Meghan Markle has long been the subject of rumours suggesting she’s a demanding boss, and fresh allegations have added more fuel to the fire.
Spotify employees who worked with Meghan have come forward, describing their experience as challenging. However, the Duchess of Sussex has strongly refuted claims that she “bullied” her staff, with her representative previously dismissing these accusations as part of a ‘calculated smear campaign’.
Several former staffers have also come to her defence, asserting that she was an outstanding leader. Prince Harry shared his viewpoint on his wife’s interactions with her staff in his revealing book, Spare.
While he hasn’t responded to the latest charges, it’s clear he perceived the heightened emotions in the royal offices differently. The initial allegations that Meghan had “bullied” two royal aides emerged in 2021, coinciding with the couple’s explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey where they explained their reasons for their dramatic exit from the UK.
These alleged incidents date back to 2018, shortly after the couple’s wedding, leading to the swift departure of two PAs from the royal household, reports the Mirror US.
A bombshell report by The Times in 2021 disclosed accusations from Jason Knauf, Meghan and Harry’s former communications secretary, who alleged that the Duchess bullied royal aides.
He reportedly expressed his concerns to Prince William’s private secretary, stating, “I am very concerned that the Duchess was able to bully two PAs out of the household in the past year. The Duchess seems intent on always having someone in her sights”
Moreover, sources described Meghan and Harry as “bullies” with one staff member reporting feeling “completely destroyed” and another citing “humiliation” by the Duchess, leading some to tears.
In her defence, Meghan allegedly claimed it wasn’t her “job to coddle people”. Following his complaint, Jason resigned amidst what Harry recognised as a period rife with tension and tearful outbursts among the staff.
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Nevertheless, Harry exonerated Meghan, attributing the “poisoned atmosphere” to strained relations with his brother, Kate Middleton, and an overwhelmed press team struggling with too few staff members. “There was frequent bickering around the office,” Harry penned.
“Sides were taken. Team Cambridge versus Team Sussex. Rivalry, jealousy, competing agendas, it all poisoned the atmosphere.”
He went on: “It didn’t help that everyone was working around the clock. There were so many demands from the press, such a constant stream of errors that needed clearing up, and we didn’t have nearly enough people or resources. At best we were able to address 10 percent of what was out there.”
The atmosphere, as depicted by Harry, became increasingly toxic, with staff feeling hurt by his intended “constructive criticism.”
He wrote: “Nerves were shattering, people were sniping. In such a climate there was no such thing as constructive criticism. All feedback was seen as an affront, an insult. More than once a staff member slumped behind their desk and wept.”
Harry also claimed that William blamed Meghan, leaving him furious. In contrast, Harry portrayed Meghan as being extremely kind to her staff.
Instead of harsh words, Meghan reportedly showed kindness by sending handwritten thank-you notes, checking on unwell staff, and sending gifts to those struggling. Harry also stated that Meghan personally paid for office comforts like electric heaters and hosted staff social events.
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