Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have significantly reduced their in-house communications team as part of an effort to rein in costs, according to multiple sources close to the couple. The move comes amid rising expenses, a potentially reduced streaming contract with Netflix, and persistent allegations of a difficult workplace culture surrounding the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Harry and Meghan have parted ways with approximately 25 staff members, including recent high-level departures such as deputy press secretary Kyle Boulia, European communications director Charlie Gipson, Archewell's director of communications Deesha Tank, and head of operations Lianne Cashin. The couple also lost an unnamed social media manager and personal assistant.
"Milk lasts longer than their employees," a royal insider quipped to Page Six. Despite scoring success with the "Harry & Meghan" Netflix docuseries and Meghan's lifestyle show "With Love, Meghan," their contract with the streamer-initially reported to be worth up to $100 million, though sources place it closer to $20 million-is set to expire this year. With Netflix now favoring "first-look" deals instead of exclusive arrangements, the Sussexes may have to renegotiate at a lower value.
Meghan and Harry's operating costs are substantial. After purchasing their Montecito, California estate for $14.65 million in 2020, they took out a $9.5 million mortgage and pay $288,000 annually in property taxes. Security costs are estimated at $2 million per year, and they also self-fund their Archewell Foundation staff, production team, and travel, including semi-official visits to Nigeria and Colombia.
Meredith Maines, now serving as chief communications officer, confirmed a strategic pivot to agency-based support. "Transitioning from a team of two to an agency support staff of eight, operating across five different time zones, will give international media and stakeholders better access, and critically, faster response times to inquiries," she said. The couple has since enlisted Method Communications to assist.
Despite the restructuring, reports of a toxic work environment persist. A January Vanity Fair story alleged that Markle "would be cold and withholding to staffers at the drop of a dime," while The Hollywood Reporter previously claimed, "everyone's terrified of Meghan." A source quoted in both outlets accused the couple of being indecisive and difficult, adding, "Harry is a very, very charming person-but he's very much an enabler. And she's just terrible."
Markle's team pushed back against earlier bullying claims from her time at Kensington Palace. In 2018, former communications secretary Jason Knauf submitted a formal complaint alleging that Markle drove out two personal assistants and undermined a third employee's confidence. The Sussex camp denied the allegations, calling them part of a "calculated smear campaign."
Meanwhile, Prince Harry continues to focus on charitable efforts and has expressed a desire to reconcile with his estranged family. "I would love reconciliation with my family," he told the BBC in May. "There's no point in continuing to fight anymore. Life is precious. I don't know how much longer my father has."
The Telegraph recently reported that palace officials have included the Sussexes in early funeral planning discussions for King Charles, who is undergoing cancer treatment. However, relations with Prince William remain frosty. According to Radar Online, William has privately discussed removing Harry and Meghan's titles once he ascends the throne. "Behind the scenes, people are saying that the royals have quietly sanctioned the title removal-if Harry and Meghan step out of line again," said one source.
Markle recently launched her rosé wine brand on July 1, Princess Diana's birthday, drawing criticism from royal commentators. "It's not lost on Prince William that Meghan has launched an alcohol brand on his mother's birthday, the very mum he lost in a drink-driving tragedy," royal reporter Kinsey Schofield told The Sun.
Despite the financial and reputational headwinds, a TV executive told Page Six that more content could be in the pipeline. "I can see Meghan's show coming back for a third season, easily," the producer said. "People just love to hate her."
