Meghan Markle Bought Coffee for the Workers Fighting for Paid Family Leave
Prince Harry and Meghan have been campaigning for the U.S. to adopt a paid family leave policy.

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.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
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.
-
Why One Former Queen Was Held "Prisoner" at Kensington Palace
She was forbidden "from reading popular books" or walking "downstairs without holding someone's hand."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Dua Lipa Pairs Her Snakeskin Trench With a Chanel Bag
The pop star's new rules scream loud luxury.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Kate Middleton Refused to Abide by a 350-Year-Old Royal Tradition
She insisted on doing this one very important thing her way, according to a royal expert.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
7 Times the Royal Family Broke Queen Elizabeth's More Understated "Rule"
These royal women are doing it their way.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Meghan Markle Just Keeps Getting Busier With Major New Business Announcement
April will bring an exciting new venture for the duchess.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Jewelry Expert Reveals Who Owns the Most Expensive Royal Engagement Ring
From pink sapphires to classic diamonds, these regal rings don't disappoint.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince Harry Proves He's a Total Girl Dad in Sweet New Photo of Daughter Princess Lilibet
Lilibet is curled up in her dad's lap in the previously unseen snap.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle and Son Prince Archie Are Basically Twins in Photos Taken Decades Apart
The Duchess of Sussex just shared a throwback photo from her time as a Girl Scout.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle Pairs Cartier With Crocs for the Ultimate High-Low 'With Love, Meghan' Moment
Many of the Duchess of Sussex's looks are under $300 in her new Netflix series.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Meghan Markle's As Ever Lineup Will Include One Fanciful Product Used on Her Netflix Show
You're going to want to use it on everything.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Princess Lilibet Takes Cleaning Very Seriously, According to Mom Meghan Markle
Like mother, like daughter.
By Kristin Contino Published