Meghan Markle’s struggles with her newly launched startup, American Riviera Orchard, are no secret. Since its inception earlier this year, the luxury lifestyle brand has faced challenges retaining employees. Multiple sources, including those speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, have described the Duchess of Sussex as a demanding and difficult boss, using terms like “dictator” and “belittling.” These insiders claim she has a tendency to dismiss advice and, according to some, has even reduced grown men to tears with her behavior.
This isn’t the first time Meghan Markle’s leadership style has been called into question. Similar accusations of poor treatment of staff emerged during her time within the Royal Family. The Hollywood Reporter quotes an anonymous source close to the couple, stating, “Everyone’s terrified of Meghan… She belittles people, she doesn’t take advice.”
Further criticism of Meghan and Prince Harry’s business acumen has also emerged. The source described them as “poor decision-makers,” highlighting their tendency to “change their minds frequently.” While acknowledging Prince Harry’s charming personality, the source pointed a finger at Meghan, calling her “terrible” and accusing her of “marching around like a dictator in high heels, fuming and barking orders.”
The reports paint a bleak picture for American Riviera Orchard. Just three months after its founding, the company’s chief of staff, Josh Kettler, left his position in August, departing months before his planned tour with the couple.
While the latest allegations haven’t been publicly addressed by Meghan or Harry, the couple is no stranger to criticism. In 2018, an investigation into Meghan’s treatment of royal aides was initiated by Queen Elizabeth, but the findings were never publicly released. The couple dismissed the investigation as a “calculated smear campaign.” However, these new reports suggest that the Duchess’s management style may be a recurring issue, raising concerns about the future of her company and her personal image.
