Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's former colleague reveals the real reason she wanted to work for them: 'It was really brave'

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's former colleague has revealed what it was like to work for them, and what she thinks of their return to the UK.

Mandana Dayani, an Iranian-American businesswoman, served as president of the Sussexes' Archewell organisation from 2021 until she stepped down at the end of 2022, while they were still based in Montecito, California.

The former Chief Operating Officer (COO) hosts the podcast The Dissenters, which has featured guests including Hillary Clinton, Jane Fonda, Eva Longoria and Sophia Bush.

Mandana said one of the reasons she chose to work for the couple was after watching them "dissent against this institution [the monarchy]," according to the Daily Mail's Richard Eden. 

She said: "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."

She added: "We actually had a really great relationship. We still do."

Mandana's close relationship with Prince Harry and Meghan

When Mandana joined Archewell in 2021, she said in a statement: "I am so inspired by the vision and unwavering dedication of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to create a more united, truthful, safe, and equitable world.

"I am thrilled to build upon our shared mission to drive systemic cultural change."

Her role meant that she reported directly to Harry and Meghan, who were initially on parental leave following the birth of Princess Lilibet that June. 

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In 2022, Mandana featured in two photos with the Duchess as they visited Women @ Spotify, later praising her as an "incredible woman" for a talk she gave about women advocating for human rights and freedoms in Iran. 

She remained close with the couple even after stepping down from Archewell, and in 2025, was one of the chosen few to receive a hamper of As Ever goodies from Meghan's lifestyle brand. 

The producer later took to Instagram to share a gushing review, writing: "@meghan, I will never forget the first time I came to your home and you walked me back to my car with the most beautiful garden basket and eggs from your coop for our girls. 

© Getty Images for EWG

"It’s been years since you first shared your big dreams for @aseverofficial with and I can't believe it’s finally here. Congratulations! I can’t wait for all that is to come. (Caught Bauer trying to steal my jam)."

Prince Harry's call to Meghan after completing skydive

Last week, Harry spoke to Canadian network CTV after completing a skydive outside Toronto to honour a promise made to a 102-year-old Second World War veteran while raising awareness and support for military charities.

Harry told the broadcaster things are going "great" after the family returned to Britain on August 26.

© AFP via Getty Images

Of his return, Harry added: "It’s been great. It’s been great to be back on British soil. It’s great to be back on terra firma, actually!"

CTV said it had asked the Duke what prompted the family’s relocation, and he replied, "lots of reasons," but did not elaborate, noting that he did not want to distract from his efforts to raise money for Canadian veterans charities.

And as soon as Harry was back safely on the ground, he phoned his wife Meghan to tell her he'd completed the jump successfully.