Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's 'kindness happens behind closed doors', former president of Archewell claims
Mandana Dayani, the former president of Archewell, has spoken out in defense of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, highlighting their kindness and generosity during her time working with them. Dayani, who served as Archewell's president for 18 months until December 2022, described how Meghan hosted "incredible" weekly lunches at their Montecito home, where the couple's kindness, mentorship, and support were extended to their team.
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Pictured: Meghan Markle with former Archewell president Mandana Dayani in October 2022 - two months before she left the role
In an interview with US Weekly, Dayani, who appeared in Harry and Meghan's Netflix documentary series, praised the Duke and Duchess for the compassion they showed behind the scenes. She recounted moments such as Meghan cold-calling senators to advocate for paid parental leave while caring for her infant daughter, Lilibet. Dayani's comments add to a growing chorus of former Archewell staff who have expressed positive experiences working with the couple, countering the negative "Duchess Difficult" narrative that has followed Meghan in the media.
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Pictured: Former Archewell president Mandana Dayani in August 2024. The activist has said she is 'proud to call Harry and Meghan her friends'
Mandana Dayani shared some of her most cherished moments from her time as president of Archewell, recalling the weekly meetings at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Montecito home, where Meghan would serve delightful lunches and snacks. She fondly remembers the warmth and creativity Meghan brought to these gatherings, describing them as some of her favorite memories.
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Pictured: the Duke and Duchess of Sussex attending the ESPY Awards in Hollywood in July 2024
One particularly striking moment for Dayani was witnessing Meghan cold-calling Republican Senators Susan Collins and Shelley Moore Capito while caring for her then-five-month-old daughter, Lilibet. Meghan’s unexpected outreach shocked the senators, who noted her use of her royal title to advocate for paid parental leave—a cause she was passionate about.
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Meghan, attends a reception at Government House on October 18, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia
Dayani also highlighted a poignant trip to Uvalde, Texas, where Meghan comforted families affected by the tragic mass shooting that claimed the lives of 19 children and two teachers. This experience underscored Meghan's commitment to social issues and her empathetic nature during times of crisis, further illustrating the compassionate side of the Duchess that is often overlooked in public narratives.
Mandana Dayani recounted the profound impact of Meghan Markle's visit to Uvalde, Texas, where Meghan dedicated hours to comforting the families affected by the tragic school shooting. Dayani described how Meghan moved around the room, offering hugs and sharing in the grief of the victims' families, showcasing her deep empathy and genuine concern during a heartbreaking time.
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The Duchess of Sussex, watches the prize ceremony at the 2024 Royal Salute Polo Challenge on April 12
In a lighter moment, Dayani also shared a memory of preparing for a gala with Meghan before her departure from Archewell. She walked into Meghan’s room to find her finishing her own makeup and steaming her jumpsuit, which illustrated a down-to-earth side of the Duchess. The atmosphere was celebratory, with Dayani recalling how they toasted with champagne while Meghan danced to her favorite oldies playlist. This moment highlighted the warmth and camaraderie that characterized their working relationship, contrasting with the often negative portrayals of Meghan in the media.
While Mandana Dayani did not specify the event she was preparing for, it's noteworthy that Meghan Markle wore a stunning white jumpsuit to the Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope Award Gala in New York in December 2022, coinciding with Mandana's resignation from her position at Archewell.
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Prince Harry and Meghan attend the 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Award Gala in New York City
Reflecting on her time at Archewell, Dayani expressed her admiration for Prince Harry's humility. She drew a poignant comparison between her own background—her paternal grandmother was a Kurdish mother of seven who never learned to read—and Harry's lineage, as the grandson of the late Queen. Despite their royal status, Mandana emphasized that she never felt diminished or "less than" during her tenure at Archewell.
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle pictured during their quasi-royal tour of Columbia in August
In a testament to their ongoing connection, Dayani revealed that she remains in contact with Harry and Meghan. She mentioned having recently spoken with the Duchess to plan a lunch catch-up, indicating the genuine friendships she forged while working with the couple. This underscores the supportive and inclusive environment that Dayani experienced, contrasting sharply with the negative narratives often associated with Meghan in the media.
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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex - who stepped back as working royals in 2020 - pictured on their Colombia visit on August 15 |
Mandana Dayani emphasized her admiration for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, stating, "These are kind, decent, caring people who I am very proud to call my friends." Her sentiments reflect a broader positive perspective shared by several former and current staff members who have come forward to defend the couple amidst ongoing negative media narratives.
Dayani appeared multiple times in the Duke and Duchess' Netflix series, where she was credited as a "friend," reinforcing her close relationship with them. Her supportive comments coincided with a wave of loyalty from other staff who also praised Harry and Meghan, countering claims that Meghan has been labeled a "dictator in high heels."
This outpouring of support stands in stark contrast to the accusations circulating in the media, highlighting the complex dynamics of working with the Sussexes and suggesting a more nuanced understanding of their leadership style and personal interactions with employees.
