U.S. Editor Stands By ‘Duchess Difficult’ Report On Meghan Markle

The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, recently came under scrutiny after a scathing report by The Hollywood Reporter claimed she was feared by her staff in the U.S.

However, a source close to the U.S.-based royal slammed the report as false, claiming that no one working closely with Meghan would ever describe her as “Duchess Difficult.”

Now, Maer Roshan, co-editor of the publication that released the exposé, claims that the insider information on Meghan Markle came from a source currently employed by the Sussexes.

According to Roshan, co-editor of The Hollywood Reporter, their article alleging that Meghan often ignores advice and is a “dictator in high heels” was sourced from an individual still closely involved with the couple.

Speaking to Access Hollywood amid criticism from supporters and a Sussex representative, who dismissed the accusations as “fabricated,” Roshan stated, “Our reporter talked to a very high-up source who works for the couple, who said, ‘Everyone is terrified of Meghan.'”

According to the Daily Mail, the senior journalist also suggested that the palace may have constructed the narrative portraying Meghan as “difficult” following the couple’s departure, hinting that the “Duchess Difficult” label might be exaggerated.

He explained, “Duchess Difficult is a nickname that has trailed Meghan Markle for quite a few years. What is new is that this notion, since coming to America, that a lot of these rumors were manufactured by the palace and the reporting that we did suggests that probably isn’t true and there is still this undercurrent of fear.”

The controversial article highlighted claims about Meghan’s alleged behavior and the departure of several staff members who once worked for the Sussexes, including their chief of staff, Josh Kettler, who resigned in August after just three months on the job.

The report also described Harry and Meghan as “poor decision-makers” who often change their minds. Harry was portrayed as “a very, very charming person” but also an “enabler” of his wife’s allegedly terrifying ways.

The allegations suggested Meghan was “absolutely relentless,” likening her to a “dictator in high heels, fuming and barking orders,” reportedly leaving “grown men in tears.”

Another part of the THR article alleged that Meghan’s “noisy tantrums” and “angry 5 am emails” earned her the nickname “Duchess Difficult” by her employees in the U.S.

Meghan has repeatedly refuted claims of bullying her staff. She briefly addressed the issue on her Archetypes podcast, stating, “You’re allowed to set a boundary. You’re allowed to be clear; [it] does not make you demanding. It does not make you difficult, it makes you clear.”

After the THR exposé went viral, insiders at the Archewell Foundation debunked the allegations, calling them “total nonsense.”

A source noted that Meghan and Prince Harry usually work from home and that the “Duchess difficult” moniker was never used.

“The duke and duchess work from Montecito, and we’re based in Hollywood. They likely think we’re all in the same office and that this quote would fly, but the circumstances don’t even allow for it,” the source shared.

“If she’s ‘marching around’ and ‘barking orders,’ no Archewell employee could factually claim that… It’s total nonsense,” the insider explained.

Another source addressed the claims that the former “Suits” actress would often angrily send 5 am emails to staff.

They said, “I’ve never once ever gotten an email from either of them at that hour – and even if I did, the duchess specifically notes in her email signature that everyone has a different working day, and to not feel obligated to respond outside of normal business hours. These source quotes don’t make any sense!”

The allegations against Meghan surfaced as Harry was preparing to celebrate his 40th birthday, with a source telling The Express that the Sussexes were “deeply concerned over the timing” of the THR article.

“The Sussex team have had more than enough of these types of articles, it’s simply not true,” a source said. “Everyone is deeply concerned over the timing of the article because it was published just days before Harry’s birthday.”

They continued, “There are fears that there could be a disgruntled former member of staff who is putting out mistruths which are designed to make them look bad.”

The source added, “The focus for Camp Sussex now is to build on the success of the last year and to take that positive momentum forward into 2025 and beyond.”

Before moving to California, Meghan faced accusations of bullying palace staff, leading royal aides to launch an investigation into claims that she had “belittled” two personal assistants.

Reports suggested that staff were left in tears and deeply distressed, with some even comparing their experiences to post-traumatic stress.

Although the inquiry’s findings were never made public, Meghan has consistently denied the accusations, with her legal team calling them a “calculated smear campaign.”