The saga surrounding Meghan Markle and Prince Harry continues to unravel, revealing a troubling pattern in their professional endeavors.
According to a recent report by InTouch magazine, the couple has garnered a reputation for being challenging and toxic employers, which is creating turbulence in their latest venture, American Riviera Orchard.
This business initiative is already facing significant hurdles, particularly as key staff members depart amid reports of unbearable working conditions.
Josh Kettler, who served as chief of staff for a brand that’s struggling to find its footing, is the latest to exit the scene.
His departure came just days before he was set to accompany the Sussexes on their extravagant Forks War tour in Colombia.
Kettler’s brief three-month stint stands out, marking the highest tenure among a stream of executives who have cycled through the Markle-Harry management team.
An anonymous source paints a grim picture of the work environment under Meghan and Harry, likening it to a waking nightmare.
The source claims the couple sets impossibly high expectations for their staff, contributing to an alarming turnover rate.
Nearly 20 resignations have been reported, a staggering figure for any new business venture, let alone one backed by royal celebrity.
Meghan’s ambitious lifestyle brand, once launched with great fanfare and lofty promises, now seems to be a case study in dashed hopes.
The brand’s grand opening featured eye-catching PR stunts, such as distributing artisanal strawberry jam and dog treats, alongside whispers of a forthcoming rose wine.
However, it appears that momentum has come to a screeching halt, leaving the brand in a precarious position.
Despite having filmed a cooking and gardening show for Netflix, the air date remains a mystery, adding to the uncertainty surrounding Meghan’s professional image.
This isn’t the first time she has faced scrutiny for her work relationships; during her time as a working royal, she was accused of bullying behavior.
Although Meghan has denied these allegations, an investigation initiated by Queen Elizabeth into the claims remains under wraps.
The narrative emerging from royal insiders suggests that Meghan’s conduct may have fostered a hostile work atmosphere.
One insider noted her history of conflicts with friends and family, highlighting her estrangement from her father following his heart attack and her public accusations against the royal family regarding racism and mistreatment.
Additionally, she has been criticized for severing ties with former friends once they no longer served her interests.
The challenge of retaining staff has led to the formation of a group called the Sussex Survivor Club, where ex-employees share stories of their time working under Meghan and Harry.
This collective boasts about their successful exits from the couple’s demanding regime.
Further complicating matters, Samantha Cohen, a senior royal aide and long-time favorite of Queen Elizabeth, delayed her resignation due to the absence of a suitable replacement.
A former employee expressed dismay at the lack of enthusiasm among past and present staff members regarding the prospect of returning to work for the Sussexes.
Despite their ongoing search for top-tier PR professionals, the couple’s inability to keep employees signals a deeper issue within their management approach.
According to royal courtiers, Meghan’s confidence in her own abilities may lead her to overlook valuable input from others, risking the success of her ventures.
Building trust with loyal aides who can offer constructive feedback is essential, yet this may not come easily to Meghan based on her previous patterns of behavior.
As the Sussexes navigate these turbulent waters, it’s clear that significant changes are necessary if they hope to stabilize their professional landscape.