In a surprising turn of events, Ashley Hansen, the Global Press Secretary and Head of Communications for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, has announced her departure from Archwell to establish her own public relations agency, Three Gate Strategies.
While she assures that she will continue to provide counsel to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, this development raises significant concerns about the future stability of the Sussex brand.
Could this be yet another indicator that the couple is navigating troubled waters?
Hansen’s exit marks a pivotal chapter in the tumultuous saga of the Sussexes since they stepped back from their royal duties.
Having served as their Global Press Secretary for over two years, she was one of the last remaining loyalists in a rapidly shrinking team.
Her departure is particularly striking, as she becomes the 19th staff member to leave the Sussexes in recent times, a statistic that speaks volumes about the internal dynamics of their organization.
Despite her assertions of a seamless transition, the timing of Hansen’s announcement raises eyebrows.
Just days prior, she publicly defended Meghan against the infamous “Duchess Difficult” label—a moniker that has haunted the couple since their move to the United States.
This defense seems almost like a desperate attempt to project an image of unity before making her exit.
The Sussexes have been under intense scrutiny, especially regarding their management style and treatment of employees.
Reports have surfaced alleging that Meghan Markle has garnered a reputation for belittling her staff and dismissing their advice, which has contributed to a toxic work atmosphere.
A recent exposé by the Hollywood Reporter even described Meghan as a “dictator in high heels,” further fueling the narrative of a dysfunctional workplace.
Hansen’s departure prompts a critical question: if the work environment was as supportive as she claimed, why did she choose to leave?
Her new venture, Three Gate Strategies, is not only set to serve the Sussexes but will also cater to clients in entertainment, technology, and finance.
This shift suggests that Hansen may be eyeing greater opportunities beyond the Sussex shadow, hinting at a potential decline in the couple’s brand appeal.
The high turnover rate among Sussex staff is alarming.
From production managers to chiefs of staff, numerous individuals have exited after short tenures, often citing discomfort with the work environment.
Take Josh Kettler, for instance, who lasted just three months as chief of staff and reportedly left because he felt uneasy with various aspects of his role.
Such a pattern raises serious questions about Harry and Meghan’s leadership approach.
If so many capable professionals struggle to thrive under their management, what does that reveal about the couple as employers?
The ongoing exodus of staff indicates a deeper issue within their organization, one that could ultimately threaten their future initiatives.
While Hansen has publicly lauded the Sussexes for their support during her tenure, her departure casts doubt on the sincerity of those statements.
She described the couple as providing parental-like care during her recovery from surgery, but such sentiments may mask underlying issues.
Additionally, the fact that Hansen is launching her own firm while still advising the Sussexes raises questions.
Is she distancing herself from them, or is this a calculated move to leverage her connections?
Regardless of her motivations, this transition suggests that Hansen may have recognized the limitations of her role within the Sussex organization.
