A former senior-level staffer at Archewell, the foundation headed by Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, has finally provided some clarity on the long-standing rumors about Meghan’s alleged behavior, including being labeled as “Duchess Difficult” and described as a “dictator in high heels.”
These allegations first gained attention after The Hollywood Reporter published a piece claiming that many people were afraid of working with the Duchess. However, at the time, a friend of Meghan’s stepped forward to defend her, dismissing the claims as baseless.
Now, The Hollywood Reporter’s co-editor-in-chief, Maer Roshan, has added more context to the story during a recent interview with Access Hollywood. In the interview, Roshan addressed the origins of the “Duchess Difficult” nickname and denied accusations that Buckingham Palace had a hand in creating the title.
“Our reporter talked to a very high-up source who works for the couple and said: ‘Everyone is terrified of Meghan,’” Roshan explained. He went on to clarify, “Duchess Difficult is a nickname that has followed Meghan Markle for quite a few years. What is new is the notion, since coming to America, that a lot of these rumors were manufactured by the Palace. The reporting we did suggests that probably isn’t true, and there is still this undercurrent of fear” Daily Mail reported.
Roshan also offered a balanced view, noting that two things can be true at once: “The couple does help a lot of people,” he said, acknowledging their positive contributions. However, he added, “Meghan and Harry declined to comment on our story. I think Meghan would have said that barking orders is something that we expect from men—and it would never raise an eyebrow.”
The conversation around Meghan’s nickname reflects the complex perceptions of her since she and Harry stepped away from royal duties and moved to the U.S. Despite ongoing criticism, the couple has focused on their philanthropic efforts through the Archewell Foundation and media deals, but public scrutiny remains high.
While Meghan has faced persistent rumors regarding her management style, Roshan’s remarks provide a glimpse into how these perceptions might have developed, pointing out that the fear surrounding her might not be entirely palace-driven, as some had suggested.