An editor has defended the ‘Duchess Difficult’ claims about Meghan, revealing a bombshell source behind the allegations.

A report that claimed Meghan Markle had been dubbed ‘Duchess Difficult’ by staff came from a “very high up” source still working for the couple, according to its editor.

Since moving to the US four years ago, the pair have earned a reputation for having a high staff turnover at their Archewell organisation, with Harry’s former chief of staff Josh Kettler lasting just three months into the role. And just last week, there were allegations that Meghan “belittles people” and “doesn’t take advice” with claims it has earned her the nickname “Duchess Difficult”.

The claims were ran in the Hollywood Reporter and it appears to have prompted both current and former employees of the Sussexes to speak out in defence of working for Meghan. But despite the backlash by Harry and Meghan supporters, the co-editor-in-chief of the Hollywood Reporter says it stands by the story.

Maer Roshan, the co-editor-in-chief told Access Hollywood: “Our reporter talked to a very high-up source who works for the couple and said: ‘Everyone is terrified of Meghan’. Duchess Difficult is a nickname that has trailed Meghan Markle for quite a few years. What is new is that this notion, since coming to America, that a lot of these rumours were manufactured by the Palace and the reporting that we did suggests that probably isn’t true and there is still this undercurrent of fear.” The claims in the Hollywood Reporter came several years after sources told The Times that Meghan bullied staff when she was a working royal – something she has always vehemently denied.

However, just yesterday, several former and current staff members of Harry and Meghan spoke to US publication US Weekly of their experiences working for them. One of the most notable people to speak out in was Mr Kettler, who lasted just three months in the role of Harry’s chief of staff before his departure. Eyebrows were raised when the seasoned public relations professional, left his role after just weeks after he was reportedly hired to “guide him [Harry] through his next phase”. News of him stepping down came on the eve of Harry and Meghan’s high-profile trip to Colombia.

Mr Kettler, who had previously been chief of staff and head of strategic partnerships at the communication platform Cognixion, revealed that he was “warmly welcomed” by both of them and their Archewell team. He added: “They are dedicated and hardworking. It was impressive to witness.