The growing number of high-profile departures among her staff has led to Meghan Markle being labeled a “boss from hell,” putting her latest business venture at risk. An insider has revealed to In Touch that both Meghan, 43, and Prince Harry, 40, are perceived as spoiled and demanding, contributing to a challenging workplace atmosphere.
“The harsh reality is that Meghan and Harry are incredibly tough taskmasters,” the source explains. “They are exceptionally difficult to work for. With nearly 20 staff members quitting, it speaks volumes. It’s unprecedented, even for a startup!”
Insiders reveal that both Meghan and Prince Harry are viewed as demanding employers, contributing to a high turnover rate of nearly 20 staff members
Josh Kettler, Chief of Staff for American Riviera Orchard, is the most recent executive to leave, departing just days before he was scheduled to accompany the couple on their promotional tour of Colombia in August. Kettler, 45, had been with the organization for only three months.
Since the launch of her lifestyle brand six months ago, Meghan has reportedly struggled to get the business off the ground, largely due to her inability to find and retain a CEO. Her history of staff turnover does not come as a shock to the royal family, according to a palace source.
“Meghan faced bullying allegations during her short time in the palace,” a courtier notes. “She denied these claims, describing them as a ‘calculated smear campaign.’ Although Queen Elizabeth initiated a formal investigation, Meghan was never officially cleared, and the findings were kept confidential.”
After marrying Harry in 2018, Meghan spent less than two years as a working royal, yet she quickly gained a reputation for her haughty demeanor and unwillingness to accept advice, which alienated those around her.
“It seems nothing has changed,” remarks the courtier.
Meghan’s history of discord extends to her relationships with friends and family. She reportedly abandoned her father, Thomas Markle, 80, after his heart attack, accused the royal family of racism and cruelty, and has been known to ghost friends who no longer serve her ambitions.
“Failing to retain staff raises a troubling question,” the courtier observes. “Are Meghan and Harry poor at selecting employees, or is it simply a toxic work environment?”
Former palace staff members who left or were dismissed have humorously referred to themselves as the “Sussex Survivors Club.” Samantha Cohen, a senior royal courtier and long-time favorite of Queen Elizabeth, mentioned she eagerly sought an exit from Meghan’s circle but stayed over a year longer than intended due to the difficulty of finding her replacement.
One former Sussex employee remarked, “What’s most revealing is that during my time there, I don’t think a single person, current or former, would say they’d take the job again if given the opportunity.”
Currently, with no CEO in place, Meghan appears to be in crisis mode with her lifestyle brand. She initially launched the project in March by sending jars of homemade strawberry jam and dog biscuits to select friends and teasing a rosé wine, but since then, there has been no further progress.
“Everything seems to have come to a standstill,” the courtier reports. “She’s already filmed a cooking and gardening show for Netflix, yet there’s still no scheduled air date!”
Despite this, the Sussexes continue to recruit top-tier PR professionals and senior staff. “I suspect Meghan doesn’t listen to anyone because she believes she knows best,” the courtier adds. “This mindset is a recipe for business failure. Meghan and Harry need loyal advisors, but those they hire will only stay if the Sussexes are open to feedback. Unfortunately, listening to others doesn’t seem to be one of Meghan’s strengths!”
