Behind the glamorous photos of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry often lies a group of unsung heroes—his and her staff.
Yet, beneath the surface, there’s a troubling narrative emerging about employee distress leading to high turnover rates among their team.
Reports suggest that a so-called “Sussex Survivors Club” exists, made up of former employees willing to share their harrowing experiences.
This peculiar group apparently consists of ex-staff who have left the couple’s employment with stories that echo trauma, as noted by Rebecca English, Royal Editor for the Daily Mail.
Allegations of post-traumatic stress disorder have arisen among some former aides, triggered by distressing encounters while working for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
One notable case is that of Melissa Touabti, who is said to have resigned due to a traumatic work environment.
Previously an assistant to Robbie Williams and Ayda Field, Touabti played a significant role in the couple’s Royal Wedding but landed in hot water when her efforts to please Meghan backfired spectacularly.
In Robert Lacey’s book, “Battle of Brothers,” he recounts a tense moment involving Touabti where Meghan reportedly demanded personalized red blankets for guests during a shooting party.
However, when the blankets didn’t meet her specifications, Touabti faced an intense backlash from the Duchess that left her devastated.
The tale doesn’t end there.
Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand, authors of “Finding Freedom,” offer a different viewpoint.
According to them, the Sussexes were not disappointed by Touabti’s exit, painting a picture of a team that had grown increasingly dissatisfied with her performance.
Ironically, they misspelled her name in their account, which might speak to the level of attention given to those who served the couple.
When Meghan accepted Harry’s marriage proposal in 2017, he insisted she be equipped with a full support team.
This included key figures like Amy Pickerill, who would become her private secretary, and Heather Wong, who had previously worked with the Obamas.
However, by the end of 2019, the majority of this crucial team had left, creating whispers of the aforementioned “Sussex Survivors Club.”
The turnover was dramatic: Pickerill departed after the birth of baby Archie, Wong exited in September 2019, and Edward Lane Fox, Harry’s private secretary, left shortly before their wedding.
Jason Knauf also made his exit soon after on joining Prince William‘s foundation, leaving a gaping hole in the Sussexes’ team as they navigated royal life.
In 2018, during an internal investigation led by Knauf, serious accusations surfaced, suggesting Meghan may have bullied team members.
Knauf’s concerns included remarks about two personal assistants who had quit under pressure, showcasing a worrying atmosphere at Kensington Palace.
Credible accounts indicate that these pressures were felt across the board—not just from Meghan but also from Harry, who was described by biographer Robert Jobson as becoming irritable and demanding during the stress of wedding planning.
Jobson wrote about incidents where Harry raised his voice, insisting that Meghan’s desires must be prioritized.
Reactions from representatives for both Meghan and Harry have been staunch.
They argue that these allegations stem from a “calculated smear campaign,” dismissing the claims as distorted narratives that aim to undermine the Duchess’s character.
Meghan herself expressed sadness over the attacks aimed at her, emphasizing her commitment to supporting those facing trauma.
It’s been suggested that misunderstandings related to Meghan’s direct communication style may have contributed to some staff feeling uncomfortable.
However, many accounts from seasoned royal journalists like Rebecca English indicate otherwise, reporting experiences of emotional distress and pressure that led employees to tears.
The ongoing saga illustrates a tense narrative as Prince Harry steps back from his charity Sentebale following serious accusations from its chairman.
With investigations now underway, it appears that the “Sussex Survivors Club” might just be expanding, with more tales yet to be told about life behind the scenes in the Sussex household.
Read more
