Meghan Markle and Prince Harry hire new US-based PR team as they prepare to unveil charity Archewell

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex in London before they moved to America

(Picture: PA)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have hired a new US-based communications team as the couple settle in to their new life in America.

The former head of communications for Pinterest, Christine Schirmer, is the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s new head of communications it was announced today.

Toya Holness, who has worked as director of corporate communications and marketing for Deluxe, a video creation company, will become the couple's press secretary.

Schirmer had been in charge of Pinterest’s communications since 2017 and left the company in July. She previously worked as corporate communications manager at Apple.

Ms Holness, a former footballer, previously worked for the New York City’s Department of Education.

The two women joined the team last month, according to an announcement by the couple's PR firm, Sunshine Sachs.

Sunshine Sachs has managed the couple’s publicity in the States since the beginning of the year.

Ms Schirmer will manage both Ms Holness and James Holt, who is leading communications in the UK.

The couple with their son, Archie

PA Wire/PA Images

Meghan and Harry, who now live in Santa Barbara with their son Archie, one, stepped down from royal duties earlier this year.

When they did, the couple scaled their staff back heavily.

At the time, the couple’s former head of communications - Sara Latham - was moved to the Queen’s private office.

Since moving to the States, the Sussexes have been planning to launch their new charitable organisation, Archewell.

The couple spoke exclusively to the Standard last month to mark Black History Month.