Kaylah Walton
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have once again raised questions regarding their financial future after parting ways with several key staff members, including those from their communication team.
As reported by Page Six, the couple’s shift from in-house staff to outsourced public relations is part of an effort to reduce expenses, coinciding with their Netflix deal approaching its conclusion.
Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, the Duke and Duchess have reportedly gone through at least 25 staff members, although not all departures have been publicized.
Recent exits include deputy press secretary Kyle Boulia and the European communications director Charlie Gipson. Others, such as Archewell’s communication director Deesha Tank and former operations head Lianne Cashin, have also moved on. Reports suggest Meghan’s personal assistant and social media manager have left as well.
The timing of these staff changes aligns with their previously lucrative Netflix contract, which was initially valued at $100 million but is now estimated to be worth around $20 million as it reaches its conclusion.
The streaming platform is shifting its focus towards smaller first-look agreements rather than large, exclusive contracts, which may lead to the Sussexes needing to accept a significantly lower offer if they wish to continue their partnership.
High staff turnover reveals deeper financial and public relations issues
Communications head Meredith Maines, who succeeded Ashley Hansen after her transition to a consultancy role, has affirmed this new strategic direction.
In a statement to Page Six, she noted, “As the Duke and Duchess’s business and charity endeavors expand, I have opted for a more conventional communication model with specialist agency support.”
“Switching from a two-person team to support from an eight-person agency spread across five time zones will improve accessibility for global media and stakeholders, plus ensure quicker responses to inquiries.”
An insider has indicated that this new direction is more cost-effective compared to maintaining a full-time communications staff, especially considering the couple’s rising expenses.
These costs include an annual security bill of $2 million, upkeep of their $14.65 million Montecito home—financed by a $9.5 million mortgage—and an estimated yearly property tax of $288,000.
This staff restructuring is simply the latest in a pattern of high turnover rates within the Sussexes operations: as a royal insider put it, “They go through staff faster than the average person goes through toilet paper. Even milk lasts longer than their employees.”
Such instability has attracted negative media coverage. A January Vanity Fair article depicted Meghan Markle as “cold and distant” with her staff, suggesting she would “sacrifice employees” in challenging situations.
Moreover, The Hollywood Reporter included comments from a source claiming, “Everyone fears Meghan,” further stating that she belittles individuals and disregards advice. “Both of them tend to make poor decisions,” the insider added.
Prince Harry, reportedly enraged by these portrayals, sought to have a US Weekly piece published featuring former staff who spoke positively of their experiences with the couple. However, the fallout from multiple negative reports persists.
Former communications secretary Jason Knauf’s 2018 allegations to Buckingham Palace asserted that Markle had bullied staff, as detailed in The Times of London. In leaked emails, Knauf claimed that Markle drove away two assistants and undermined the work of another.
Although Meghan and her legal representative Jenny Afia denied these allegations during a BBC interview—labeling it as a “calculated smear campaign”—the Palace has not made the findings of its internal inquiry public.
Knauf, now CEO of Prince William’s Earthshot Prize, remarked to 60 Minutes Australia that he “wouldn’t change a thing” regarding his decision to voice the concerns.
Adding to the controversy, Meghan recently introduced her rosé wine brand on July 1—coincidentally the day that would have marked Princess Diana’s 64th birthday.
As royal commentator Kinsey Schofield pointed out to The Sun, “It hasn’t gone unnoticed by Prince William that Meghan chose to unveil an alcohol brand on the birthday of his mother, who tragically died in a drunk driving incident.”
While Meghan concentrates on her brand and potential upcoming projects—possibly the third season of “With Love, Meghan“—Harry has been engaged in charitable endeavors and aims to mend his relationship with his father, King Charles.
In a BBC interview, Harry expressed, “I desire reconciliation with my family. Continued conflict serves no purpose. Life is precious, and I’m uncertain how much longer my father has.”
The Sussexes and their children, Archie and Lilibet, are reportedly being discreetly included in long-term royal funeral preparations, indicating that some form of communication is still present.
Despite ongoing public interest, the sustainability of their media ventures and lifestyle in the long run remains uncertain. One television producer commented to Page Six, “I can easily envision Meghan’s show returning for a third season. People are drawn to her narratives, whether love or hate.”
