Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, once seen as modernizing forces within the British monarchy, are facing a fresh wave of controversy that threatens to undermine their carefully cultivated public image in the United States. A recent Vanity Fair exposé, based on months of interviews with sources close to the couple, has revived allegations of workplace bullying against the Duchess of Sussex, sparking widespread criticism and casting doubt on the pair's future endeavors.
The Vanity Fair feature, which marks five years since the Sussexes stepped back from royal duties, has triggered a backlash among former staffers who allege difficult working conditions under Meghan's leadership. One former staff member described the experience as "really, really, really awful" and claimed Meghan's behavior was "cold and withholding" when expectations were not met. The staffer likened her to a "Mean Girls' teenager," accusing her of fostering a toxic environment through backhanded remarks and undermining actions.
Another professional who worked with Meghan reportedly echoed these sentiments, stating, "You can be yelled at even if somebody doesn't raise their voice. It's about the energy of being yelled at." According to the article, at least one individual who collaborated on Meghan's Spotify podcast Archetypes left after working on only three episodes, with others taking extended breaks to cope with the strain.
The renewed allegations follow previous claims of bullying dating back to Meghan's tenure as a working royal. In 2021, reports surfaced of palace staff referring to themselves as the "Sussex Survivors Club," while others alleged they were left in tears by Meghan's management style. The Duchess has consistently denied such allegations, describing them as distorted exaggerations and attributing them to a narrative designed to damage her reputation.
Royal author Tom Bower described the latest revelations as "devastating" for Meghan's image, saying they contradict the persona she has sought to project. "The revival of her image of the Difficult Duchess who torments her staff into seeking therapy to alleviate the misery of working for Meghan is a disaster," Bower stated. He noted that staff members' willingness to break their non-disclosure agreements suggests a deep-seated anger outweighing fears of legal consequences.
Prince Harry, meanwhile, has also come under scrutiny, with the Vanity Fair piece portraying him as "lost, out of his depth, and naive" in his post-royal career pursuits. Critics argue that the couple's attempts to establish themselves as philanthropic figures in the U.S., including their efforts to assist victims of California's wildfires, may falter under the weight of these damaging allegations.
Richard Fitzwilliams, a royal commentator, warned of the potential long-term impact on the Sussexes' standing in the United States. "The Sussexes are attempting to project a caring image by helping some of those affected by the cataclysmic wildfires currently ravaging California," he said. Fitzwilliams also suggested that Meghan's upcoming Netflix project, With Love, Meghan, set for release on March 4, might face a tepid reception amid the controversy.
Supporters of Meghan have countered the narrative, with some collaborators praising her professionalism and kindness. Jane Marie, who worked with Meghan on Archewell, described her as "a lovely, genuine person." Harry has also defended his wife, writing in his memoir Spare that Meghan is a considerate boss who regularly checked on her staff's well-being.
