In a startling revelation that sheds new light on the ongoing royal drama, it has come to light that staff members working for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle coined a harsh two-word joke about the Duke of Sussex.
This development offers a glimpse into the tumultuous atmosphere surrounding the couple during their time as working royals.
According to royal author Robert Lacey, the staff’s frustration with the situation led to the creation of the hashtag #freeHarry.
This tongue-in-cheek phrase was apparently used by employees who were unhappy with Meghan’s alleged behavior towards them – allegations that the Sussexes have vehemently denied.
The author’s claims, detailed in his book “Battle of Brothers: William, Harry and the Inside Story of a Family in Tumult,” paint a picture of mounting tensions within the royal household.
Lacey suggests that the situation became so dire that many staff members were eager to leave their positions, forming an informal group dubbed the ‘Sussex Survivors’ Club’.
But the repercussions of this discord extended far beyond the staff, apparently causing a rift between Prince Harry and his brother, Prince William.
Lacey writes that upon hearing the bullying allegations, William confronted Harry directly.
“The moment the prince heard the bullying allegations, he related to this friend, he got straight on the phone to talk to Harry — and when Harry flared up in furious defence of his wife, the elder brother persisted,” Lacey recounts.
This confrontation, which reportedly took place in 2018, marked a turning point in the relationship between the once-close brothers.
The author describes the ensuing face-to-face showdown as “fierce and bitter,” highlighting the depth of the divide that had formed.
Adding another layer to this complex situation, Lacey claims that William harbored concerns about Meghan’s intentions.
“The father of three felt like his sister-in-law had an ‘agenda’,” the author states.
He also suggests that Kate, the Princess of Wales, had been “wary of [Meghan] from the start.”
It’s important to note, however, that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have strongly refuted any allegations of bullying.
A spokesperson for the couple previously stated, “Let’s just call this what it is — a calculated smear campaign based on misleading and harmful misinformation.”
The spokesperson went on to express disappointment in the media’s handling of the situation, saying, “We are disappointed to see this defamatory portrayal of the Duchess of Sussex given credibility by a media outlet.”
These revelations come as part of a broader narrative surrounding the Sussexes’ departure from their roles as senior working royals.
The couple’s decision to step back from royal duties in 2020 sent shockwaves through the monarchy and has continued to be a source of speculation and controversy.
In a related development, another royal book, “Finding Freedom” by Carolyn Durand and Omid Scobie, claims that a senior royal referred to Meghan as “Harry’s showgirl” early in the couple’s relationship.
This alleged nickname, along with comments about Meghan’s “baggage,” further illustrates the challenges the couple faced within the royal fold.
As we reflect on these revelations, it’s clear that the story of Harry and Meghan’s royal journey is far from over.
The couple’s decision to forge their own path, away from the constraints of royal life, continues to generate discussion and debate.
While the truth behind these claims may never be fully known, they undoubtedly contribute to our understanding of the complex dynamics at play within the British royal family.
As the dust settles on these latest revelations, one can’t help but wonder what the future holds for Harry, Meghan, and their relationship with the institution they left behind.
