Behind the Scenes with Harry and Meghan: Staff Spill the Truth on ‘Duchess Difficult’ Rumours
Staff members who have worked closely with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are offering rare insight into what it’s truly like to be employed by the 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 a high turnover of staff and allegations of difficult work conditions.
Claims that Meghan “belittles people” and “doesn’t take advice” have earned her the nickname “Duchess Difficult.” These accusations, first reported by The Times during her time as a working royal, were highlighted again in The Hollywood Reporter. Meghan has consistently denied these allegations, and now, current and former employees are sharing a contrasting narrative through Us Weekly.
One prominent voice in the Us Weekly piece is Josh Kettler, Harry’s former chief of staff, who left the role after just three months. His sudden departure raised eyebrows, particularly as 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, stating that he was “warmly welcomed” by the couple and their 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 undergoing surgery. Hansen recalled how Meghan personally reached out with phone calls, care packages, and flowers, and checked in with her husband during her recovery. “When I told them, I was met with the same concern and care you’d expect from a parent,” Hansen said.
Staff members also described the Sussexes as thoughtful and generous employers. One 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 were gifted secondhand baby items, such as unused car seats, showcasing the couple’s sustainability efforts. Additionally, visits to the couple’s Montecito home often resulted in leaving with fresh flowers, fruit, or even a basket of eggs from the Sussexes’ garden.
Despite rumors of Meghan sending “angry 5 a.m. emails,” one current staff member countered these claims, stating they had never heard her raise her voice. Instead, they described her as “solution-oriented” and someone who provides “clear direction.” They also pointed out that Meghan’s email signature advises staff not to feel obliged to respond outside of normal working hours.
Addressing the reports of high staff turnover at Archewell, Hansen likened the organization to a young start-up, where changes in staff are common. “You can be a great leader and still experience turnover. No boss or company is immune to that,” she said.
Other employees expressed surprise at the negative “Duchess Difficult” narrative, with one anonymous staffer remarking, “This is the first company where I’ve genuinely liked every person. Harry and Meghan have assembled the best 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 working alongside them.