Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have dominated the headlines since they opted to step back from their royal roles in early 2020. Their departure, which sent shockwaves through the royal family and was dubbed “Megxit” by the media, was just the beginning. Over the years, many controversies have erupted around Meghan, from accusations of bullying to her alleged frosty demeanor. A recent report has only added to this ongoing narrative, characterizing Meghan as a “dictator in high heels” who instills fear in her staff.
When the duke and duchess announced their choice to forgo senior royal duties, it was surrounded by a whirlwind of speculation. While they cited a desire for independence and relief from media scrutiny as their main motives, observers wondered if there were underlying tensions between them and other royals, particularly Prince William and Kate Middleton.
Things reached a boiling point in March 2021, following their explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey. During the discussion, Meghan made serious allegations, including claims that an unnamed royal had allegedly made racist comments regarding their son, Archie, before he was born. Even though the couple chose not to identify the individual, the ripple effect of those statements continues to resonate. The royal family offered a brief rebuttal, emphasizing that “recollections may vary” while asserting that they were addressing the issues internally.
Recent reports, however, seem to present an even grimmer picture of Meghan. The Hollywood Reporter detailed claims from an insider who described her behavior as intimidating, stating she “terrifies” those around her. This source labeled her as a “dictator in high heels,” emphasizing that she belittles team members, shuns counsel, and imposes relentless demands on her staff.
It’s not the first time Meghan has encountered such allegations. Following her marriage to Prince Harry in 2018, accusations of bullying surfaced from two royal aides, prompting Buckingham Palace to initiate an investigation. Although the findings were never disclosed, Meghan firmly denied the claims, branding them as part of a “calculated smear campaign” aimed at damaging her reputation.
Despite the couple’s move to a life outside the monarchy, these troubling behaviors seem to have lingered. The Hollywood Reporter notes an alarming turnover rate among their staff. Starting with the resignation of Meghan’s private secretary shortly after their exit in 2021, to the most recent departure of their chief of staff only three months into the position in 2024, speculation runs rampant that working for the couple is fraught with challenges.
While Meghan garners the bulk of criticism, Prince Harry also finds himself under scrutiny. According to the same source, Harry’s charming demeanor doesn’t absolve him of complicity. The report describes him as more of an “enabler,” frequently changing his mind and contributing to poor decision-making within the couple’s personal and professional lives.
This perspective paints a portrait of the Sussexes’ relationship as less idyllic than it may seem. While Harry’s charm is noted, it also underscores his passive role amid claims about Meghan’s alleged harshness. Their reputation for erratic planning, both personally and professionally, contributes to this troubled image.
As Harry approaches his 40th birthday, he’ll also be celebrating a notable financial windfall of $8.5 million, thanks to provisions set by his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen had set aside a considerable sum in a family trust for Harry, which he can access as he reaches this milestone.
Since relocating to Montecito, California, the couple has established a new life among Hollywood’s elite, yet recent reports suggest that Meghan may feel a tinge of regret about the manner of their departure from royal duties. According to royal commentator Kinsey Schofield, Meghan might wish she had handled certain statements differently. The reception she anticipated didn’t resonate as she had hoped, resulting in several backfires regarding her comments, particularly from the Oprah interview.
It seems Meghan’s candid revelations about her struggles with mental health didn’t receive the warmer reception she might have expected, especially in the UK, where loyalty toward the royal family remains strong. The perception that she painted herself as a victim failed to strike a chord that would endear her to the British public.
As the Hollywood Reporter’s startling revelations come to light, they are bound to cast a shadow over Prince Harry’s birthday festivities. This new controversy is just the latest chapter in the saga of Meghan and Harry, a couple who continues to navigate the tumultuous waters post-royalty and the media landscapes that follow them.
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