Meghan Markle's latest staffing row drama could end up boosting her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard's launch, a PR expert has claimed.

The Duchess of Sussex was caught at the centre of a media storm last month after a US outlet published a scathing report labelling her "Duchess Difficult" and claiming that her staff are allegedly "terrified" of her and her "belittling" behaviour towards them.

The Hollywood Reporter cited a current senior staffer who claimed that she acts like a "dictator in high heels", while the story also mentioned Meghan's "penchant for noisy tantrums and angry 5 a.m. emails.

Us Weekly followed up with a cover story which included various current and former employees of the Sussex couple who defended the Duchess and praised her for her "kindness", shorty before new claims were published by the Daily Beast, which alleged that Meghan made people "feel like s**t". The Duchess of Sussex has declined to comment on the latest claims.

But a PR expert suggested that the latest negative press aimed at Meghan could end up having a somewhat positive impact on the launch of American Riviera Orchard as it could generate a greater reach.

The duchess soft launched her latest business venture earlier in the year, however, there has not been a confirmed date for the official launch, which is expected to take place by the end of the year.

Renae Smith, founder and director of The Atticism, told Express.co.uk: "I don’t foresee this controversy having a significant impact on her upcoming brand launch.

"Meghan's public persona has already been polarising for some time, much like other high-profile figures such as Donald Trump, where people tend to have strong, unshakeable opinions.

"Her supporters, particularly those who admire her for her 'resilience, independence, and activism', are likely to remain loyal and may even rally more fiercely in response to the negative press."

But she added the latest drama could end up "amplifying her presence" which would work in her favour as it would generate more media attention.

She explained: "In fact, this controversy may end up amplifying her presence, as polarisation often does in today’s media environment.

"The noise could generate even more media attention, which might actually work in her favour in terms of visibility.

"For highly divisive public figures, press—whether good or bad—tends to keep them relevant and in the public conversation."

The latest claims follow previous bullying allegations which were made against the Duchess back in 2018, which she has long and vehemently denied.