Allegations against Meghan Markle's management style have resurfaced, once again casting her in a harsh spotlight. The latest claims, branding the Duchess of Sussex as a "dictator in high heels," reportedly came from a senior member of staff closely associated with the couple. The accusations, originally brought to light by The Hollywood Reporter, have reignited debates over Markle's leadership, sparking responses from both critics and supporters of the Duke and Duchess.
The controversy stems from claims that Meghan's behavior created a tense and fear-driven work environment at Archewell, the foundation she runs with her husband, Prince Harry. According to The Hollywood Reporter's co-editor-in-chief Maer Roshan, the claims came from someone "very high up" in the Sussexes' staff. "Everyone is terrified of Meghan," the source reportedly said. Roshan emphasized that the "Duchess Difficult" nickname, which has long followed Meghan, is not new but continues to haunt her as she navigates her public and professional life.
Despite the gravity of these accusations, sources close to the Duke and Duchess have quickly stepped in to refute the claims. Friends of the couple labeled the report "fabricated" and "ill-informed," while multiple current and former staff members have defended the working environment under the Sussexes. "Best bosses I have ever had," one current team member told Us Weekly. Another ex-staffer described their time with the couple as "an honor."
The resurgence of these claims highlights a persistent narrative that Meghan, despite moving to the U.S. and launching Archewell, has struggled to shake off accusations of being difficult to work for. These allegations date back to her time at Kensington Palace, where she was reportedly accused of bullying staff, claims she has always denied.
Former Archewell Chief of Staff Josh Kettler, whose August departure fueled speculation about discord within the organization, added his voice to those supporting the couple. "They are dedicated and hardworking," Kettler said, noting he was "warmly welcomed" during his time with the team. He described his experience as "impressive to witness," standing in stark contrast to the accusations of a toxic work environment.
However, not all perspectives have been positive. According to one insider, Meghan and Harry are "the toughest of taskmasters." The source noted that the high turnover rate among staff-allegedly 20 employees-speaks volumes. "The numbers don't lie," the source told Us Weekly, adding, "To have almost 20 staffers quitting tells its own story."
These concerns aren't new. Meghan was first accused of bullying during her brief tenure in the U.K., with reports suggesting that she reduced staff to tears. In 2021, The Times of London reported allegations of mistreatment at Kensington Palace, leading to a formal investigation by Queen Elizabeth. While Meghan denied the accusations and called them a "calculated smear campaign," the results of the investigation were never officially released.
According to a courtier, "Not being able to keep staffers raises a worrying question: Are Meghan and Harry terrible at choosing employees, or is it a terrible work environment?" Some former staff members have voiced their frustrations, with one former employee stating, "What may be most telling is that during my entire time there, I don't think I heard a single current or former employee say they would take the job again if given the chance."
Roshan, addressing the backlash to The Hollywood Reporter's story, stood by his publication's reporting. "Two things can be possible at once," he told Access Hollywood. "The couple does help a lot of people. Meghan and Harry declined to comment on our story." He added, "What is new is the notion that a lot of these rumors were manufactured by the Palace-and our reporting suggests that probably isn't true. There is still this undercurrent of fear."
The continued allegations surrounding Meghan's leadership come as her and Harry's Archewell Foundation, a relatively young organization, experiences growing pains. Staff turnover, often attributed to the pressures of working in a high-profile, scrutinized environment, is not uncommon for start-ups. Still, the high number of departures has reignited questions about the work culture within the Sussexes' organization.
