Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is facing new allegations of bullying royal staff members, with one former employee claiming she was constantly playing “checkers” – a strategy game that allows her to keep track of everyone’s movements on her board. This, according to the source, meant that those not in Meghan’s favor were thrown into chaos.
In a lengthy cover story published by Vanity Fair, several sources describe Meghan as a ruthless boss who undermines confidence and treats those who fail to impress with contempt. One former employee said she left after realizing “any given Tuesday” was a typical day of being yelled at or belittled.
Meghan Markle has been accused of bullying palace aides in the past, including Jason Knauf, her communications secretary, who filed a complaint claiming she drove two personal assistants out of the household. The couple has denied these allegations, with Meghan’s lawyer stating that “bullying” is defined as using power to hurt someone physically or emotionally.
However, multiple sources have come forward describing Meghan’s behavior as more subtle, using phrases like “lack of accountability” and “disappointment” to belittle staff members who fail to meet her expectations. One royal aide warned that Meghan is not just difficult but also “dangerous”.
The allegations against Meghan Markle are not new, having surfaced in 2020 when palace staff began nicknaming the couple “Duchess Difficult” and “The Hostage”. An aide at the time said: “She’s not just difficult, she’s dangerous”.
Meghan’s diva-like behavior was first reported by this author in 2018, following her wedding to Prince Harry. Since then, there have been numerous reports of tantrums, disagreements with Kate Middleton, and even allegations of bullying from other sources.
The Vanity Fair cover story highlights the complexities of Meghan Markle’s relationships with her colleagues, friends, and family members. While some may defend her as a misunderstood person, others see her behavior as a clear example of toxic leadership.
Source: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/01/18/reporting-duchess-sussex-seven-years-ago-relevant-as-ever