Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s global press secretary has announced she will be leaving her position with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to create her own firm.
Ashley Hansen, the couple’s public relations chief for more than two years, recently praised her boss following an article in the Hollywood Reporter last month that called Meghan a ‘Difficult Duchess’ and accused her of making grown men cry.
Ashley, who jumped to the duchess’ defense, felt “personally supported” by the Montecito-based mother of two and her royal husband.
And he certainly hasn’t completely severed relations with the couple, as the Sussexes will be clients of his Los Angeles-based consulting firm, Three Gate Strategies.
Ashley will continue to represent and advise the Duke and Duchess, while overseeing their international communications team.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s global press secretary (pictured left) has announced she will be leaving her role with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to create her own firm.
Commenting on the change, Meghan said in a statement: “We are very proud of Ashley, especially as a businesswoman.”
‘We look forward to his expertise focused on our commercial and creative projects and his continued oversight of our communications team.
“My husband and I are excited to stand alongside Ashley as she builds something extraordinarily special with her company.”
Meanwhile, Ashley said: “I am incredibly grateful to the Duke and Duchess for their continued faith in me. Your unwavering support and trust in my new firm has been significant and is a testament to your leadership.
“When they hired me I knew they were giving me the opportunity of a lifetime and I couldn’t be happier to continue working together.”
Specializing in communications and brand management for distinguished individuals and organizations, Three Gates Strategies’ client list includes high-profile individuals in entertainment, technology and finance.
The company, which has the full support of the Duke and Duchess, came about after Ashley was approached by other clients seeking the high-quality advice she had provided to the Sussexes.
The company’s name is derived from the Persian poet Rumi: “Before you speak, let your words pass through three doors.” It’s true? Is it necessary? Is he friendly?
Ashley Hansen, the couple’s public relations chief for more than two years, recently praised her boss following an article in the Hollywood Reporter last month that called Meghan (pictured with Harry in July 2024) ‘Difficult Duchess ‘ and accused her of reducing adult men. to tears
Stung by the recent allegations in The Hollywood Reporter, Ashley was one of a series of loyal current and former Sussex staff members who gave a glowing account of their working lives to US Weekly magazine.
Ashley said she was treated with “the kind of concern and care that a parent would express if it were their own child” when she took time off for surgery, adding that they also sent her flowers and gifts.
‘Meghan personally checked in with my husband every day to make sure we were both okay and had support. It meant a lot to him and even more to me. “You don’t realize how much that kind of kindness and consideration means until you need it,” he insisted.
Despite gushing words from both sides about Ashley’s new venture, she is the 19th person to leave working for the Sussexes, following Josh Kettler, who resigned as chief of staff in August after just three months.
But Josh insists he was “warmly welcomed” by both Harry and Meghan and describes them as “dedicated and hard-working”.
The Hollywood Reporter’s exposé claiming the Duchess is a “dictator in high heels” was claimed to have come from someone “very senior” who still works for the couple.
That article also said Meghan “doesn’t take advice” and has made “grown men” cry while “barking” orders.
The Hollywood Reporter also described the couple as “poor decision makers” who “change their minds frequently.”
Ashley (pictured) will continue to represent and advise the Duke and Duchess, while overseeing their international communications team.
Specializing in communications and brand management for distinguished individuals and organizations, Three Gates Strategies’ client list includes high-profile individuals in entertainment, technology and finance.
Maer Roshan, co-editor-in-chief of the publication, later said he stands by the story, despite the backlash among the Sussexes’ supporters.
Roshan said they spoke to about a dozen people who had worked closely with Harry and Meghan “now and before.”
He also told Access Hollywood that “our reporter spoke to a very senior source who works for the couple and they said everyone is terrified of Meghan.” They say the duchess “puts people down” and “doesn’t take advice.”
Although they have not officially commented, a source “close” to Harry and Meghan previously rejected the claims.
They also noted that a note in her email signature that said staff should not feel obligated to respond outside of normal business hours was further evidence that she was not demanding.
Meghan herself has always strongly denied allegations of bullying staff, claiming they were part of a “calculated smear campaign”.
Roshan added: “Duchess Difficult is a nickname that has followed Meghan for quite a few years.
“What’s new is that this notion, since we came to the United States, that a lot of these rumors were fabricated by the Palace and the reporting we did suggests that’s probably not true and there’s still this undercurrent of fear.”
Buckingham Palace launched its own investigation after allegations of bullying became public, but refused to reveal the findings.