Mandana Dayani, who served as Chief Operating Officer of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's organisation Archewell in 2021, has praised the couple, saying their decision to step back from the Royal Family demonstrated their bravery.
Six years ago, Harry and Meghan announced they were stepping down as working royals, a revelation that shocked the world and was dubbed Megxit. Days later, they left the UK with their children Archie and Lilibet. They have recently returned from California, and Dayani, a human rights activist, has defended the so-called royal rebels.
Dayani's praise for the couple
Dayani agreed to work for Harry and Meghan partly due to the determination they displayed in leaving the monarchy, as reported by Richard Eden in the Daily Mail. She told the publication: "Watching them dissent against this institution and say, 'This isn't right for us', that to me felt really brave. I had a lot of respect for how they had the courage to do that, because I think that's really hard to do."
Dayani also started The Dissenters podcast. Although she ceased working for the couple in 2022, she said: "We actually had a really great relationship. We still do."
Archewell statement on her departure
Following her departure from the role, a statement from Archewell declared: "Ms. Dayani has been an integral part of Archewell and we are grateful for her passion, commitment and leadership. Ms. Dayani was brought on during their parental leave to move the company and its projects forward."
The statement continued: "She has continued to shape its vision and future successfully. Her transition was mutually planned, with intent for The Duke and Duchess to now take full lead of their company."
Scepticism over their UK return
Despite the Duke and Duchess of Sussex having only recently returned to the UK, there has been enormous speculation about how long they will actually remain here. One individual who has voiced his scepticism is Dickie Arbiter, a former Buckingham Palace press office worker who served as secretary to The Queen, Prince Charles and Diana.
Arbiter worked at the palace from 1988 until 2000 and recently featured on the At Home with Vanessa podcast where he promoted his new book On Duty with the Royals: The Inside Story of the Modern Monarchy 2000. During the interview, he outlined three reasons why Harry and Meghan will depart the UK once more, stating: "I don't believe for a moment they will last in the United Kingdom. I think one of the main reasons Harry's come back is that he wants a hands on with the Invictus Games which is in Birmingham next year, July. I'm not sure the organisers want him with two hands on, but they'll welcome his presence to publicise it."
