When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced they would be stepping back from their royal duties in early 2020, it sent shockwaves through the royal family and the world, particularly with the end of the much-hyped ‘Fab Four’. At the time, Prince William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, were reportedly devastated by the Sussexes’ sudden departure, grappling with the far-reaching implications of ‘Megxit’. However, it has been suggested that their public show of solidarity might have masked their true feelings behind closed doors.
Royal author Tina Brown, in her book The Palace Papers, claims that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were secretly relieved by Meghan and Harry’s exit after learning of an incident in which Meghan allegedly yelled at a junior employee over her wedding plans. According to Brown, both William and Kate were shocked by Meghan’s treatment of their shared staff, as they typically maintained a respectful, collegial relationship with their own employees. Brown writes that the incident occurred during the run-up to Meghan and Harry’s wedding, when a junior staff member was reprimanded by the Duchess after holding back an announcement due to a scheduling conflict with another senior royal’s household.
While some suggested that Meghan’s behavior didn’t quite reach the level of “bullying,” it was still considered an uncomfortable moment that had never before been seen from a member of the Royal Family. According to insiders, Harry intervened after the incident, and Meghan later apologized. However, Brown notes that “contrition became increasingly rare” after that.
The incident added to the growing narrative of Meghan being labeled “Duchess Difficult” by some staff members, with several aides reportedly leaving their royal posts due to her alleged behavior. The allegations ranged from Meghan sending demanding and angry 5am emails to being accused of belittling staff and “marching around like a dictator in high heels.” Meghan has always vehemently denied such claims, calling them part of an “orchestrated smear campaign” against her.
Since their move to the U.S. in 2020, the Sussexes have lost 25 staff members, including several senior PR executives, some of whom reportedly felt humiliated by Meghan’s actions. One former employee claimed they were left shaking before a confrontation with Meghan, and another alleged that the staff was often reduced to tears. In fact, the tension surrounding Meghan and Harry’s departure from royal duties intensified after Harry’s memoir, Spare, was released in 2023, adding further strain to the family dynamic.
Despite the allegations, Meghan has remained defiant, and her spokesperson has repeatedly denounced the bullying accusations as false. Her team insists that these claims are part of a broader campaign to undermine her character. The Duchess herself has been vocal about standing up for fairness, dignity, and truth, especially as someone who has experienced pain and trauma.
The tension between the Sussexes and the Cambridges has become a key focal point, with reports suggesting that the royals were “relieved” by Meghan and Harry’s absence from key events, including King Charles’s Coronation in 2023. While Harry attended the event alone, a royal observer commented that the family was particularly relieved that Meghan wouldn’t be there, citing the uncomfortable dynamics that have been brewing between Kate and Meghan, particularly since the Queen’s passing.
Kate’s difficult experience during the Windsor walkabout after the Queen’s death, described as one of the hardest moments for her, further highlighted the deep divide between the two couples. While the walkabout was seen by many as an opportunity for reconciliation, sources close to the family revealed it was far from a true unity, and the tension between the brothers continued to simmer.
In the broader context, the rift between the two royal couples has been compounded by Meghan and Harry’s public statements and media presence, particularly with their Netflix documentary and Harry’s memoir. These revelations, which included allegations of unconscious bias and a strained relationship with other family members, have fueled ongoing tension within the royal family. As Meghan and Harry continue to carve their own path outside of royal duties, the contrast between their approach to public life and that of the Cambridges has never been more apparent, with the Sussexes embracing commercial ventures like Netflix and Spotify, while the Cambridges maintain a more traditional royal presence with a focus on charity work and public service.
Ultimately, the narrative of Meghan and Harry’s departure, and the subsequent fallout, continues to unfold in the public eye.
While Meghan has always sought to redefine her role, her critics remain vocal, accusing her of using her royal status for personal gain. Whether seen as a champion of causes or a celebrity seeking the spotlight, one thing is clear: the Sussexes’ journey continues to captivate and divide public opinion.
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