Prince Harry is once again under scrutiny after reports emerged that he and Meghan Markle have assembled a high-powered team that closely resembles the royal system he once publicly condemned. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who stepped down from royal duties in 2020, have reportedly hired 11 senior staff members, including top communications strategist Meredith Kendall Maines.
Some of the new hires are reportedly earning substantial salaries, drawing criticism from royal watchers and experts alike. According to Radar Online, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams called Harry’s latest move “hypocritical,” considering his prior criticisms of the monarchy’s internal operations and staffing structure.
More: Meghan Markle Opens Up About Money Struggles and Fear of Going Broke
More: Meghan Markle Drops Cryptic Hint That Her Jam and Tea Brand May Be Over
“The hypocrisy lies in the fact that Harry has, especially in his most recent interview, attacked courtiers and the Royal Household, considering them enemies,” Fitzwilliams told the publication. He continued, “So it is extremely surprising that he should want a similar structure in Montecito.
In [Harry’s memoir] Spare, he excoriated senior courtiers. He, as his mother (Princess Diana) did, regards them as the enemy.” Fitzwilliams added that if Harry insists on building a royal-style operation in California, it should be done differently. “Ironically, it’s what he wants for himself and his family.
He also claimed courtiers or their equivalent used security as a lever to prevent them from stepping down as senior working royals. So the ‘Montecito model’ better be different, and they would be wise to pay attention to its advice.”
The Sussexes’ decision to replicate a royal-like infrastructure has raised eyebrows, especially given their well-documented grievances with the British monarchy. The couple’s departure, often referred to as “Megxit,” was marked by their desire to escape what they described as a rigid and unsupportive system. Royal editor Charlotte Griffiths told GB News that Harry’s latest changes stem from disappointment in his U.S. media strategy.
More: Prince Harry’s heartbreaking words on relationship with sister-in-law Kate Middleton amid family ‘rift’
More: Meghan Markle’s Podcast Finale Touches on Feud with Father Thomas Markle
“Apparently Harry has looked at the latest polls that put him down at 27%, and he’s upset by it,” she said. “So what he’s done is he’s decided what hasn’t been working. And that’s the US, Hollywood PR agents. Just anything Hollywood and American basically hasn’t worked for him.”
Griffiths said a source close to Harry told her that he has “realised there’s nowhere to go but up,” prompting the decision to restructure his team and shift strategies in the hopes of repairing his public image. As Harry attempts to recalibrate his brand, critics argue that his latest moves mirror the very institution he fought hard to leave behind.
You Might Also Like:
- Taylor Swift and Blake Lively’s decade-long friendship turned sour during the ongoing lawsuit
- Ex-Trump Lawyer Torches ‘Wounded Narcissist’ Trump and Slams ‘Creepy Karoline’ in Blistering CNN Rant
- Meghan Markle called out for ill treating an elderly neighbour
- Long Island Man Steps Up to Help Woman Then Loses His Nose in Brutal Attack
- Jennifer Lopez reveals she’s ‘Happy’ after Ben Affleck split