The saga surrounding Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s management struggles continues to unravel, revealing a situation as dramatic as ever.
According to an eye-opening report from In Touch magazine, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have gained an unfortunate reputation as some of the most demanding and toxic employers in the industry. Their latest business venture, American Riviera Orchard, is reportedly on the verge of collapse due to a growing number of high-level staff resignations, unable to tolerate the working conditions any longer.
The most recent departure is that of Josh Kettler, their chief of staff, who quit just days before he was meant to accompany the couple on an extravagant trip to Colombia. Kettler’s tenure lasted a mere three months, which has now become the norm in the revolving door of executives cycling through the Sussex business empire.
An anonymous insider has shed light on the chaotic environment within Meghan and Harry's operations, describing their leadership style as nothing short of nightmarish. "The brutal truth is that Meghan and Harry are among the toughest taskmasters to work for," the source reveals. "They are incredibly difficult, and the numbers don’t lie—almost 20 staff members have quit. It’s unprecedented, even for a startup." The turmoil surrounding Meghan’s latest lifestyle brand, which launched with grand promises, now reads like a cautionary tale of failed ambition. Despite the high-profile launch and attention-grabbing PR stunts—like sending homemade strawberry jam and dog biscuits to select friends, and teasing the release of a rosé wine—the project is floundering. The latest reports suggest that everything has come to a grinding halt, with no sign of an air date for Meghan’s already filmed cooking and gardening show for Netflix.
Meghan’s problematic reputation as a boss is not a new phenomenon. During her short stint as a working royal, she faced criticism for alleged bullying, accusations she dismissed as part of a calculated smear campaign. However, Queen Elizabeth II authorized a formal investigation into these claims, although the results remain confidential. What is evident is that Meghan’s reported high-handedness and unwillingness to accept advice created a toxic work environment, a pattern that seems to have persisted into her post-royal business ventures. As one royal insider put it, "Nothing has changed."
Meghan’s history of strained relationships extends beyond her professional life. A royal observer notes, “She has a long history of conflict with friends and family. She cut off her father after his heart attack, accused the royals of racism and cruelty, and is notorious for ghosting friends once they’re no longer useful.” The constant staff turnover paints a clear picture—former employees of the Sussexes have even formed what they call the "Sussex Survivor Club," proudly proclaiming their escape from the tumultuous environment created by the couple. Even senior royal courtiers like Samantha Cohen, a long-time favorite of Queen Elizabeth, were reportedly forced to stay on longer than they desired due to the lack of suitable replacements. One ex-staffer lamented, "In all my time working there, I don’t think I ever heard a single former employee say they would take the job again if given the chance."
Despite their ongoing search for top-tier PR professionals and high-caliber staff, Meghan and Harry’s inability to maintain a stable team suggests a fundamental issue in their approach. A courtier offered insight into this dynamic, saying, "My guess is that Meghan doesn’t listen to anyone because she believes she knows best. That’s a recipe for disaster in business." Ultimately, the couple’s success hinges on their ability to build and retain a loyal support team, but that won’t happen unless they are willing to listen to the advice of those around them—a trait Meghan seems to struggle with.
