Staff members who have worked closely with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are offering a rare glimpse into what it’s really like to be an employee of a high-profile couple. Since moving to the United States and establishing their Archewell foundation, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have faced scrutiny, with rumors circulating about high staff turnover and accusations of difficult working conditions.
Claims that Meghan “puts people down” and “doesn’t take advice” have earned her the nickname “Duchess Difficult.” These accusations, first reported by The times during their time as working royals, they again stood out in The Hollywood Reporter. Meghan has consistently denied these allegations and now, current and former employees share a contrasting narrative across Us weekly.
A prominent voice in the Us weekly The piece is Josh Kettler, Harry’s former chief of staff, who left the position after just three months. His sudden departure drew attention, particularly because it occurred shortly before Harry and Meghan’s high-profile trip to Colombia. Despite his brief tenure, Kettler described his time with the Sussexes positively and stated that he was “warmly received” by the couple and his team at Archewell. He praised them as “dedicated and hardworking.”
Another staff member, Ashley Hansen, who currently serves as the couple’s global press secretary, spoke of the kindness she experienced after the surgery. Hansen recalled how Meghan personally reached out with phone calls, care packages and flowers, and spoke to her husband during her recovery. “When I told them, I was met with the kind of concern and care that a father would express if it were his own child,” Hansen said.
Staff members also described the Sussexes as thoughtful and generous employers. A former employee shared that when they adopted a dog, they received a luxury leash and collar from Harry and Meghan. Another noted that staff welcoming a new baby received second-hand baby items such as unused car seats, demonstrating the couple’s sustainability efforts. Additionally, visits to the couple’s Montecito home often ended with fresh flowers, fruit, or even a basket of eggs from the Sussexes’ garden.
Despite rumors that Meghan sent “angry emails at 5am”, a current member of staff responded to these claims and claimed they had never heard her raise her voice. Instead, she was described as “solution-oriented” and someone who provides “clear direction.” They also noted that Meghan’s email signature advises staff not to feel obligated to respond outside of normal working hours.
Addressing reports of high employee turnover at Archewell, Hansen compared the organization to a young company, where personnel changes are common. “You can be a great leader and still experience change. No boss or company is immune to that,” she stated.
“Other employees expressed surprise at the negative.”Difficult Duchess”, and an anonymous staff member commented: “This is the first company where I really like all the people. “Harry and Meghan have brought together top talent and fostered an environment for them to grow.” While the Sussexes face continued public scrutiny, these firsthand accounts offer a more nuanced view of their leadership style and the positive experiences of those who work alongside them.