Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex gave a very blunt seven-word response when a senior aide confronted her about not being well-liked by palace staff, according to Royal biographer Robert Lacey.
In his book ‘Battle of the Brothers’, Robert Lacey alleged that the Duchess would raise her voice at staff members, “humiliated staff in meetings”, and “govern by fear.”
A palace courtier was quoted saying in the book that: “Meghan governed by fear. So many people said it. Nothing was ever good enough for her.”
Reports indicate that a senior aide confronted Meghan about her behavior, noting that it was causing difficulties for the staff. Meghan allegedly responded with a seven-word retort: “It’s not my job to coddle people.”
These allegations came to light as early as 2017, during the Sussexes’ engagement. In October 2018, Jason Knauf, who previously served as communications secretary for the Cambridges and Sussexes, sent an email containing serious bullying allegations against Meghan.
Knauf indicated he had obtained numerous accounts from individuals who had observed “unacceptable behaviour” by Meghan directed at a staff member, OK Magazine UK reported.
The former television actress strongly refuted these claims.
Meghan’s closest friends and former acting colleagues also refused these claims, insisting they do not align with the “kind” person they know and love.
A friend of the Suit actress told Bazaar.com: “I hate to say it, but find me a woman of color in a senior position who has not been accused of being too angry, too scary… in the workplace.”
“Let’s just call this what it is – a calculated smear campaign based on misleading and harmful misinformation. We are disappointed to see this defamatory portrayal of the Duchess of Sussex given credibility by a media outlet, a spokesperson for Meghan and Harry said The Mirror US reported.
“It’s no coincidence that distorted several year old accusations aimed at undermining the duchess are being briefed to the British media shortly before she and the duke are due to speak openly and honestly about their experience of recent years,” the spokesperson added.
Jessica Mulroney, who shares a close relationship with Meghan took to social media and said: “I don’t know that anyone has ever had to deal with the pressure, the politics and the press like this woman. In the face of it all, I have never seen her waver from kindness, empathy, and love.”
Robert, who serves as a historical consultant for Netflix’s The Crown, has chronicled various conflicts within the Royal household in his publication, with details accounting back to 2017, documenting numerous instances of internal tensions.