This past week has been anything but smooth for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, also known as the Sussexes.
Their communications chief, Ashley Hanson, has reportedly departed from her role, marking yet another exit in what seems to be a revolving door of staff changes.
Since the couple stepped back from royal duties, a staggering 19 employees have left their ranks, raising eyebrows about the internal dynamics at play.
Hanson’s departure is particularly noteworthy.
Unlike many others who have walked away, she lasted a commendable two years with the Sussexes.
One might liken her tenure to completing Herculean labors, given the high-stress environment that has surrounded the couple.
Interestingly, though she’s leaving her position, she’s not completely cutting ties.
Hanson is launching her own PR consulting firm, Three Gates Strategies, and will continue to work with the Sussexes as a client.
In a twist of fate, Meghan is reportedly investing in Hanson’s new venture, which will see her managing some of Meghan’s brands, including the elusive American Riviera Orchard.
This partnership blurs the lines between employer and business collaborator, showcasing Meghan’s commitment to supporting female entrepreneurs—a cause she has championed since her time in the spotlight.
However, the ongoing saga of staff departures raises questions about the Sussexes’ ability to foster a stable work environment.
The couple has faced criticism in the past regarding their management style, with reports of high turnover even during their time in the royal family.
Ashley’s loyalty stood out amidst rumors of Meghan being a challenging boss; she publicly defended the couple when allegations surfaced, highlighting the care she received during her medical leave.
Yet, the narrative surrounding the Sussexes’ workplace remains mixed.
While some employees have spoken positively about their experiences, others have painted a less flattering picture.
The pressing question now is whether they can establish a more consistent and supportive atmosphere that encourages staff retention.
On another front, the Sussexes are facing scrutiny over financial discrepancies within their Archibald Foundation.
A recent tax return revealed that $4 million in donations appears to be unaccounted for.
The foundation received a total of $6 million last year but only declared $2 million, prompting speculation about the missing funds.
Critics are questioning the foundation’s funding sources, suggesting it may rely heavily on a few wealthy benefactors rather than a broad base of public support.
This raises concerns about the foundation’s impact and visibility.
Many people are unaware of its initiatives, and aside from Harry’s well-known Invictus Games, there seems to be little clarity on what the Archibald Foundation actually does.
The couple reportedly works approximately 52 days a year on their charitable efforts, yet the effectiveness of their initiatives remains uncertain.
As they navigate these financial challenges, they must be diligent in addressing the missing $4 million, especially considering the potential consequences of IRS scrutiny.
Meanwhile, Harry’s ongoing legal battles with the UK press continue to unfold.
His latest case against The Sun has hit a snag, as a high court judge dismissed claims of phone bugging and tracking devices that Harry alleged were used against him.
The judge criticized the lack of evidence presented, suggesting that the prince was merely acting on suspicion rather than fact.
The preliminary hearing, which took place weeks ago, set the stage for a trial slated for January.
However, the judge’s remarks about wasting the court’s time could be seen as a significant setback for Harry.
His determination to pursue this case reflects a deep-seated frustration with the British media, but the absence of concrete evidence may undermine his position.
Harry’s legal strategy has come under fire, with critics pointing out that many of the details he claims to be confidential have already been made public through official channels or other media outlets.
This persistent sense of paranoia surrounding the media’s coverage of him and Meghan could lead to further embarrassment if the courts continue to dismiss his claims.
As the Sussexes navigate these turbulent waters—both professionally and financially—the future remains uncertain.
Will they find a way to stabilize their operations and restore confidence in their charitable endeavors?
Only time will tell, but the stakes are undeniably high for this high-profile couple.
