While Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are desperately trying to establish themselves as Hollywood "power couples", Prince William of Wales and Princess Kate are quietly strengthening their own show business ties.
Prince William and Catherine have appointed producers of the BBC hit drama Call the Midwife as directors of their Royal Foundation. Baroness Pippa Harris will also serve on the Board of Diana Memorial Fund Trust, Princess of Wales.
It was a major appointment, and Ms. Pippa knew everyone and was an expert at getting things done. Mrs Pippa, 56, co-founded the hugely successful film company Neil Street Productions with Oscar-winning director Sir Sam Mendes, 58. In addition to co-working Call the Midwife, they have produced critically acclaimed films, including Revolutionary Road starring Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio, and most recently the World War I epic 1917, for which they won two BAFTA Awards and a Golden Globe Award.
Lady Pippa is also President of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, of which Prince William is a royal patron.
The Royal Foundation initially included Prince Harry, and there were concerns that the foundation would be affected after he and Meghan quit in 2020. In fact, the opposite seems to be true.
The following year, its revenue skyrocketed, reaching a staggering £11.78 million. That's almost double the £6.68 million raised in 2019, when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were still involved. According to the latest published accounts, last year's revenue was £10.1 million.
The Foundation develops projects and initiatives based on the interests of the Prince and Princess, particularly in the areas of early childhood, mental health and the environment.
