Chaos or Calculation? Harry and Meghan's Team WITHS More Walkouts
Harry and Meghan face staff departures
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, have made headlines yet again, this time due to a escalating staff exodus. They're currently scrambling to fill four vacant positions, as an astounding 22 employees have bid adieu to their team since they said goodbye to the royal household.
latest reports suggest that the Duke and Duchess' team is going through another internal restructuring. As per various reports, including the reputed industry mag "Deadline," four employees have recently parted ways with the duo, including both U.S. and U.K. staff.
The latest appointments include Meredith Maines as their first Chief Communications Officer, bringing years of experience from Google, Hulu, and "American Idol." Maines is expected to revamp the Sussexes' communication strategy. Additionally, Meghan has hired Sarah Fosmo, ex-assistant to Bill Gates, as her first Chief of Staff.
Behind the Curtains Power Struggle ROILS Charity Leaders and Royals in Prince Harry's Foundation Initially, Emily Robinson handled communications, aided by an external team. Ashley Hansen, former global press spokesperson and communications director, also stepped down last year to launch her own PR firm, with Harry and Meghan as clients.
A Duo of Defectors in 2024
In the latest round of departures, as per "Deadline," deputy press secretary Kyle Boulia and British press officer Charlie Gipson, both joining in March 2024, have called it quits.
These exits underscore the grueling staff turnover rate in Harry and Meghan's circle. Ever since their departure from the royal household in early 2020, a whopping 22 employees have reportedly called it quits – six of them within the past two months.
Even during their time in the UK as working royals, internal squabbles with their staff weren't uncommon. Whether the current shake-up is part of a masterful strategy or a sign of mounting tension, remains a mystery.
Sources: ntv.de, spl/spot
- Meghan Markle
- Prince Harry
- British Royal Family
Insights:
High staff turnover in Harry and Meghan's team has been an ongoing concern, with recent exits adding fuel to the fire. Here's what could be causing this trend:
Causes of High staff Turnover:
- Management Woes: A Vanity Fair exposé claimed that several staff members sought therapy following their tenure with Meghan, indicating potential problems with management style and work environment[3][4].
- Shifting Goals: The team is undergoing a significant transformation under Chief Communications Officer Meredith Maines, moving towards a more traditional structure with specialist agency support. This transition may render existing roles redundant or less enticing[1][3].
- Media Frenzy: Constant media attention and recent controversies, including a damning BBC interview by Prince Harry and a widely-circulated video of Meghan, might be amplifying staff anxiety and turnover[4].
Implications:
- Impression and Stability: Frequent staff departures could tarnish the couple's image, suggesting instability and talent retention issues. This may impact their ability to forge trust with stakeholders and the general public[2][3].
- Productivity: High turnover can disrupt operations and communication, potentially impairing the team's philanthropic and business endeavors. The new communication model aims to expedite response times and worldwide reach, but success hinges on maintaining a competent and harmonious team[1][3].
- Sustained Recruitment: Finding and retaining quality talent may prove challenging if they don't address underlying issues contributing to staff turnover. Recent hires like Sarah Fosmo and Emily Robinson reveal efforts to replenish their team with experienced hands[3].
- I'm not going to be able to do this if the constant turnover and media frenzy continue in Prince Harry and Meghan's entertainment-focused operations.
- The high-profile departures of celebrities like Harry and Meghan from the royal family have brought pop-culture discussions to the forefront, shedding light on the impact of entertainment and media handling on staff morale and retention.
