Meghan Markle's 'luxury presents' for team revealed in 'staffing row' twist

It comes after a report earlier this month cited sources who laid into the royal's leadership style, with one source calling her "absolutely relentless".

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex Visit Colombia - Day 1

The Duchess has been praised for thoughtful presents she gives staffers. (Image: Getty)

People who have worked for Meghan Markle have leapt to her defence after a bombshell report claimed disgruntled staff refer to the former Suits star as "Duchess Difficult".

A piece by The Hollywood Reporter earlier this month cited sources who laid into her leadership style, with one source calling her “absolutely relentless".

"She marches around like a dictator in high heels, fuming and barking orders," they said, adding: "I’ve watched her reduce grown men to tears.”

A source close to the couple further claimed: “Everyone’s terrified of Meghan. She belittles people, she doesn’t take advice. They’re both poor decision-makers, they change their minds frequently.

"Harry is a very, very charming person — no airs at all — but he’s very much an enabler. And she’s just terrible,” they opined.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex Visit Colombia - Day 1

Other staffers now insist Harry and Meghan are kind and generous bosses. (Image: Getty)

But employees of the 43-year-old have now launched a passionate defence of her, emphasising the "concern and care" she shows staff.

A report by US Weekly titled "What It's Really Like to Work for Meghan Markle" quoted former and current staff members who shared examples of the couple's efforts to engender a happy workplace.

"When I adopted my dog, the next day, I had a luxury brand leash and new collar on my doorstep," one ex-employee told the outlet.

New parents at Archewell, the Sussexes' group of for-profit and not-for-profit business organisations, have also reportedly been given brand-new gifts and posh second-hand baby items from the couple.

An unnamed source who currently works for Meghan said the Duchess "will do things like: 'You mentioned on the call your skin is bothering you... I put together a kit for you.'"

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Staffers claimed that they leave with "a basket with fresh flowers, fresh fruit and fresh eggs" after meetings at the couple's Montecito mansion.

Mandana Dayani, former Archwell COO spoke out against the reports, and described the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as "kind, decent, caring people".

Speaking to US Weekly she said: "Part of the profound injustice of having to speak publicly on this in light of these endless and damaging narratives is that so much of the kindness, mentorship, and support that Prince Harry and Meghan share with others happens quietly behind closed doors."

"Throughout every global crisis, their first question was always: ‘How can we help?’ Whether they were veterans, women, refugees, animals in harm, they both showed up," she continued.

"Never asking for anything in return. [...] Just last week, as Meghan and I were planning our next lunch, I told her how excited I was to pick her brain on my latest ventures. These are kind, decent, caring people who I am very proud to call my friends," she added.

Archewell insiders told GB News that the quotes in the Hollywood Reporter piece "were fabricated by someone lacking knowledge of our company".

The digital and print magazine's co-editor-in-chief Maer Roshan said he stood by the reporting and his reporter on the original story.

A representative for the Sussexes has been approached for comment.

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