Meghan Markle has reportedly faced fresh criticism over her alleged treatment of household staff during the Sussexes’ six-year stay in Montecito, California. According to claims cited by the British press, her behaviour was said to have made it difficult for Prince Harry and Meghan to recruit housekeepers for their family home.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have lived in Montecito since 2020, after stepping away from their roles as working members of the British royal family. They purchased their California mansion several months after leaving the UK and have since established a private family life there with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

Although reports now suggest that the couple are preparing to spend more time in the UK, their connection to California may not be ending completely. The Sussexes are reportedly planning to retain their Montecito property, meaning the house could continue to serve as a base for the family even if they spend significant periods in Britain.

The latest claims centre on the couple’s experience hiring domestic employees. A source cited by Page Six alleged that Meghan personally took part in interviews with prospective housekeepers and that some candidates found her manner difficult.

According to the source, several housekeepers in the Montecito area were reportedly reluctant to accept employment with the Sussexes. The source claimed that Meghan could appear “snobbish and rude” during interviews, leaving some potential employees uncomfortable with the way they felt they had been addressed.

The same source alleged that the situation became sufficiently well known among local workers that people began joking about the Sussexes’ reputation among housekeepers. The claims, however, remain allegations from an unnamed source and have not been independently established.

The reports have attracted attention partly because they echo previous accusations concerning Meghan’s relationship with members of her staff. Similar allegations have surfaced in the past, although Meghan has consistently rejected claims that she mistreated employees.

Her representatives have also previously disputed negative accounts about her conduct. As with the latest report, allegations from anonymous sources should therefore be treated with caution, particularly when there is no independent evidence confirming the details.

The timing of the claims is also notable because Harry and Meghan are reportedly preparing for a significant change in their living arrangements. After several years in California, the couple are said to be looking towards the UK again, although the exact nature of their plans remains unclear.

Their reported return does not necessarily mean that Montecito will disappear from their lives. If the family keeps its California residence, they could continue travelling between the United States and Britain. Such an arrangement would allow them to maintain their existing American base while spending more time closer to the UK.

It is also uncertain what arrangements will be made for household staff. The Sussexes’ California property is a large private residence, and maintaining such a home may require employees even when the family is away. If the mansion remains part of their long-term plans, existing staff could potentially continue working there.

At the same time, their reported UK residence is understood to be a private, non-royal home rather than an official royal property. This could mean that the household arrangements in Britain will be very different from those associated with their former royal roles.

For the Sussexes, the move could represent another major stage in their attempt to balance family life, professional commitments and their connections to both sides of the Atlantic. Harry has maintained strong links to Britain despite living in the United States, while Meghan has continued developing her career and business interests from California.

The couple’s decision to retain their Montecito mansion, if confirmed, would underline how important the United States remains to their family life. Their children have spent much of their childhood there, and California has become their primary home since leaving royal duties.

The latest allegations are therefore unlikely to provide a complete picture of the couple’s relationship with their employees or their local community. A single anonymous source cannot establish how Meghan generally interacts with household staff, nor can it confirm whether prospective employees actually rejected positions because of her behaviour.

Nevertheless, the story adds another layer to the ongoing media scrutiny surrounding the Sussexes. Their decision to leave royal life and establish themselves in America has attracted intense public interest, with their working relationships, business ventures and family arrangements regularly becoming subjects of discussion.

Meghan, now 45, has previously denied accusations concerning her treatment of staff, and there is no indication that the latest claims have been independently proven. Her side has been approached for comment regarding the allegations.

Meanwhile, attention is increasingly focused on what Harry and Meghan’s reported UK plans will mean for their future. Whether they ultimately divide their time between Britain and America or establish a more permanent base in the UK remains to be seen.

For now, Montecito appears likely to remain an important part of the Sussexes’ story. Even if their time in California changes, their mansion, memories and family life there will continue to form a significant chapter of their post-royal years.

The latest staff allegations may generate further headlines, but they should ultimately be viewed as claims rather than established facts. Until additional evidence or direct responses from those involved emerge, the circumstances surrounding the Sussexes’ household staffing arrangements remain uncertain.