Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's former staff have spoken out publicly about their experiences working for the pair.
Their Archewell firm has a reputation for high staff turnover since they moved to the US four years ago. Josh Kettler, who was Harry's chief of staff before, only lasted three months in that post. The accusation that Meghan "belittles people" and "doesn't take advice" has allegedly turned her into "Duchess Difficult," according to claims made only last week.
The Hollywood Reporter published the claims, which come after a number of years of The Times citing people who said that Meghan mistreated staff while she was a working royal—a claim that Meghan has consistently rejected. Former and present Sussex staff members have spoken out to Us Weekly, an American publication, to present a contrasting view of working with Prince Harry and Meghan.
Even though he was only Prince Harry's chief of staff for three months, Mr. Kettler is one of the most prominent figures to have spoken out in Us Weekly. A seasoned public relations expert apparently engaged to "guide him [Harry] through his next phase" resigned from his position barely weeks into the job, raising eyebrows. His resignation was announced just before Harry and Meghan's public tour of Colombia was to begin.
Both of them and their Archewell team "warmly welcomed" Mr. Kettler, who had previously served as chief of staff and head of strategic alliances at the communication platform Cognixion. "They are dedicated and hardworking. It was impressive to witness,” he added.
Ashley Hansen, the couple's current global press secretary, spoke with the magazine as well; she said that her bosses are incredibly supportive. She describes how Meghan showered her with encouraging messages, care packages, and flowers after she had to take time off work due to a major operation.
"When I told them, I was met with the kind of concern and care a parent would express if it were their own child. Most profoundly to me, Meghan would personally reach out to my husband daily to make sure that we both were OK and had support. It meant so much to him and even more to me. You don’t realize how much that kind of kindness and thought means until you need it,” Ashley stated.
At the same time, another ex-employee informed the publication that Prince Harry and Meghan are always willing to provide considerate presents to employees who ask for them.
The unnamed individual claimed to have received a high-end leash and collar as an adoption present. In addition, they mentioned that the Sussexes provide the staff with "top-notch secondhand stuff," such as unused car seats and baby items when they receive a new baby.
A different current employee went on record as saying that every time employees visit their Montecito home, they are always left with a basket of eggs, flowers, or fruit.
A major accusation stated by The Hollywood Reporter in their critical article about Meghan is that she sends out "angry emails at 5am to employees," which is the reason behind the "Duchess Difficult" moniker.
A current employee, who asked not to be named, asserts that Meghan "gives clear direction and is solution-oriented" and that they have never seen her yell. They further assert that the following statement appears in Meghan's email signature: "My working day may not be your working day. Please do not feel obliged to reply to this email outside your normal working hours."
Former organization president Mandana Dayani is another prominent figure that departed from Archewell after what seemed like a brief tenure. Before stepping down, she remained for 18 months.
Despite her brief employment with the Sussexes, she maintains that she has fond memories of the family and is still very close to them. "Some of my favourite memories were during our weekly meetings in their Montecito home, where Meghan always served the most incredible lunches, snacks and her latest beautiful concoction,” she told Us Weekly.
Staff at Archewell continue to leave in large numbers, despite claims that Prince Harry and Meghan are very caring bosses.
Ashley Hansen, their press secretary, ignored the complaints despite the large volume of visitors. "Archewell is not unlike a start-up; it's relatively young. Two things can be equally true: you can be a great leader and still have turnover. No boss or company is immune to that,” she stated.
Meanwhile, others claimed the most recent allegations against "Duchess Difficult" have left some people "dumbfounded.” "This is the first company I've worked [where I] liked every person. Harry and Meghan picked the best of the best from every field and watered the seeds for them to flourish. We have an enormous microscope on us. But good things are happening,” the undisclosed informant stated.
Business Times has reached out to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry for comments.
