Harry and Meghan Called 'Difficult and Cheap' By PR Agencies As They Are 'Impossible To Satisfy'

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex visit a local farming family, the Woodleys, on October 17, 2018 in Dubbo, Australia (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Chris Jackson)

Jan. 02 2026, Published 05:46 AM. ET

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have entered 2026 facing what insiders describe as a serious public relations problem. Within weeks, their chief communications officer, Meredith Maines, stepped down after less than a year in the role, marking the couple’s 11th senior communications exit in five years. As did James Holt, head of Archwell, who was with the couple for a long time. Thereafter, around the same time, the Sussexes also confirmed they had parted ways with Method Communications, the US-based PR firm hired in mid-2025.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Royal Pavilion during an official visit to Sussex on October 3, 2018. Image Source: Getty Images | Karwai Tang — Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Royal Pavilion during an official visit to Sussex on October 3, 2018 (Image Source: Getty Images | Karwai Tang)

According to celebrity reporter Rob Shutter, several leading American PR agencies have since declined to work with the couple. Writing on his Substack, Shutter reported that some firms view the Sussexes as difficult clients with unrealistic expectations. One agency source told him the couple is “difficult and, frankly, cheap. Kardashians and Beyoncé spend a fortune on PR; Harry and Meghan expect the same results for a fraction of the budget.”

Industry experts say top-tier PR representation typically costs between $150,000 and $300,000 a year. Sources claim the Sussexes have been unwilling to meet those rates, despite seeking high-level support. Without experienced advisers, analysts warn the couple risk further damage to both their public image and commercial prospects. Former staffers have echoed concerns about working conditions. “The job isn’t hard because of the press. It’s hard because of the principals,” one former employee told Shutter. “Harry and Meghan are impossible to satisfy, and their expectations constantly shift.” Their frequent legal battles, public statements, and willingness to escalate disputes have made agencies cautious.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry visit Abel Tasman National Park. (Image Source: Getty Images| Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage) — Meghan Markle and Prince Harry visit Abel Tasman National Park (Image Source: Getty Images | Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage)

Harry’s ongoing legal cases have added to that perception. In January 2025, he reached an eight-figure settlement with Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp over phone hacking by The Sun and the News of the World. Another lawsuit against Associated Newspapers Limited is scheduled for trial in early 2026, with Harry joined by figures including Elton John and Elizabeth Hurley.

Staff turnover has been another concern. Royal biographer Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine, per IBT Times, said that employees often leave after short stints, saying “the responsibilities they are expected to fulfil are not what they anticipated.” Between 2020 and 2024, around 18 staff members reportedly departed from Archewell, the couple’s charitable foundation.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit The Nelson Mandela Centenary Exhibition in 2018. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images| Max Mumby/Indigo) — Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit The Nelson Mandela Centenary Exhibition in 2018 (Image Source: Getty Images | Max Mumby/Indigo)

Commercial setbacks have compounded the problem. Harry’s memoir Spare (2023) drew global attention but also sparked controversy. Meghan’s Archetypes podcast ended after one season despite being part of a reported $20 million Spotify deal. Their Netflix partnership, signed in 2020, reportedly ended in 2025 following underperforming projects, including With Love, Meghan, which ranked low among the platform’s most-watched titles.

The couple has also faced criticism for staying silent on allegations involving Tyler Perry, a longtime supporter who once hosted them in Montecito. Critics said the lack of response clashed with the couple’s public stance on social justice issues. With major PR firms stepping back, the Sussexes have reportedly turned to London-based strategist Liam Maguire as an interim communications lead, a move seen as a cost-saving measure. However, running US-based operations from London presents logistical challenges, and things are far from solved.