Royal Aides Lived in Fear of Meghan Markle’s ‘Infinite Revenge,’ New Claims Reveal
London, UK – Shocking allegations are resurfacing, painting a picture of a deeply troubled working environment during Meghan Markle’s time as a senior royal. Veteran royal correspondent Valentine Low’s reporting, initially published in 2021, is gaining renewed attention as sources claim staff members felt genuinely frightened of repercussions after voicing concerns about the Duchess of Sussex’s behavior. This breaking news comes as the royal family navigates ongoing public scrutiny and internal dynamics.
‘Psychologically Delicate State’: The Weight of Fear
According to Low, speaking on American royal commentator Kinsey Schofield’s YouTube show, former royal staff members remained in a “very fragile state” even years after leaving their positions and despite the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s relocation to the United States. The core of the issue? A pervasive fear of retaliation. “They were very worried about what Meghan would do to them. They viewed her capacity for revenge as infinite,” Low stated. This wasn’t simply professional discomfort; staff reportedly experienced a profound psychological impact, feeling unable to move forward even after leaving the royal household.
A History of Allegations and a Denied Smear Campaign
The Duchess of Sussex has consistently denied allegations of bullying, characterizing them as a deliberate “orchestrated smear campaign.” However, the claims persist, fueled by accounts from individuals like Jason Knauf, former communications secretary to the Sussexes. Knauf, now CEO of Prince William’s Earthshot Prize, previously accused Meghan of undermining staff confidence in a 2018 email, a complaint he stands by. He and other former aides have been dubbed the ‘Sussex Survivors’.
The Oprah Interview and the Timing of the Story
Low revealed a strategic decision to publish the bullying allegations *before* Harry and Meghan’s explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey. “If the story had come out after the Oprah interview, it would have just looked like sour grapes,” he explained. The timing was crucial to prevent Meghan from framing the narrative solely around victimhood and alleged failures of the royal institution to support her mental health. Low drew a parallel to the Diana years, suggesting that a credible, detailed account was needed to cut through the noise and reveal a deeper truth.
Litigation and a Pattern of Staff Turnover
The reporting highlights a pattern of legal threats from the Sussexes. Low described receiving “very very long” and “very very feisty” letters from their lawyers prior to publication, warning of potential legal action. He also pointed to the couple’s high staff turnover – 25 staff members have left since 2017 – as further evidence of a challenging work environment. This isn’t just a historical issue; Low suggests the dynamic remains consistent, stating, “If they [the Sussexes] were difficult to work for then, they’re difficult to work for now.”
Conflicting Accounts and the ‘Duchess Difficult’ Narrative
While accusations of a difficult personality have dogged Meghan throughout her time in the public eye, some accounts offer a contrasting perspective. Journalist Jane Marie, who worked with the couple on Archewell Audio projects, described Meghan as “just a lovely, genuine person.” Others have noted her generosity towards staff, gifting them items like dog leashes and skincare products. However, a source familiar with the lead-up to the 2018 wedding described a stark contrast: “lovely when it is all going her way but a demon when the worm turns.”
Buckingham Palace’s Response and the Unseen Investigation
Buckingham Palace launched an internal review into the bullying claims, but the findings have never been made public. A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex dismissed the renewed allegations as “recycling false, offensive, and long-discredited allegations” and part of a “harmful gossip” agenda aimed at “dehumanising” Meghan. They maintain she has been the target of a “never-ending smear campaign.”
The enduring impact of these allegations, and the fear they instilled in those who worked closely with the Sussexes, underscores the complexities of royal life and the lasting consequences of interpersonal dynamics within its walls. The story serves as a potent reminder of the importance of workplace wellbeing and the challenges of navigating power imbalances, even within the most prestigious institutions. As the royal family continues to evolve, understanding these past experiences will be crucial for fostering a healthier and more supportive environment for future generations of staff.
