Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have faced a fresh wave of criticism as parts of the American media appear to turn against the couple.

What was meant to be a week of positive public appearances for Prince Harry in New York City has instead been overshadowed by renewed scrutiny of Meghan’s alleged behaviour towards staff.

Prince Harry attended the Clinton Global Initiative summit, where he received a standing ovation for his impassioned speech on the dangers of social media for children.

He spoke emotionally of his own children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet while calling for greater safeguards against online abuse.

Despite his powerful words and compelling stage presence, the narrative was disrupted by a barrage of allegations and counterclaims regarding Meghan’s behaviour towards her staff.

Reports by The Hollywood Reporter and The Daily Beast painted Meghan in an unflattering light, depicting her as a demanding and difficult boss.

Some former staff members went as far as describing Meghan as a “dictator in high heels” and alleging incidents where employees were left in tears.

Jason Knauf, who previously served as the couple’s press secretary, had once written of Meghan’s allegedly unacceptable treatment of staff, which allegedly included bullying and undermining behaviour.

Although this letter dates back to 2018, the allegations have resurfaced, amplifying the perception of Meghan as a challenging employer.

To counter these claims, several former employees of Meghan and Prince Harry spoke publicly in their defence.

Catherine St-Laurent, the former Archewell chief of staff, stated that she had “remained close” with the couple and praised them for their dedication.

Another former staffer, Josh Kettler, who worked for the Sussexes for three months, described them as “warm and dedicated.”

Mandana Dayani, Archewell’s former president, also spoke warmly of her time working with Meghan, even recounting how the Duchess once sat on her kitchen floor to cold-call senators while caring for her young daughter, Princess Lilibet.

Nevertheless, Meghan’s critics remained unconvinced, with a former courtier from her days in the palace alleging that she was “lovely when it is all going her way, but a demon when the worm turns.”

Meanwhile, Prince Harry faced his own challenges.

His involvement with African Parks, a conservation charity of which he is a board member, came under scrutiny after allegations of human rights abuses by rangers employed by the organisation.

The allegations, which include claims of torture and violence against Indigenous communities, cast a shadow over Prince Harry’s involvement in a recent closed-door event for African Parks during New York’s Climate Week.

Critics, including royal correspondent Jack Royston, called the decision to keep the event private “outrageous,” particularly given Prince Harry’s advocacy for transparency and social justice.

Royston argued that by not addressing the allegations publicly, Prince Harry undermined his own credibility as a champion of marginalised communities.