Meghan Markle Reveals True Feelings About Unflattering Nickname Ahead of Staff Dispute
A heated exchange has emerged between current and former staff of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle regarding their time working for the couple. Since their relocation to the U.S. four years ago, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have gained a reputation for high staff turnover within their Archewell organization. Recently, claims surfaced in The Hollywood Reporter that Meghan "belittles people," "doesn't take advice," and has been nicknamed "Duchess Difficult." The accusations have led other employees to come forward in her defense.
These fresh allegations echo past rumors during Meghan's time as a working member of the Royal Family, when she was also reportedly called "Duchess Difficult." However, Meghan has addressed this unflattering nickname directly, most notably during an episode of her Spotify podcast Archetypes. In the episode, she delves into the origins of the "B-word" and the label "difficult," exploring how these terms are often unjustly applied to assertive women.
What these people are implying when they use that very charged word, is that this woman, 'Oh, she's difficult.' Which is really just a euphemism, or maybe not even a euphemism, but a code word for the B-word," Meghan explains. She further adds that calling a woman difficult is frequently a way to deflect attention from her admirable traits, such as persistence, strength, and resilience—qualities that may be threatening to others.
Meghan’s reflection on these labels reveals how such terms can be used to dismiss and undermine strong-willed women. By confronting these stereotypes head-on, she highlights the need to challenge and redefine societal perceptions of assertive women, encouraging a deeper conversation about gender, power, and language.
During a recent conversation with a close friend, Meghan Markle shared a poignant observation: "Isn't it convenient how an assertive woman in a position of power is often labeled with the B-word? How very convenient." This reflection highlights a troubling pattern—when women, especially those with influence, are labeled in derogatory ways, it becomes a means to diminish their power and keep them "in their place." Meghan emphasized how such labels are frequently attached to women who wield power and agency, serving as a tool to undermine them.
In the final moments of the episode, where she speaks with business leaders Mellody Hobson and Victoria Jackson, Meghan touches on a conversation she had with her girlfriends while preparing for the podcast. "I asked them which archetypes we should discuss, and without hesitation, they all said 'difficult.' It’s a word that gets thrown around so casually these days," Meghan shared. Her friends reminded her that, as women, there comes a point when you realize that not everyone will like you, and that’s okay. "The goal isn't to be liked by everyone, but to be respected," Meghan reflected.
Following the resurfaced claims in The Hollywood Reporter about Meghan’s leadership style, other staff members shared contrasting stories of their time working with the Duchess. In US Weekly, several current and former employees defended Meghan, painting a more positive picture of their experience. Among them was Josh Kettler, who recently stepped down as Harry’s chief of staff after just three months, adding his voice to the mix of opinions surrounding the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Meghan's reflections underscore the complex dynamics faced by powerful women, and the conversation continues as former staff weigh in, offering a broader view of her leadership style.
Eyebrows were raised when seasoned public relations professional Josh Kettler stepped down from his role as Prince Harry's chief of staff after just a few weeks. Hired to help guide Harry through the next phase of his public life, Kettler's departure coincided with Harry and Meghan's high-profile trip to Colombia, sparking speculation about the reasons behind his exit. However, Kettler himself had only positive things to say about the experience, revealing that he was "warmly welcomed" by both Harry, Meghan, and the Archewell team. He described the couple as "dedicated and hardworking," adding that it was "impressive to witness" their commitment to their work.
Ashley Hansen, the couple's current global press secretary, also shared her personal experience working for the Sussexes. After undergoing a serious surgery, Hansen was met with an outpouring of support from Meghan and Harry. She recalled how Meghan, in particular, showed extraordinary kindness, personally checking in with her and even calling her husband daily to offer support. "It meant so much to him and even more to me," Hansen said. "You don't realize how much that kind of kindness means until you need it.
Despite the recurring claims that Meghan is difficult to work with, staff members are standing by her, with one anonymous employee calling the "Duchess Difficult" narrative baffling. "This is the first company I've worked for where I liked every person," they shared. "Harry and Meghan have chosen the best people and helped them grow. We’re under an enormous microscope, but good things are happening." The positive accounts from current and former staff paint a different picture from the critical reports, highlighting the couple’s supportive leadership style and genuine care for their team.
In conclusion, while rumors and criticisms surrounding Meghan Markle's leadership style continue to make headlines, the personal testimonies from current and former staff members offer a different perspective. Describing the Sussexes as dedicated, hardworking, and deeply supportive, these accounts emphasize Meghan and Harry's commitment to fostering a positive work environment. Despite the scrutiny they face, those close to the couple remain loyal, highlighting their genuine kindness and ability to uplift their team. As their organization continues to evolve, the positive feedback from staff suggests that the couple's leadership is rooted in care and respect.
