As the royal family slowly shows signs of reconciling with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, there’s one group that’s not so quick to forgive and forget: the former staff who worked closely with the couple during their brief time as senior royals.
Some of these former aides even coined themselves the “Sussex Survivors’ Club” due to what they described as a toxic work environment.
They accused Meghan and Harry of bullying behavior, while Meghan, in turn, claimed the palace staff had failed her in her time of need.
Meghan’s Mental Health Claims and the Palace’s Response
During her headline-making interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, Meghan opened up about her mental health struggles.
She revealed that at one point, she felt suicidal and didn’t get the support she needed from the institution.
That moment shocked viewers around the world.
In response, the palace was reportedly scrambling to prove it had taken appropriate steps to care for the Sussexes.
Valentine Low, in his book Courtiers, revealed that key aides including Samantha Cohen and Sir Edward Young coordinated to gather evidence showing the palace’s efforts.
A Strategy to Control the Narrative?
Low suggests Meghan was building a paper trail all along, knowing she might one day need to prove a lack of support from the institution.
One example? She reportedly went to the HR department for help and was met with sympathy, but no real action—since HR technically handles employees, not working royals.
Meanwhile, Meghan and Harry’s team got ahead of the palace by making their side of the story public first.
As Low put it, Meghan “hijacked the narrative” and made her mental health the central focus, leaving no room for the efforts staff may have made.
Allegations of Bullying Surface
While the world was focused on Meghan’s mental health revelations, stories about her alleged mistreatment of royal staff were also coming to light.
As far back as 2018, aides were voicing concerns.
Samantha Cohen, nicknamed “Samantha the Panther,” confirmed she was among ten staffers who were interviewed as part of a palace review.
Jason Knauf, a former aide close to Meghan and Harry, claimed in leaked emails that Meghan had bullied two assistants out of their roles.
He described a pattern of targeting staff members and eroding their confidence.
The situation reportedly became so serious that Knauf took his concerns to Prince William, who was said to be stunned and furious.
Meghan’s Reputation Outside the Palace
Even beyond royal walls, Meghan has faced accusations of being difficult to work with.
One story that drew headlines was her rumored fallout with British Vogue.
In 2022, insiders claimed she was barred from appearing on the cover by none other than Anna Wintour.
Why? Reportedly due to excessive micromanaging from Meghan’s team.
And this wasn’t the first time editors were left unimpressed.
Back in 2017, before her engagement to Harry, Meghan was featured in Vanity Fair.
According to then-editor Graydon Carter, she took issue with being asked more about Prince Harry than her charity work, despite the obvious public interest in the royal relationship.
Criticism and Contradictions
Carter later described Meghan as someone who seemed out of touch with reality.
He even likened her to Undine Spragg, a fictional social climber known for her ambition and vanity.
And while Meghan did receive praise for her 2019 guest-edited issue of British Vogue, some critics noted glaring omissions: no teachers, nurses, or everyday role models, and not even the Queen.
A second attempt at a Vogue cover in 2022 reportedly fizzled due to disagreements over creative control.
Meghan’s team apparently wanted a say in everything, including headlines and cover text.
That led to a breakdown in relationships, not just with Edward Enninful but with Anna Wintour herself.
Defenders Step Forward
Despite all the backlash, not everyone agrees with the critical narrative around Meghan.
Producer and journalist Jane Marie, who worked on the couple’s Archewell Audio projects, described Meghan as warm and genuine.
Other staff members have said she gave thoughtful gifts, like dog leashes and skincare sets.
Still, other insiders say her kindness came with a caveat: she was lovely when things were going her way, but could be very difficult when challenged.
Meghan Denies All Allegations
Throughout it all, Meghan has consistently denied the bullying claims, calling them a smear campaign designed to damage her reputation.
While her critics and defenders continue to debate, one thing remains clear: the Sussex saga is far from over, and the divide it left behind is still raw for many involved.
So what’s next? That chapter is still being written.