The phrase “dictator in high heels” came from an unnamed source quoted in The Hollywood Reporter on September 12, 2024. The source alleged that Meghan Markle was difficult to work for; the account was disputed by current and former employees and by a source close to the couple. The public reporting does not establish the allegations as fact.
Where did “dictator in high heels” come from?
The Hollywood Reporter published the phrase in a September 12, 2024 report about what it described as Markle’s conduct toward people working for her and Prince Harry. An unnamed source was quoted saying: “She marches around like a dictator in high heels, fuming and barking orders.” The same report included another source’s allegation that people were “terrified” of Markle, that she belittled people and was “terrible” to work for, and that she reduced grown men to tears. Us Weekly’s September 24 coverage and Tatler’s account recounted the original report.
The sources cited for these descriptions were not named in the coverage reviewed. The phrase is therefore an allegation attributed to an unnamed source—not an independently verified description or a quote from an identified staffer. The label “Duchess Difficult,” sometimes used in coverage and online discussion, is likewise not a finding about Markle’s conduct.
What did The Hollywood Reporter say about its reporting?
Maer Roshan, The Hollywood Reporter’s co-editor-in-chief, defended the article in comments reported on September 25, 2024. He said the reporter had spoken with about a dozen people, many of them current or former people who worked closely with the couple. Roshan also said a high-ranking source working for the couple told the reporter: “Everyone is terrified of Meghan Markle.” PerthNow’s coverage and Geo News’ report described his comments.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware match#1 Best Overall
- Comfortable Elevated Height: Features a 2.75-inch chunky heel paired with a slip-resistant outsole. It delivers stable elevated height while effectively lessening foot fatigue, ideal for standing and long-time wear
- Adjustable Ankle Strap: Our 7-Hole buckle ankle strap lets you freely tweak tightness for a personalized perfect fit. Easily re-adjust throughout the day to accommodate foot swelling or lock in a secure hold while dancing
- All-day Wearable Comfort: Built with upgraded thicker 5mm soft insoles that closely conform to natural foot curves to relieve pressure and cut down fatigue. Offered wide sizing options to comfortably fit multiple foot shapes
- Diverse Styling Options: Comes in an extensive selection of colors and materials, including smooth leather, soft suede, glitter and eye-catching finishes. You can effortlessly find the right pair to match your wardrobe and unique styling preferences
- Versatile for Many Occasions: Suitable for weddings, parties, office work, dates and holiday. These heel sandals pair seamlessly with shorts, jeans and skirts to create stunning casual or formal outfits
Roshan’s account explains the outlet’s stated sourcing and its decision to stand by the story. It does not make the alleged workplace behavior independently established, and the identities of the quoted sources were not disclosed in the coverage reviewed.
How did current and former employees respond?
Accounts published by Us Weekly on September 24 presented a sharply different picture. Former head of content Ben Browning described his experience as positive and supportive, and said: “The narratives we’ve seen suggesting the contrary are untrue.” Current press secretary Ashley Hansen also recounted receiving support from Markle during a serious surgery. These are employees’ accounts of their own experiences; they do not, by themselves, resolve every allegation in the Hollywood Reporter story. Us Weekly reported their responses.
Rank #2
- 3 Inch High Heels: The heel measures approximately 3 inches, balancing the stability of low heels and the fashion sense of high heels. Stiletto heels show your elegance while elongating your leg lines, making you look more confident. These classic closed toe heels will become an everyday essential to your look.
- Comfortable Heel For Women: These women's pumps uses soft 4 mm latex insole and 3 mm covered forefoot latex pad, double buffering pads reduces pressure to your feet, slip-on style are easy to take on and off, so that you can handle any daily or formal occasions.
- Careful Designs For Women Heels: These pointed high heels provides you with enough space, modifying your foot shape while reducing friction. Skin friendly materials and thick padding providing you with long-lasting comfort in your every step. Mute, high-quality toplifts are designed for reducing noise when you are walking or dancing.
- Classic And Versatile Heels: Chic silhouettes and daily styles make these women dress shoes are easy to match with all types of clothes in your wardrobe, you can join party, evening, commute, work, prom, wedding, bridal, cocktail, nightclub, homecoming or other special occasions.