In a significant pushback against negative media portrayals, both current and former staff members of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have publicly defended the couple, describing them as "caring" bosses. They shared anecdotes about the couple's thoughtful gestures, such as giving employees their children's old baby clothes, sending fresh flowers, and providing "care packages." This intervention came in response to recent accusations, particularly from The Hollywood Reporter, which labeled Meghan as "Duchess Difficult" and claimed she had reduced some staff to tears with her demanding behavior.
Among those speaking out was Josh Kettler, Harry's chief of staff, who left the role after just three months in August 2024. Despite the brevity of his tenure, Kettler affirmed that he felt "warmly welcomed" by both Harry and Meghan, describing them as "dedicated and hardworking." He acknowledged that his experience was positive but did not elaborate on the reasons for his short stay.
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Pictured: Josh Kettler, Prince Harry's chief of staff who left after just three months in August 2024
This collective response from staff underscores a more nuanced picture of the Sussexes, suggesting that the personal experiences of those who work closely with them often differ from the public narratives portrayed in the media. The employees' testimonies aim to highlight the supportive and compassionate environment fostered by Harry and Meghan, contrasting sharply with the criticisms they have faced.
Ben Browning, Archewell’s former head of content, who played a key role in overseeing Harry and Meghan's Netflix documentary, described his time at the company as "positive and supportive," even though he left before the end of his contract. His experience adds to the growing number of testimonials that paint the Sussexes as considerate and thoughtful employers.
Ashley Hansen, their current global press secretary, also shared a heartfelt story about the care and concern she received from the couple when she took time off for surgery. Hansen explained that Meghan would reach out to her husband daily to ensure they were both doing well and felt supported, a gesture that deeply touched them. She emphasized how such acts of kindness can be profoundly meaningful during difficult times.
Additionally, an anonymous staff member highlighted the supportive work environment fostered by Harry and Meghan. The source shared that the couple actively invests in their team's well-being, with Harry taking a personal interest in his staff, asking about their weekends during Zoom calls, and organizing team-building activities like karaoke nights and holiday parties. This approach reflects the couple's desire to create a nurturing environment where their employees can thrive.
Former and current staff members have shared heartwarming stories about the kindness and generosity of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. One former staffer recalled how, after the couple learned they had adopted a dog, a luxury brand leash and collar appeared on their doorstep the very next day.
Parents-to-be on their team are reportedly showered with gifts, including both new items and high-quality secondhand baby gear that the couple no longer uses, such as unused car seats. These thoughtful gestures underscore the couple's genuine desire to care for their employees.
One current employee expressed deep gratitude, saying, "They want to take care of us," and shared how Meghan would respond to personal concerns. For instance, after mentioning skin issues during a call, Meghan took the initiative to put together a skincare kit for them.
It's also said that staff members never leave Harry and Meghan's Montecito home empty-handed, often going home with baskets filled with fresh flowers, fruit, and eggs. These personal touches have led one employee to declare, "Best bosses I have ever had," emphasizing the couple’s caring and attentive approach to their team.
The glowing reports from current and former staff members who describe Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as generous and caring bosses, providing thoughtful gifts and personal touches, present a sharp contrast to recent negative portrayals in the media. Staff have shared how visiting the couple's Montecito home means leaving with baskets of fresh flowers, fruit, and eggs, with one employee calling them the "best bosses I have ever had."
However, these positive accounts stand in stark opposition to recent exposés that depict Meghan as difficult to work with. A Hollywood Reporter article, citing a "very high up" source still employed by the couple, alleged that Meghan is a demanding boss, earning the nickname "dictator in high heels." The source claimed Meghan has reduced staff members to tears and is resistant to taking advice.
This juxtaposition highlights the ongoing battle between contrasting narratives about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. While some employees describe a nurturing and thoughtful work environment, others hint at tension and dissatisfaction within the Archewell organization, especially in light of multiple staff departures.
The ongoing debate around Meghan Markle's leadership style has intensified with contrasting reports from insiders and media outlets. In a Hollywood Reporter exposé, Co-Editor-in-Chief Maer Roshan stood by claims that Meghan has a demanding management approach, alleging that she "barks" orders, "belittles" staff, and reduces "grown men to tears." Roshan stated that the publication spoke with multiple sources, including a high-ranking individual currently employed by the Sussexes, who said staff were "terrified" of Meghan.
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Maer Roshan (pictured), Co-Editor in Chief of the publication, has said he stands by the story, despite a backlash amongst supporters of the Sussexes
Despite these allegations, supporters of Meghan and Harry have rallied to their defense, with current and former staff members offering glowing accounts of their time working for the couple, portraying them as kind and thoughtful employers. This wave of positive testimonials, however, has done little to quell the negative speculation surrounding the Duchess of Sussex. Meghan herself has consistently denied the bullying accusations, attributing them to a "calculated smear campaign" following her departure from royal duties, a view shared by some who suggest that the "Duchess Difficult" label was manufactured by the Palace.
The bullying allegations led to Buckingham Palace launching an investigation, but the results have never been made public, adding to the ongoing mystery and debate about Meghan's working relationships. This tension highlights the gap between private praise for the couple and public criticism.
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