In a surprising turn of events, Ashley Hansen, who has been the Global Press Secretary and Head of Communications for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, announced her departure from Archwell to start her own public relations firm, Three Gate Strategies.
While Hansen asserts that she will continue to offer guidance to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, her exit has sparked concerns regarding the future stability of the Sussex brand.
Is this another indication that the couple is navigating troubled waters?
Hansen’s departure signifies a pivotal moment in the tumultuous saga of the Sussexes since they stepped back from royal duties.
Having served faithfully as their Global Press Secretary for over two years, she was one of the few remaining loyal supporters in a rapidly shrinking team.
Her exit is particularly striking as she becomes the 19th staff member to leave the couple in recent years—a statistic that raises eyebrows about the internal dynamics of their organization.
Despite Hansen’s assurances of a seamless transition, the timing of her announcement raises questions.
Just days before revealing her new venture, she publicly defended Meghan against the infamous “Duchess Difficult” label that has plagued the couple since their relocation to the United States.
This defense appears to be a last-ditch effort to project an image of solidarity before making her exit.
The Sussexes have been under fire from the media, facing numerous allegations regarding their management style and treatment of employees.
Reports suggest that Meghan Markle has garnered a reputation for belittling staff and ignoring advice, creating a toxic work environment.
A recent expose in the Hollywood Reporter even described Meghan as a “dictator in high heels,” further amplifying these concerns.
If the work environment was as supportive as Hansen claimed, why did she feel compelled to leave?
Her new firm, Three Gate Strategies, is set to serve not only the Sussexes but also a diverse clientele across entertainment, technology, and finance sectors.
This shift indicates that Hansen may have recognized more promising opportunities outside the shadow of the Sussex brand, hinting at a potential decline in the couple’s appeal.
The high turnover rate among staff members associated with the Sussexes is alarming.
From production managers to chiefs of staff, many have departed after brief tenures, often citing discomfort with the workplace atmosphere.
For example, Josh Kettler left his position as chief of staff after just three months, reportedly feeling uneasy about various aspects of his role and opting to leave rather than endure a job he found unfulfilling.
This pattern of departures raises critical questions about Harry and Meghan’s leadership approach.
If so many skilled individuals struggle to find their footing under their management, what does that imply about the couple as employers?
The constant exodus of staff suggests there may be deeper issues within their organization that could jeopardize their future ventures.
While Hansen has publicly lauded the Sussexes for their support during her tenure, her departure casts doubt on the sincerity of those sentiments.
She characterized the couple as providing parental-like care during her recovery from surgery, but such expressions can sometimes mask underlying problems.
Moreover, the fact that Hansen is launching her own firm while still advising the Sussexes raises eyebrows.
Is this a signal that she is distancing herself from the couple, or is it a strategic move to leverage her connections with them?