Recent reports suggesting Meghan Markle's "dictator-like" behavior as the root cause of high turnover at Archewell, the foundation she co-runs with Prince Harry, have sparked a flurry of public debate. On September 12, The Hollywood Reporter published an article that accused the Duchess of Sussex of fostering a toxic work environment, with one source labeling her a "dictator in high heels" who allegedly reduced grown men to tears. The claims quickly generated buzz, but were met with staunch rebuttals from current and former staffers who rushed to defend Meghan.
The accusations came just days after the Sussexes faced similar criticism in 2021, when The Times of London published allegations of workplace bullying during their time in the U.K. Recently, NewsNation reported that the couple lost 18 employees during their stints in both the U.K. and the U.S., leading some to point fingers at Meghan's supposed "unbearable" management style. However, insiders at Archewell maintain that these reports are wildly inaccurate, portraying a different reality of working with the royal couple.
Ben Browning, former head of content at Archewell, emphasized that his experience was overwhelmingly positive. "We all continue to be friends. The narratives suggesting the contrary are untrue," he told Us Weekly. Similarly, Catherine St-Laurent, former chief of staff, reiterated her positive working relationship with the Sussexes. "The time I spent working with Prince Harry and Meghan was incredibly meaningful to me, and we've remained close."
A number of other staffers, including Josh Kettler, who recently stepped down as Harry's chief of staff, also spoke out against the negative press. Kettler described the couple as "dedicated and hardworking" during his tenure. "It was impressive to witness," he said.
Archewell's global press secretary, Ashley Hansen, also came to Meghan's defense, recounting the personal support she received during a serious surgery. "When I told them [about the surgery], I was met with concern and care. Meghan would personally reach out to my husband daily to ensure we were both okay," Hansen said, adding that such gestures demonstrated the duchess's genuine empathy.
Amid the media storm, the Sussexes' defenders argue that Archewell's high turnover rate is not abnormal for a relatively young company. "Archewell is not unlike a start-up; it's relatively young," Hansen explained. "Turnover is natural in any organization as people evolve in their careers."
Staffers have also pointed out that the scrutiny the Sussexes face is often exaggerated. "This is the first company I've worked at where I liked every person," one current staffer said, adding that Meghan and Harry picked the best talent and fostered an environment where people could thrive. "We have an enormous microscope on us, but good things are happening," the employee noted.
The office culture, which spans a small team of about 16 full-time employees, appears to be collaborative, with many employees working remotely, including Meghan and Harry. Weekly Zoom calls, described as casual and friendly, often start with personal pleasantries from Prince Harry, creating a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. "He's fun and takes the work seriously, but the first few minutes are always filled with small talk," one ex-employee recalled.
The couple's thoughtful gestures, from personalized emails to holiday gifts, also contribute to a positive work culture. "When I adopted my dog, Meghan sent a luxury leash and collar the next day," a former staffer shared. Employees visiting the Sussexes' Montecito home reportedly leave with baskets of fresh produce and flowers, underscoring the couple's commitment to creating a nurturing work environment.
However, the barrage of criticism has not been without its toll. Staff members have voiced frustration with what they see as a distorted media narrative. "We're here for a reason," said one current team member. "If you come for our bosses, you're coming for us."
The ongoing media speculation around Meghan Markle's leadership style has been fueled by public figures like The Hollywood Reporter's co-editor-in-chief, Maer Roshan, who stands by the article's portrayal of the Duchess. Roshan told Access Hollywood that his reporter's claims came from a "very high-up" source within the Sussexes' team. "Everyone is terrified of Meghan," the source reportedly said, echoing long-standing rumors about her management style.
Despite these claims, Meghan's former president of Archewell, Mandana Dayani, who worked closely with the couple for 18 months, offered a different perspective. "So much of the kindness and support that Prince Harry and Meghan share happens quietly behind closed doors," Dayani shared. She recalled moments of genuine care, such as Meghan's personal outreach to families in Uvalde, Texas, following the 2022 school shooting. "These are kind, decent, caring people who I am very proud to call my friends," Dayani added.
