Reports have surfaced claiming that Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, had an unsettling encounter with a royal gardener, prompting former Queen Elizabeth II to step in.
This incident is part of a broader narrative suggesting that both Meghan and her husband, Prince Harry, create a challenging environment for those who work with them.
Historian Hugo Vickers shared that during their time at Frogmore Cottage, close to Windsor Castle—specifically between 2019 and early 2020—there was noticeable tension.
Allegedly, Meghan’s treatment of an under gardener sparked complaints that made their way up to the late Queen, who ultimately decided to confront Meghan over the incident.
The allegations about Meghan’s behavior don’t just end here.
Sources have described a pattern of her being difficult to engage with, leading employees to feel bullied.
An anonymous individual revealed to the Sunday Times how they witnessed staff being “chewed up” both in person and over the phone, describing the environment as incredibly tense.
There is even a claim involving a florist that Meghan reportedly yelled at for thirty minutes due to a minor oversight.
The florist had failed to recognize Meghan in a social media post about a bouquet they collaborated on, triggering an intense reaction from the Duchess.
Further insights into Meghan’s interactions with her staff are quite concerning.
A profile by Vanity Fair noted that while she might begin relationships with employees in a friendly and warm manner, she often turns cold towards those she deems responsible for any shortcomings.
This pattern leads to a culture where former staff members have reported feeling undermined.
One former media project worker described Meghan’s strategic approach, stating that she plays a sort of “checkers” game with people—always aware of their status and prepared to throw them under the bus when things go sideways.
This behavior echoes what some might call a “Mean Girls” mentality, where gossip and drama fuel the work environment.
Such troubling accounts of Meghan’s behavior resonate with past claims of bullying made against her during her tenure at Kensington Palace.
The narrative has remained consistent, painting a disheartening picture of a workplace that has left employees feeling psychologically strained and in need of therapy.
Interestingly, some individuals who have worked closely with Meghan assert a contrasting narrative.
For example, producer Jane Marie described her as a genuinely lovely person, while other staff members mentioned receiving personal gifts from Meghan, showcasing a different side of her character.
A source involved with Meghan’s wedding preparations described her as being “lovely” when everything went smoothly, but warned that a different side emerged when conflicts arose.
This duality adds to the bewildering picture of her behavior in professional settings.
Allegations of difficult behavior are not solely directed at Meghan, however.
Prince Harry himself has faced criticism.
Earlier this year, he was accused of engaging in “harassment and bullying at scale” by the chair of a charity he helped establish, following disputes surrounding leadership and claims of abuse within the organization.
After a fallout with that charity, which he holds dear due to his long-standing commitment to its cause, both Harry and Prince Seeiso made the decision to step down from their roles.
This resignation was presented as a gesture of support for the board of trustees, revealing deeper undercurrents of discord.
Notably, reports suggest a consistent pattern of staff resignations during critical moments of the Sussexes’ engagements.
The abrupt departure of their chief of staff right before a significant trip illustrates the strained relationships that seem to permeate their professional environment.
As the Sussexes continue to navigate their public and private lives, the question remains: how will these allegations affect their brand and public perception in the long run?
While Meghan attempts to create a distinct image for herself apart from Harry, the intertwining of their stories may prove unavoidable, suggesting that the reputations of both could be at stake.
