EXCLUSIVE: There are fears that there could be a disgruntled former member of staff who is putting out mistruths which are designed to make the Sussexes look bad, according to a source.

Meghan Markle was branded a ‘dictator in heels’ by the Hollywood Reporter (Image: Getty)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are said to be “deeply concerned” about the timing of an article in the US that suggested she “marches around like a dictator in heels”.

Following the recent departure of a high number of staff working for Harry and Meghan, the report claimed the Duchess “belittles” and “terrifies” people.

It also stated that Meghan had been dubbed “Duchess Difficult” by some staff members amid further claims she “doesn’t take advice”.

US showbiz bible the Hollywood Reporter also reported allegations that she “marches around like a dictator in high heels, fuming and barking orders”.

But coming soon the eve of Harry’s 40th birthday celebrations, the Sussexes are said to be “deeply concerned over the timing” of the article.

A source close to the couple told this newspaper: “The Sussex team have had more than enough of these types of articles, it’s simply not true.

“Everyone is deeply concerned over the timing of the article because it was published just days before Harry’s birthday.

“There are fears that there could be a disgruntled former member of staff who is putting out mistruths which are designed to make them look bad.”

They added: “The focus for Camp Sussex now is to build on the success of the last year and to take that positive momentum forward into 2025 and beyond.”

The allegations follow reports of a mass exodus of staff working for the couple in recent years, including the couple’s chief of staff, Josh Kettler, who resigned in August after just three months in the post.

In total 18 staffers have either stepped down or been fired as they struggle to meet the demands of their roles.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s recent trip to Colombia proved a success (Image: Getty)

King Charles is set to call Prince Harry today to wish him a Happy Birthday – but his brother Prince William is unlikely to do the same, according to royal sources.

A well-placed insider has revealed Charles plans to reach out to his youngest son on his 40th birthday via a tweet on the official Royal Family X page and a video call, signalling the start of a thawing of frosty relations between the Sussexes and the Firm.

The source adds that the monarch is set to call Harry via Skype in the afternoon UK time so that he can catch his son as soon as he wakes up in California, which is eight hours behind us.

Harry will mark his 40th birthday today with a private celebration in Montecito, surrounded by family and friends.

But he has also planned a hiking trip in the California mountains near his home with a few of his closest friends.

The Sussexes were approached for comment.