Why Hollywood keeps walking away from Harry & Meghan – Ex-staff tell all

From relentless demands to tantrums at 5 a.m., Meghan Markle’s reputation is far from the “joy” she preaches.

Hollywood can’t seem to stick around when it comes to working with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The latest in a long line of quitters is Josh Kettler, their chief of staff, who resigned in August after only three months on the job. He joins the so-called “Sussex Survivors Club,” a term coined by ex-employees who've fled the chaotic orbit of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Before Kettler, Meghan and Harry lost their global press secretary Toya Holness, PR chief Christine Weil Schirmer, and former Archewell head Catherine St-Laurent, among others. The problem? According to sources close to the couple, it all boils down to Meghan.

Described as “relentless” and impossible to please, Meghan has earned herself the nickname “Duchess Difficult.” Known for early morning tantrums and a fiery management style, she allegedly belittles staff, makes unreasonable demands, and changes plans on a whim. One source claims, "She marches around like a dictator in high heels, barking orders and reducing grown men to tears." While Harry is described as charming, he's also labeled an "enabler," unwilling or unable to rein in Meghan’s behavior.

In contrast, Meghan’s public persona is one of self-help and gratitude. She’s an advocate for Brené Brown’s messages of joy and vulnerability, recently claiming to be in a new “chapter of joy” in her life. On her podcast Archetypes, she even spoke about the struggles of asserting herself professionally, saying she’s working on setting boundaries without feeling “demanding.”

But for those who have worked in the Sussexes’ camp, the reality seems far from the peaceful self-help vibe Meghan tries to cultivate. Instead, they describe a workplace ruled by tension and unpredictable moods – the very reasons Hollywood keeps saying goodbye.