Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Respond to Recent Staff Claims
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have strongly refuted recent claims made about them, calling the allegations "distressing." Five years after their shocking decision to step back from royal duties, the couple continues to face intense scrutiny regarding their actions and lifestyle.
In January 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced their intent to lead a more financially independent life outside of the royal family. This announcement was made during the Sandringham Summit, where it was decided they would not perform royal duties or represent the monarchy. Following this, they moved from Frogmore Cottage, located on the Windsor Castle estate, to Montecito, California, and are no longer funded by UK taxpayers, nor do they receive round-the-clock security.
Over the years, staff working within the Sussex Household have made various allegations against Meghan, labeling her as "Duchess Difficult" and accusing her of bullying behavior. Recent claims suggest she could have been "really, really awful" when her desires were not met. In light of these reports, sources close to the couple have described the article as "distressing."
Silently Yelling
One of the more striking allegations is that Meghan would intimidate her staff without raising her voice. An unnamed staff member initially dismissed the claims of bullying but later changed their perspective after witnessing Meghan's treatment of others. They noted, "Meghan would yell at individuals without raising her voice," creating a chilling atmosphere described as reminiscent of a "Mean Girls teenager."
Staff Leaving Their Jobs
Reports indicate that several employees felt compelled to leave their positions while working for Harry and Meghan. Some individuals, including a colleague connected with Meghan's now-defunct Spotify podcast, quit after only a few episodes. Other staff members reportedly took extended breaks to escape the pressure before eventually resigning. There are claims that staff sought long-term therapy as a result of their experiences, suggesting a significant toll on their mental health. One source expressed that if Meghan acknowledged her own contributions to the discord, it might change how she is perceived.
Bullying Allegations at Kensington Palace
The Vanity Fair article brought to light allegations of bullying during their time at Kensington Palace. Former staff members claimed that they felt mistreated and described Meghan as a bully, which led some of them to seek therapy for the emotional distress caused. Both Meghan and Harry have denied the bullying allegations. Conversely, supporters like Jane Marie, who worked on the Archewell audio project, described Meghan as a "lovely, genuine person," while Harry's former chief of staff, Josh Kettler, spoke of their dedication and hard work.
Harry's Disinterest in Engagements
Some staff members described Harry as being difficult to engage with. A former Spotify employee noted that during interviews for potential hires, Harry seemed unfocused and uninterested. This has led some to speculate that Harry might prefer to let Meghan take the lead in professional matters.
Non-Disclosure Agreements
It has also been reported that Harry and Meghan had their staff sign non-disclosure agreements to prevent any information leaks. Some individuals who spoke to Vanity Fair emphasized that, despite their affection for the Sussexes, they often felt uncertain about Harry's true interests and personality, with one saying, "I have no idea what Harry's interests are beyond polo."
Friendships and Fame
Sources suggested that Meghan was very clear that Harry had not made many friends since moving to America. They indicated that Harry seemed uncertain about his identity and what he wanted from life, noting he may not wish to be famous, while Meghan allegedly pursues fame more actively.
Special Titles Demand
Although they no longer hold their royal titles, the couple reportedly asked people to address them as "Sir" and "Ma'am." This request apparently changed after pushback from staff, with many ultimately being encouraged to use their first names instead. One interviewee explained that while titles add a unique cachet in the United States, they are not crucial for personal connections.
Meghan, Harry, staff