family leave deal in their upcoming spending package. In particular, Markle wrote that she took up the banner for paid family after the pandemic exposed “long-existing fault lines” in how parents can find affordable childcare, job security, and medical bills.
The Duchess of Sussex (aka #MeghanMarkle) bought everyone at @PaidLeaveUS a few cups of coffee while we're working overtime to #SavePaidLeave. Unbelievably classy... and necessary. Truly honored to know she has our backs in the fight to win #PaidLeaveForAll. pic.twitter.com/iPtTO07GHQOctober 30, 2021
Neil Sroka, Comms Director for PL+US, called Meghan’s donation of the Starbucks gift cards “[u]nbelievably classy...and necessary” in a tweet. And though she has been vocal about her support for paid family leave, Meghan was quiet about the coffee gift to the workers at PL+US. The news was shared only by Sroka’s tweet, and news about the gift doesn’t show up anywhere on the Archewell site.
In a way, this sweet gesture shows how personally she’s taking the fight: It’s not about publicity, it’s about achieving change and thanking the people who are working to get things done.
Marie Claire is committed to celebrating the richness and scope of women's lives. We're known for our award-winning features, thoughtful essays and op-eds, deep commitment to sustainable fashion, and buzzy interviews and reviews. Reaching millions of women every month, MarieClaire.com is an internationally-recognized destination for celebrity news, fashion trends, beauty recommendations, and renowned investigative packages.
-
James Middleton Reveals That Sister Kate Went to Therapy with Him
The third Middleton child, Pippa, also attended therapy to support her brother.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis Are Banned from Doing This at Home
It’s a non-negotiable in the Wales’ house.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Princess Diana’s Personal Letters to Friends During Her Divorce Are Being Auctioned for Charity
The 32-letter collection is both “astonishing” and “confidential.”
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Princess Kate Is a "Textbook Capricorn," Astrologer Says
Can relate.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Royals Probably "Laughed" About Kim Kardashian Buying Princess Diana's Necklace, Expert Claims
It's probably not a big deal to them.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Are Likely "Shocked" by the "Negative Pushback" Over 'Spare,' Royal Expert Says
They thought it would be more like the aftermath of Oprah.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Diana Didn't Want to Move Away From England, Her Former Butler Claims
Obviously, we can't ever really know the truth.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
King Charles Will Not Hold "Peace Talks" With Harry and Meghan Before the Coronation, Royal Expert Claims
Oh.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Diana's Butler Responds to Prince Harry Referring to Him as "The Butler" in 'Spare'
Paul Burrell says he's confused and hurt.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Eugenie's New Baby Will Allow the Royal Family to "Put Behind Them a Year of Sorrow and Conflict," Astrologer Says
All good things!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry "Should Have Been Prince William's Wingman," Has Become His "Hitman" Instead, Royal Expert Says
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn