The “Sussex Survivors’ Club” has become a popular term as it highlights the recent wave of departures among Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s staff. Since “Megxit,” which saw them step away from their royal duties to settle in Montecito, California, a staggering 18 seasoned employees have left their positions in just over four years.
A source revealed to The Hollywood Reporter in a revealing exposé on September 12 that “everyone is terrified of Meghan. She’s absolutely relentless,” describing her as someone who “marches around like a dictator in high heels.”
Meghan Markle Stands Strong Amid Ongoing Character Attacks
Meghan is reportedly prepared to take action, according to a source speaking to In Touch. The ongoing rumors branding her as “Duchess Difficult” have been a source of frustration for her, and she is “tired of the character assassinations,” the insider added, stating that “she’s striking back.”
In 2021, allegations of bullying from several staff members led to an investigation by the palace. While the Sussexes denied these claims, the findings were never disclosed, leaving it as “seemingly Meghan’s word against theirs,” according to the source. Supporters are urging her to share her side, and “she just may do it.”
There’s a lot for her to contend with. A former staff member from California alleged to The Hollywood Reporter that Meghan, 43, “belittles people” and “doesn’t take advice.” Another former aide noted that she would often be “fuming and barking orders,” stating, “I’ve seen her reduce grown men to tears.”
These accusations mirror complaints raised by former aides in England, where some labeled her a demanding “control freak” who bombarded staff with 5 a.m. emails, with others claiming they developed PTSD from working under her. The source mentioned, “Others have accused her of being a liar for stories she’s believed to have leaked about family members like King Charles and Princess Kate, who were accused of being racist.”
The work atmosphere was reportedly so toxic that former Kensington Palace Press Secretary Jason Knauf felt it necessary to escalate his concerns. In a 2018 email, he wrote, “I am very concerned that the Duchess was able to bully two PAs out of the household in the past year. The treatment of [redacted] was totally unacceptable.” He added that “the Duchess seems intent on always having someone in her sights,” indicating ongoing bullying behavior.
In 2021, The Times of London published Knauf’s email, which included testimonials from staffers. One recalled feeling “unable to stop shaking” before meetings with Meghan, while another described her treatment as “more like emotional cruelty and manipulation.”
Meghan’s legal representatives responded by asserting that the newspaper was “being used to peddle a wholly false narrative,” which they described as a “calculated smear campaign based on misleading and harmful misinformation.” They emphasized that Meghan is “saddened by this latest attack on her character,” especially as someone who has experienced bullying herself and is committed to supporting others who have faced similar pain.
Reportedly, ten employees were interviewed, leading to modifications in the palace’s human resources department, although specifics remained undisclosed. According to the source, “Some people have suggested it’s because Charles and William didn’t want to stir up more drama with Harry and Meghan,” while the Sussexes could argue that it’s because Meghan “didn’t do anything that bad.”
Meghan has consistently denied the accusations, asserting in a BBC documentary that they are “just not true,” although she also noted, “I wouldn’t want to negate anyone’s personal experiences.” Supporters attribute the disputes to a clash between American and British cultural norms.
Vogue editor Anna Wintour, known for her own reputation as a demanding boss, has come to Meghan’s defense, describing her as a “normal California girl who gets up early, does yoga, and sends messages.” In the “Angry Black Women” episodes of her Archetypes podcast, Meghan addressed the misconceptions about her character, admitting she can be “particular” in ensuring tasks are executed correctly, but contending that being clear about expectations “doesn’t make you demanding [or] difficult.”
As for Harry, he has been depicted as an “enabler” and was previously reported to have shouted, “What Meghan wants, Meghan gets,” to Queen Elizabeth’s personal assistant. In his memoir Spare, he characterized the office atmosphere as “poisoned,” noting that “constructive criticism” was nonexistent as feedback was perceived as an affront, with blame directed solely at “Meg.”
The challenge for Harry is whether he can continue to support her now. The source pointed out, “The complaints from inside the Firm were one thing, but these are American employees leaving,” suggesting that this situation is more challenging to dismiss.
With Meghan now launching her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, alongside a Netflix cooking show and Archewell’s anti-bullying campaign, “they’ll be tempted to go on the attack to set the record straight,” the source remarked. However, addressing specifics might lead to even more people sharing their experiences. The optimal strategy could simply be for Meghan to focus on treating her staff well moving forward.
