Meghan Markle has come under renewed scrutiny thanks to a recent article in The Hollywood Reporter regarding her workplace behavior, particularly her early morning emails and management style that some have described as “dictatorial.” Of course, this is not the first (or last) time the Duchess of Sussex's work performance has been scrutinized by the press, but the recent buzz raises the question, why are we still talking about this?

It all started in 2018, when Markle, a senior member of the royal family with offices at Kensington Palace, faced accusations of workplace bullying for her alleged treatment of staff, and it was much discussed that she had sent an early morning text message.

Journalist Valentine Lowe wrote in her book Courtiers that the couple's former staff referred to themselves as the “Sussex Survivors Club.” The Palace launched an investigation into the accusation (the results of which were never made public), and life moved on.

Fast forward to this month, when The Hollywood Reporter published a story that Josh Kettler quit his job after only three months after being “bitten” by the couple.

But even though Kettler was hired on a three-month probationary basis and did not report to Markle (the article referred to Harry as “totally unpretentious” and “very, very charming”), somehow his departure was blamed on the Duchess of Sussex.

“She is totally relentless,” one source told the magazine, claiming that the Duchess “marches around like a dictator in high heels, going crazy and barking orders. I have seen her bring grown men to tears.”

Another insider claimed to The Hollywood Reporter that the Duke enables his “awful” wife, noting that the magazine reported that she “likes boisterous tantrums and angry 5 a.m. e-mails.”

Sending an early email may seem unusual to some. But others find it most productive. Or maybe it is when Markle is trying to get work done before the kids wake up.

Furthermore, labeling Markle a “dictator” is not only reductive, it is unfair. Women in leadership roles, especially black women, are often subject to more intense scrutiny than men, and their management styles are often dissected in ways that feel personal.

As many reading this article can probably understand, assertiveness can be perceived as a threat when it comes from women. The expectation that Markle should fit the mold of propriety that has historically applied to women in the royal family only adds to that burden.

Prince Harry, who turned 40 on September 15, has emphasized his desire to put aside the drama associated with his past departure from the royal family and focus on the future and the couple's charitable work in the new decade. Princess Meghan is also working on the launch of her own lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchards, in the coming months.

The Sussexes are making progress, so why can't we?