- Ideal For Various Needs: Pair with different colors can experience more styles, such as stylish white and black heels, gold sparkly and silver glitter heels, elegant nude heels or trendy navy blue heels. Whether you are a bride, bridesmaid, guest, office lady, mother, or flight attendant, you can handle these pump shoes well.
A source close to the Sussexes disputed the quotes in comments to the Daily Mail, as reported by PerthNow: “These quotes were fabricated by someone lacking knowledge of our company. The Duke and Duchess work from Montecito, and we’re based in Hollywood.” That is a denial attributed to a source close to the couple, rather than an independently established account of who supplied the original quotes.
What is documented, and what remains disputed?
| Point | What the public reporting establishes |
|---|---|
| Origin of the phrase | The Hollywood Reporter published it on September 12, 2024, attributing it to an unnamed source, as summarized by Tatler and Us Weekly. |
| Editorial defense | Roshan said the reporter spoke with about a dozen people and described a high-ranking source. This is his account of the reporting, covered by PerthNow and Geo News. |
| Contrary employee accounts | Us Weekly quoted former and current employees, including Browning and Hansen, describing positive or supportive experiences. |
| Independent resolution of the 2024 claims | No regulator, court or standards-body finding about the allegations was identified in the reviewed coverage. |
The operation’s size was estimated by Us Weekly at roughly 16 full-time employees in 2024. That was an outlet estimate for that period, not an audited count or a current staffing figure. The reviewed coverage did not establish an independently verified staff-departure count, so turnover figures should not be treated as settled fact.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Rank #3
- 3 Inch High Heels: The heel measures approximately 3 inches, balancing the stability of low heels and the fashion sense of high heels. Stiletto heels show your elegance while elongating your leg lines, making you look more confident. These classic closed toe heels will become an everyday essential to your look.
- Comfortable Heel For Women: These women's pumps uses soft 4 mm latex insole and 3 mm covered forefoot latex pad, double buffering pads reduces pressure to your feet, slip-on style are easy to take on and off, so that you can handle any daily or formal occasions.
- Careful Designs For Women Heels: These pointed high heels provides you with enough space, modifying your foot shape while reducing friction. Skin friendly materials and thick padding providing you with long-lasting comfort in your every step. Mute, high-quality toplifts are designed for reducing noise when you are walking or dancing.
- Classic And Versatile Heels: Chic silhouettes and daily styles make these women dress shoes are easy to match with all types of clothes in your wardrobe, you can join party, evening, commute, work, prom, wedding, bridal, cocktail, nightclub, homecoming or other special occasions.
- Ideal For Various Needs: Pair with different colors can experience more styles, such as stylish white and black heels, gold sparkly and silver glitter heels, elegant nude heels or trendy navy blue heels. Whether you are a bride, bridesmaid, guest, office lady, mother, or flight attendant, you can handle these pump shoes well.
Are these claims connected to the earlier palace allegations?
They are separate episodes. The 2024 report concerned the Sussexes’ US operation. Earlier palace-era allegations related to a 2018 letter from former press secretary Jason Knauf and claims involving two aides; Markle’s team rejected those allegations. Buckingham Palace commissioned a review, but its findings were not publicly available in the coverage reviewed. Tatler’s account places the earlier episode in context.
The existence of that earlier dispute does not verify the later US workplace allegations. Nor does the later dispute establish what happened in the palace-era episode.
Rank #4
- Calvin Klein's iconic dress heels are sleek and essential. The classic sillhoutte is takes on a modern look with a block heel. Founded in New York in 1968, the brand elevates everyday essentials to globally iconic status. Calvin Klein footwear is simple and pure, casual yet fashion with clean lines.
- Poitned Toe
- Slip on Closure
- Imported
What can readers conclude about what it is like to work for Meghan Markle?
The public accounts conflict: unnamed sources cited by The Hollywood Reporter described a frightening and belittling workplace, while current and former employees quoted by Us Weekly described supportive experiences, and a source close to the couple denied the original quotes. Roshan defended the reporting process, but the sources remain unnamed in the coverage reviewed and no independent finding settles the conduct claims. The available reporting supports a careful conclusion about the dispute—not a definitive verdict about Markle’s behavior.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Recommended Free Tools
