Inside the "Sussex Survivors' club": Ex‑staffers break silence
Former Prince Harry and Meghan Markle employees have broken their silence after several years. British royal experts have cited their shocking stories, which reportedly led some staff to the brink of a mental breakdown. According to the British press, they have formed an informal "Sussex Survivors' Club."
In recent weeks, international media have been reporting statements from people who worked hard for the success of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The Duchess of Sussex's communication issues with her staff were discussed even when she and her husband were striving to win over the British public. Former royal advisor Jason Knauf somewhat confirmed the bullying behaviour of his former employer. In 2018, he made an official complaint to the Kensington Palace HR department, detailing the experiences of two assistants allegedly bullied by her.
Dark clouds also hung over the red-haired aristocrat. Prince Harry was accused of harassment and attempts to intimidate by the head of his charitable organization. According to the latest reports from the "Daily Mail," Harry and Meghan are struggling with constant staff turnover. Those who have traumatic memories of working with them have formed an informal "Sussex Survivors' Club."
Did Harry and Meghan lead their staff to anxiety disorders?
The portal's editor-in-chief has announced that "the group is made up of former disgruntled employees who worked for the Sussexes and have finally decided to speak out." One of them, Melissa Touabti, served as Meghan Markle's right-hand. The Frenchwoman decided to step down after just six months. Markle allegedly accused her of failing to ensure the order of embroidered red blankets for a shooting event at Sandringham for a group of Harry's friends.
When the blankets arrived, however, they were not the right shade of red for Meghan, and by several accounts the duchess "went mental" at her hapless PA - described Robert Lacey, a biographer of the British royal court.
Some of the former staff claim that due to the stressful collaboration with Harry and Meghan, they developed post-traumatic stress disorder. In 2018-2019, the American reportedly lost her entire four-person team, whose main task was "to acquaint her with all the royal life rules." One of its members was the aforementioned Jason Knauf, who shortly afterward joined Prince William's staff, finding employment as the chief executive of the Royal Foundation.
British journalist Robert Jobson, who became famous for his detailed analysis of the fraternal conflict between Harry and William, wrote in his book "Charles at Seventy" that the preparations for the memorable 2018 wedding were so stressful that the younger brother became "rebellious and impulsive" in his dealings with the staff.
Raising his voice on occasion, Harry would insist, "What Meghan wants, she gets" - the author stated.
Representatives of Harry and Meghan reject these accusations as a "manipulated smear campaign." Meghan expressed regret over the constant verbal attacks and defamation of her image.
