Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's staff reveal 'truth' about working for pair in bombshell move

Staff working for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have taken the unprecedented step of speaking out about what they say it is really like to work for the couple.

Since moving to the US four years ago, the pair have earned a reputation for having a high staff turnover at their Archewell organisation, with Harry's former chief of staff Josh Kettler lasting just three months into the role. And just last week, there were allegations that Meghan "belittles people" and "doesn't take advice" with claims it has earned her the nickname "Duchess Difficult".

The allegations were made in industry bible, the Hollywood Reporter, and came several years after sources told The Times that Meghan bullied staff when she was a working royal - something she has always vehemently denied. However, now both current and former employees of the Sussexes have spoken out to American magazine US Weekly to paint a very different picture of what it's like to work for Harry and Meghan - and here are some of their statements...

Chief of staff breaks silence

One of the most notable people to speak out in US Weekly is Mr Kettler, who lasted just three months in the role of Harry's chief of staff before his departure. Eyebrows were raised when the seasoned public relations professional, left his role after just weeks after he was reportedly hired to "guide him [Harry] through his next phase". News of him stepping down came on the eve of Harry and Meghan's high-profile trip to Colombia.

READ MORE: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's ex-chief of staff breaks silence to give verdict on pair

Mr Kettler, who had previously been chief of staff and head of strategic partnerships at the communication platform Cognixion, revealed that he was "warmly welcomed" by both of them and their Archewell team. He added: "They are dedicated and hardworking. It was impressive to witness."

'Supportive calls'

Another staff member who also talked to the magazine is the couple's current global press secretary Ashley Hansen, who says her bosses could not be more supportive. She explains that she was forced to take time off work following a serious surgery - and was afterwards inundated with supportive phone calls, care packages and flowers from Meghan.

She said: "When I told them, I was met with the kind of concern and care a parent would express if it were their own child." She added: "Most profoundly to me, Meghan would personally reach out to my husband daily to make sure that we both were OK and had support. It meant so much to him and even more to me. You don’t realise how much that kind of kindness and thought means until you need it."

'Caring gifts'

Meanwhile, another former staffer told the magazine that Harry and Meghan are quick to hand out thoughtful gifts to staff whenever they need them.

The person, who remained anonymous, said that when they adopted a dog, they were gifted a luxury leash and collar for the pet. They also added that when staff welcome a new baby, they are given "top-notch secondhand stuff" from the Sussexes like "like unused car seats and baby items they no longer need".

Another current employee also claimed that whenever staff visit their house in Montecito, they always leave with flowers, fresh fruit or a basket of eggs.

Meghan's 5am emails

One big claim made by the Hollywood Reporter in their damning piece on Meghan is that she fires off "angry emails at 5am to employees, which explains the "Duchess Difficult" label.

However, one unnamed current employee claims they've never heard Meghan yell and that she "gives clear direction and is solution-oriented". They also claim that Meghan's email signature reads: "My working day may not be your working day. Please do not feel obliged to reply to this email outside your normal working hours."

Lifelong pal

Another high-profile former employee of Archewell, who left after a seemingly short amount of time is former president of the organisation Mandana Dayani. She served in her role for 18 months before moving on.

But despite her short stint in the job, she claims she is still lifelong friends with the Sussexes and has warm memories of working for them. She told US Weekly: "Some of my favourite memories were during our weekly meetings in their Montecito home, where Meghan always served the most incredible lunches, snacks and her latest beautiful concoction."

Staff turnover explained

However, even with reports of how caring Harry and Meghan are as bosses, there has still been a high turnover of staff at Archewell.

But despite the high number of comings and goings, their press secretary Ashley Hansen brushed off criticism. She said: "Archewell is not unlike a start-up; it's relatively young. Two things can be equally true: you can be a great leader and still have turnover. No boss or company is immune to that."

Meanwhile, others say they've been "dumbfounded" by the latest "Duchess Difficult" claims with one anonymous staff telling the magazine: "This is the first company I've worked [where I] liked every person. Harry and Meghan picked the best of the best from every field and watered the seeds for them to flourish. We have an enormous microscope on us. But good things are happening."