'You'd think they'd go first for the edible flower arranger': Harry and Meghan slammed for 'insane' decision to let go of PR team and six other staff members as couple rein in spending

Sky News AU

a day ago

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly let go of several staff members, including their key communications personnel, in an effort to save some money.
The Sussexes parted ways with six employees in June, including their two in-house PR reps, US-based deputy press secretary Kyle Boulia and UK press officer Charlie Gipson, according to Page Six.
Speaking on Sky News Australia, contributor Louise Roberts said the shake-up appears to come down to "cash concerns".
"Despite the fact that they live in this huge mansion and they got a big wad of cash from Spotify, Netflix, and everything else, apparently they're having to count the pennies," Roberts said.
"And they've got rid of their comms team, which is just insane- you'd think they'd go first for the edible flower arranger.
"Surely their role is limited to an extent, whereas their comms person is rather critical."
Page Six reports that since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Harry and Meghan have now cycled through at least 25 staff members, with some of those exits yet to be publicly revealed.
"The Sussexes cycle through staff as quickly as normal people cycle through toilet paper," a source told the outlet.
"They're going through them like knickers," The Royal Report host Caroline Di Russo added.
The latest departures come despite the former royals bringing on board Meredith Kendall Maines as their new Chief Communications Officer earlier this year.
A source familiar with the couple's inner workings told HELLO! in June, "Something tells me there will be another change in the future. Meghan and Harry have hired some of the most incredible people at the top of their fields, yet somehow none of them ever work out."
Harry and Meghan, who live in a USD $27 million mansion in Montecito, California, have spent the past few years building their brand through a range of high-profile media deals.
Their tie-ups with Netflix and Spotify reportedly brought in tens of millions, with hits like their 'Harry & Meghan' docuseries and lifestyle show 'With Love, Meghan', which coincided with the launch of the former actress' lifestyle brand As Ever.
However, other projects such as Heart of Invictus and Polo drew far less buzz, and Netflix is now said to be favouring "first-look" deals over sweeping multi-million-dollar contracts, meaning any renewal with the couple could come with a lower price tag.
That may pose a challenge for the pair, who are believed to face a mounting list of expenses, from a USD$2 million annual security bill to the upkeep of their Archewell Foundation, production companies, and staff at their sprawling Montecito estate.
Property records show they took out a USD$9.5 million mortgage on their home, to be repaid by 2050, and are also on the hook for annual property taxes totalling around USD$288,000.
It's understood the Sussexes also personally fund a portion of their self-styled "quasi-royal tours" which have included visits to Nigeria and Colombia.
They've also faced mounting legal bills from various court cases, including Prince Harry's recent legal battle over his UK security arrangements- a fight that has reportedly cost both him and British taxpayers a combined USD $2.7 million, according to the Daily Mail.
The Duke is expected to shoulder a significant share of the cost, potentially as much as USD $1.9 million.
SkyNews.com.au has contacted the Sussexes' representatives for comment.