The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have publicly dismissed claims made by Vanity Fair, described as "distressing," about their new lives and business ambitions following their departure from royal duties. The 8,000-word cover story, titled "Inside Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Big Business Ambitions, 5 Years After Their Royal Exit," contains several contentious assertions about their marriage and wider economic challenges.
Among the more provocative claims is one from anonymous neighbors of the couple, who have labeled them "local villains" for allegedly attracting excessive media attention to Montecito, California. This assertion is particularly surprising, considering Montecito's existing celebrity status, home to famous figures like Oprah Winfrey and Ariana Grande.
Another claim from the Vanity Fair article highlights frustrations surrounding Meghan's approach to their Spotify podcast deal. An anonymous employee characterized their collaboration as untraditional, stating, "They didn’t do what celebrities do on podcasts, which is turn on the mic and talk. They wanted a big theme to explain the world but had no ideas," before insightfully adding, "The thing you’re escaping is the reason you’re compelling." Such sentiments raised eyebrows about the couple's ability to engage with their public image effectively.
Sources close to the couple have reportedly disputed the article’s negative depiction of the work environment they maintain. The piece cited mixed accounts from former employees, including one individual who described Meghan as "undermining," contrasted by another who referred to her as "a lovely, genuine person." These conflicting views paint a complicated picture of the public perception surrounding the couple.
On the community front, friend and fellow actor Sharon Stone weighed in, stating, "They’re part of our community; they’ve become a giving, caring, participating part of our community. They’re not here to be like, ‘Would you like to kiss my butt?’" This response diverged from the criticisms raised by Vanity Fair, underlining support for the couple's integration within their new neighborhood.
The Vanity Fair article resurfaced previous assertions of alleged workplace bullying against Meghan, claims she has continually denied. Insiders reportedly described Meghan as "really, really awful" when facing professional challenges and shared insights on her communication style, with one source claiming, "You can be yelled at even if somebody doesn’t raise their voice." Another account highlighted her tendency to use "whisper shouts," allowing Harry to remain oblivious to the perceived aggression, prompting comparisons to the couple's widely differing public personas.
Despite these criticisms, current and former employees came to their defense. For example, Josh Kettler, who briefly served as Harry’s chief of staff, claimed he was "warmly welcomed" and noted their dedication. He stated, "It was impressive to witness," emphasizing the supportive environment he felt during his time there. Ashley Hansen, the couple’s global press secretary, also shared experiences of receiving tremendous support from Meghan during her recovery from surgery, contrasting the article's claims of workplace toxicity.
Adding to the public discourse, Prince Harry recently addressed rumors of their alleged divorce during the 2024 New York Times DealBook Summit, humorously noting, "We’ve been divorced maybe 10, or 12 times as well. So it’s just like, what? It’s hard to keep up with, but that's why you just sort of ignore it." His comments underscored the couple's commitment to weathering external speculation, reaffirming their bond, with sources claiming, "Their love is real."
With the couple yet to provide any formal comments on the Vanity Fair piece, scrutiny surrounding their domestic endeavors and public personas continues unabated. The latest narrative serves as yet another chapter in their complex and often tumultuous relationship with the media, which has regularly documented their every move.
While the Duchess has been portrayed as difficult by some, others affirm her significant contributions to charitable causes and community engagement. The mix of support and criticism they face reflects the dual nature of celebrity life and the persistent scrutiny they endure.
At the heart of these discussions lies the challenge of reputational management, particularly for Prince Harry and Meghan who—five years after stepping back from royal duties—remain entangled within their public narrative. The continuing questions about their actions, values, and impacts only signal the complex interplay between celebrity dynamics and personal authenticity.
Only time will tell how the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will navigate their lives amid this relentless spotlight, but their supporters continue to stand by them, citing their commitment to community and genuine efforts to forge new paths beyond their royal roots.