The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, have vehemently denied recent allegations made against them, describing the claims as “distressing.”
This comes amid ongoing scrutiny of their actions and choices five years
after their monumental decision to step down as senior members of the British royal family.
A Look Back at the Sussexes’ Exit
In January 2020, Harry and Meghan announced their intention to step away from royal duties, citing a desire for financial independence and a life outside the royal spotlight.
The decision led to a formal agreement known as the Sandringham Summit, which outlined their new roles.
As part of this agreement, the couple relinquished their HRH (His/Her Royal Highness) titles and moved from Frogmore Cottage in Windsor to Montecito, California.
Since then, the Sussexes have supported themselves without UK taxpayer funding and have relied on private security arrangements. Despite their departure from royal life, they have remained the subject of widespread media interest and, at times, controversy.
Bullying Allegations Resurface
The most recent claims against the couple stem from a Vanity Fair article that revisited allegations of workplace bullying and staff mistreatment during Meghan and Harry’s time as working royals. Meghan has been accused of intimidating staff, with one former employee claiming she would “silently yell” at individuals, creating an environment of fear.
A staff member reportedly described Meghan as akin to a “Mean Girls teenager,” referencing the infamous 2004 film. Some employees even claimed they required therapy after working with the Duchess. One source suggested, “If Meghan acknowledged her own shortcomings rather than staying trapped in a victim narrative, her perception might be better.”
These accusations have been strongly denied by Meghan and Harry, who have consistently rejected any allegations of bullying.
Alleged Strains on Staff
Additional claims from the article allege that staff members were forced out of their jobs or took extended breaks due to the stress of working under the Sussexes. A former colleague tied to Meghan’s Spotify podcast, Archetypes, reportedly quit after just three episodes.
However, the article also includes contrasting accounts from individuals who worked closely with the couple. Jane Marie, a producer who collaborated with the Sussexes, described Meghan as “lovely and genuine.” Similarly, Harry’s former chief of staff, Josh Kettler, characterized the couple as “dedicated and hardworking.”
Harry’s Role Questioned
The Vanity Fair piece also touched on Harry’s engagement with projects and his life post-royalty. A Spotify staffer claimed that Harry appeared “challenging to engage with” and sometimes displayed disinterest in collaborative ideas. There were insinuations that Harry preferred to leave the financial and professional responsibilities to Meghan.
Critics have speculated that Harry’s struggles stem from growing up in the highly publicized and controlled environment of royal life. Some sources close to the couple suggested that he remains uncertain about his long-term goals and direction, with one claiming, “He’s still figuring out who he is outside of the royal bubble.”
Title Drama and Special Protocols
Despite stepping away from their HRH titles, the Vanity Fair report alleges that Harry and Meghan initially encouraged staff to address them as “Sir” and “Ma’am.” This practice reportedly ended after pushback from staff members, though it is claimed the couple’s preference for formality stemmed from their royal upbringing.
In the United States, where titles are less common, the Sussexes’ royal connections continue to differentiate them from others in the celebrity sphere. One insider suggested that these titles serve as a form of cachet, adding an air of uniqueness in their adopted home.
A Mixed Public Image
The Sussexes’ transition to private life has been marked by both accomplishments and controversies. While they’ve garnered praise for their philanthropic efforts and media ventures, such as their Netflix docuseries and charitable work through Archewell, negative headlines have often overshadowed these achievements.
Meghan and Harry have frequently spoken about the emotional toll of intense public scrutiny. They continue to defend themselves against accusations, with the latest Vanity Fair article being no exception. A spokesperson for the couple labeled the claims as “distressing” and emphasized their commitment to honesty and transparency.
Moving Forward
As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex navigate life outside the royal institution, their relationship with the media remains complicated. Whether they can effectively counter these allegations and reshape public perception is yet to be seen.
One thing is clear: the fascination with Harry and Meghan shows no signs of waning, ensuring that their journey will remain closely followed in the years to come.
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