Former staff reveal tumultuous tales about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
Former employees of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have broken their silence after several years. British royal experts have highlighted their shocking stories, which reportedly pushed some staff to the brink of mental breakdown. According to the British press, these former staff members have formed an informal "Sussex Survivors' Club."
For several weeks, foreign media have reported on statements from people who dedicated themselves to the success of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The Duchess of Sussex's communication difficulties with her staff were evident even when she and her husband were working to win over the British public. Former royal advisor, Jason Knauf, somewhat confirmed the claims of bullying behavior by his former employer. In 2018, he filed an official complaint with the Kensington Palace HR department, detailing the experiences of two assistants allegedly bullied by her.
Dark clouds also loomed over the red-haired aristocrat. Prince Harry was accused of harassment and attempts to intimidate by the head of his charitable organization. According to the latest reports from the "Daily Mail," Harry and Meghan are struggling with constant staff turnover. Those who have traumatic memories from working with them have formed an informal "Sussex Survivors' Club."
Did Harry and Meghan lead their staff to anxiety disorders?
The editor-in-chief of the portal announced that "The group allegedly comprises disgruntled ex-employees who worked for the Sussexes and 'lived to tell the tale'." One of them, Melissa Touabti, served as Meghan Markle's right hand. The Frenchwoman decided to step down after just 6 months. Markle allegedly accused her of failing to ensure the order of embroidered red blankets for a shooting event at Sandringham for a group of Harry's friends.
"When the blankets arrived, however, they were not the right shade of red for Meghan, and by several accounts the duchess 'went mental' at her hapless PA," described Robert Lacey, a biographer of the British royal court.
Some former staff claim that the stressful collaboration with Harry and Meghan led them to develop post-traumatic stress disorder. In 2018-2019, the American reportedly lost her entire 4-person team, whose main task was "to assist her in learning all the ins-and-outs of royal life." One of its members was the aforementioned Jason Knauf, who shortly afterward joined Prince William's staff, finding employment as the chief executive of the Royal Foundation.
British journalist Robert Jobson, known for his detailed analysis of the fraternal conflict between Harry and William, wrote in his book "Charles at Seventy" that the preparations for the memorable 2018 wedding were so stressful that the younger brother became rebellious in his dealings with the staff.
"Raising his voice on occasion, Harry would insist, 'What Meghan wants, she gets'," the author stated.
Representatives of Harry and Meghan reject these accusations as a "calculated smear campaign based on misleading and harmful information." Meghan expressed regret over the constant verbal attacks and the defamation of her image.
