Meghan Markle is facing new allegations of staff tensions, with recent media reports describing her as “relentless” and claiming she “marches around like a dictator in high heels, fuming and barking orders.”
One source told the Hollywood Reporter: “I’ve watched her reduce grown men to tears”.
The actions have contributed to her earning the nickname “Duchess Difficult” among staff members.
“Harry is a very, very charming person – no airs at all – but he’s very much an enabler,” a source to the US publication.
The allegations come amidst a high turnover of employees in the Sussex camp, raising questions about the couple’s ability to retain staff.
Key departures include Josh Kettler, their chief of staff who resigned in August after just three months, and Toya Holness, their global press secretary until 2022.
Christine Weil Schirmer, their head of PR who left in 2021, also stepped down, along with Ben Browning, who secured Meghan and Harry’s Netflix deal, and marketing chief Fara Taylor.
Catherine St-Laurent, who led their Archewell charity for a year, and Mandana Dayani, Archewell’s COO, have also left.
These claims echo earlier accusations from Meghan’s time as a working royal.
Before moving to California, royal aides launched an inquiry into her alleged “belittling” of two personal assistants, with reports that staff were left in tears and “traumatised,” with comparisons to post-traumatic stress.
Meghan’s legal team has previously called these claims a “calculated smear campaign.”
The Sussexes have yet to comment on the latest reports.
Since their move to California in 2020, the couple has faced challenges retaining staff, with at least 18 employees leaving since their 2018 marriage, including over nine departures since their relocation to the U.S.
