No one could have predicted that Meghan Markle’s time as a working member of the royal family would be so short-lived. After just a few years, she and Prince Harry left the UK and the Firm, and the aftermath of their departure still impacts them today. While Meghan gained popularity during her time in the UK, what went on behind closed doors told a different story.
In 2022, a bombshell book by The London Times’ royal correspondent Valentine Low claimed that both Meghan and Harry bullied their staff. The book alleged that one staff member was “completely destroyed” by their experience working with the Sussexes. Although Harry and Meghan denied these claims, another person has now come forward to shed light on the situation. Samantha Cohen, the late Queen’s former press secretary, has broken her silence.
The Beginning of the End
Harry and Meghan’s decision to step back as senior members of the royal family and become financially independent shocked the world. It seemed that Queen Elizabeth and the rest of the royals initially accepted their decision. However, things quickly took a turn for the worse.
The now-iconic Oprah interview brought forth serious accusations against the royal family. Meghan revealed that members of the Firm questioned her unborn son Archie’s potential skin color, while Harry expressed his disappointment with the lack of support the couple received for Meghan’s declining mental health.
Shortly after the interview, Harry released his book, Spare, revealing even more about his experiences within the royal family. These revelations caused further tension between Harry and his family, including Prince William and Kate Middleton.
In the midst of this turmoil, the Sussexes released a documentary series on Netflix, giving viewers a glimpse into their journey after leaving the royal family.
The Freedom Flight
The Netflix show documented Harry and Meghan’s journey from leaving the royals to starting a new life in the US. The couple settled in Montecito, California, and the show included never-before-seen pictures of their lives and their children, Archie and Lilibet.
One significant moment captured in the show was their departure from Canada on a private jet, which Harry referred to as “the freedom flight.” This flight symbolized their newfound independence and the freedom to make their own choices, free from the constraints of royal duties.
The Panic and the Body Language Expert’s Analysis
While the footage of Harry and Meghan on the plane showed a seemingly happy couple, body language expert Darren Stanton had a different interpretation. He noted a sense of urgency and panic in their faces, suggesting that they were eager to leave Canada and avoid feeling exposed. Stanton also noticed fatigue and stress in their expressions, along with empathy from Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland.
Stanton concluded that the term “freedom flight” accurately represented Harry’s mindset at the time, as he saw it as a way to escape the pressures and restrictions of royal life.
Bullying Allegations and Their Impact
Meghan Markle has spoken openly about feeling mistreated during her time as a senior royal. However, it turns out she was not the only one who felt this way. In 2021, allegations surfaced that Meghan had bullied royal staff members while at Kensington Palace.
An email from Jason Knauff, the acting Kensington Palace communications secretary, detailed concerns about Meghan’s behavior towards her staff. According to the email, Meghan bullied two personal assistants and sought to undermine their confidence.
Following these allegations, Buckingham Palace launched an investigation into the matter. The results of the investigation were not made public, but changes were made to the palace’s human resources policy as a result.
Testimonies of Broken People
In author Valentine Low’s book, Courtiers: The Hidden Power Behind the Crown, insiders shared their experiences of working with Harry and Meghan. The book recounts instances of harsh criticism and emotional outbursts, leaving staff members feeling broken.
One staff member claimed to have been constantly berated by the couple, enduring hours of accusations and disappointment. These testimonies shed light on the tumultuous environment within the Sussexes’ office.
Samantha Cohen’s Perspective
Samantha Cohen, the late Queen’s former press secretary, recently spoke out about her involvement in the investigation into Meghan’s alleged bullying. According to Cohen, high staff turnover made it challenging to find replacements for Harry and Meghan.
Cohen was featured in Low’s book, and according to a friend of hers, working with the couple was like working for a pair of teenagers. The friend described the experience as miserable and revealed that Cohen constantly battled on their behalf while facing abuse from them.
The controversy surrounding Meghan’s alleged bullying has since subsided, but Samantha Cohen’s testimony provides further insight into the challenging dynamics within the Sussexes’ team.
In conclusion, the revelations about Meghan Markle’s alleged bullying of royal staff members have raised significant concerns. The impact of this behavior on those involved cannot be understated. It is crucial to acknowledge and address these issues to ensure a healthy and respectful work environment within the royal family.
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