Former Soap Star and Kensington Palace Aide Joins Harry and Meghan on Nottingham Walkabout A former soap opera actress and former Kensington Palace aide, Beth Herlihy, joined Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during a Nottingham walkabout, highlighting her transition from television to royal advisory work. The duo were supported by Herlihy, who managed logistics and accompanied the couple through the city. Her history includes work with the Royal Foundation as an events manager and co‑founding the PR advisory firm Herlihy Loughran, which has worked with the Sussexes on philanthropic projects. Herlihy, formerly known on stage as Bethan Coundley, had a brief acting career in the 2011 Channel 4 series Hollyoaks Later. She later entered public relations, working for the Royal Foundation and later establishing her own firm in partnership with former royal aide Clara Loughran. The article discusses the financial details of the Sussexes' charity dealings, noting payments to Herlihy Loughran for strategic consulting and event support. Herlihy's role in coordinating public engagements and ensuring smooth execution reflects her long‑time association with the Sussexes and her expertise in both media and event management. The piece captures the evolving dynamic of the Sussexes' post‑royal engagements, illustrating how the couple's team blends diverse backgrounds and skills to maintain their philanthropic mission and public presence in the UK and abroad. During yesterday's public engagement in Nottingham, Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan, were accompanied by an unlikely yet familiar figure: Beth Herlihy, a former television actress who later transitioned into royal staff and public relations. The pair received a warm welcome from a crowd of around a hundred supporters, tossed flowers, balloons, and applause, all while Herlihy-dressed in a black pair of trousers, suede boots, and a taupe jumper-helped to manage the logistical details. Her role as escort, flower‑carrier, and university usher underscored her long‑standing commitment to the Sussexes' philanthropic mission. Herlihy first entered the public eye as an actress under her stage name Bethan Coundley.Beth Herlihy Acting Career OriginsShe appeared in two 2011 episodes of the Channel 4 soap "Hollyoaks Later," playing a character named Honey who participated in a dramatic storyline involving drug use and a fake burial plot. The role required a risqué portrayal, including a memorable scene in a PVC bodysuit.However, after 2016, she abandoned her acting career and shifted her focus to event management and public relations. She was hired in 2016 by the Royal Foundation as an events manager and quickly became one of Harry's trusted advisors. Over the years, she helped coordinate the Sussexes' public appearances, aligning their brand with philanthropic causes and media outreach.In 2020, drawing on her experience with the Royal Foundation, Herlihy co‑founded Herlihy Loughran, a boutique public‑relations and advisory firm, alongside former royal aide Clara Loughran. The company positions itself as a "high‑trust advisory" offering bespoke consulting for high‑profile individuals, philanthropic organisations, and founders. Its services include strategic communication, positioning, and project delivery aimed at helping clients achieve meaningful impact with exceptional quality. Clients pay a premium for the familiarity with royal protocol and discreet handling of high‑profile events.Herlihy Loughran Revenue and ServicesAccording to a filed tax return by the Duchy of Sussex's charitable arm, Archewell Philanthropies, the Sussexes paid Herlihy Loughran an estimated $155,000 in 2023 for its strategic services, up from approximately $127,800 in 2022. The consultancy's cumulative revenue reflects the favourited consulting package built on years of experience within the monarchy's inner circles. The firm's services were manifest in the seamless execution of the Nottingham walkabout, including traffic management, crowd control, and coordination with local authorities.Beyond her PR credentials, Herlihy has remained a steadfast supporter of the Sussexes even after their step down from senior royal duties in 2018. She was present during the couple's charity work in Italy, their 2023 return to the UK, and their philanthropic engagements across the United States and Europe. In September 2023, she was photographed with Harry at the Invictus Games in Düsseldorf, where the team celebrated the nation's efforts to support wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women.Her presence in each event reflects a balance of loyalty, professionalism, and adaptability-qualities that have earned her the Royal Victorian Order-a recognition specifically reserved for dedicated service to the monarchy. The Nottingham encounter proved that individuals with unconventional backgrounds can still play vital roles within royal engagements. Herlihy's transition from soap opera to strategic advisor demonstrates that an unorthodox path can culminate in significant influence within the public sphere.For Harry and Meghan, the support offered by Herlihy underscores the dynamic and inclusive nature of their post‑royal brand. The Sussexes continue to rely on seasoned staff to navigate the complexities of modern media, public diplomacy, and charitable impact-ensuring that their message extends beyond the glamour of their titles to touch real lives. -