PR Firms Say “No More” to the Sussexes
What was once a dream client list has turned into a cautionary tale. According to celebrity journalist Rob Shuter, “top American PR firms are refusing to take the Sussexes on altogether.” In a recent Substack post, he cited a former staffer who bluntly explained: “The job isn’t hard because of the press. It’s hard because of the principals.”
The truth cuts deep: Harry and Meghan are seen as impossible to satisfy, with ever-shifting expectations and inconsistent messaging. Even Meredith Maines—a seasoned communications veteran—lasted just 10 months before resigning, citing a “high-pressure, chaotic environment” that left little room for sustainable strategy.
“They’re Difficult—and Cheap”
Perhaps the most damning critique comes not from critics, but from potential allies. Multiple elite agencies have reportedly outright declined the Sussex account. One insider told Shuter: “They’re difficult and, frankly, cheap.”
The comparison is stark: “Kardashians and Beyoncé spend a fortune on PR; Harry and Meghan expect the same results for a fraction of the budget.” This frugality, paired with sky-high demands, has left even loyal supporters questioning their operational realism.
Cost-Cutting Backfires—Again
In a move that screams short-term thinking, the Sussex camp is now pivoting back to London, leaning heavily on existing communications strategist Liam Maguire. While this eliminates a costly U.S.-based senior salary, insiders warn it introduces new risks.
“Running a California-based global brand from London brings huge challenges,” one source revealed. “Time zone mismatches, misaligned media cycles, and burnout risks are now baked into their system.” What looks like fiscal prudence may, in fact, be another misstep in a growing list.
Trigger Happy Tactics Fuel Royal Meltdown Fears
What truly alarms observers isn’t just the dysfunction—it’s the trigger happy reflexes that follow. Rather than pausing, reflecting, or adjusting course, Harry and Meghan appear prone to rapid-fire announcements, reactive lawsuits, and last-minute narrative pivots. These tactics once generated headlines—but now they generate fatigue.
As one communications professional put it: “A competent PR can survive bad headlines. They can’t survive clients who won’t listen or demand you push false narratives. That’s the Sussex problem.”
Is DEFCON 1 on the Horizon for 2026?
The term DEFCON 1—military shorthand for maximum readiness in the face of imminent threat—feels increasingly apt. In 2026, Harry and Meghan face a perfect storm: dwindling credibility, shrinking professional support, and a public growing weary of perpetual victimhood narratives.
If they continue down this path—trigger happy, underfunded, and isolated—the royal meltdown many predicted may finally arrive. And it won’t just be tabloids talking; it could signal the end of the Sussexes as credible global influencers.
A Fork in the Road
Yet, 2026 still holds a sliver of hope. If Harry and Meghan choose humility over hubris, consistency over chaos, and partnership over control, they might just avoid DEFCON 1. But time is short, trust is thin, and the world is watching.
One thing is clear: the New Year hasn’t just begun—it’s already sounding alarms.
