A close friend and former employee of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has praised the couple, saying their decision to leave the Royal Family showed how courageous they are. Mandana Dayani, who served as Chief Operating Officer for their organisation Archewell in 2021, has defended the so-called royal rebels.
Harry and Meghan announced they were quitting as working royals six years ago, in a move that became known as Megxit. Days later, they left the UK with their children Archie and Lilibet. However, they have returned to the UK from California in recent weeks.
Former aide defends couple's departure
Mandana, a human rights activist, said one of the reasons she agreed to work for Harry and Meghan was because of the conviction they showed 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.”
Mandana also launched The Dissenters podcast. Although she stopped working for the couple in 2022, she said: “We actually had a really great relationship. We still do.”
Archewell statement on her departure
After she departed her role, a statement from Archewell read: “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.
“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.”
Speculation over couple's future in UK
Despite the Duke and Duchess of Sussex only just returning to the UK, there has been immense speculation regarding how long they will actually stay. Dickie Arbiter, a former Buckingham Palace press office employee who served as secretary to The Queen, Prince Charles and Diana, has aired his doubts.
He served the palace from 1988 until 2000 and recently appeared 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. There, he outlined three reasons why Harry and Meghan will leave the UK again.
He said: “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.”
