Turmoil at the Palace: The rise of the 'Sussex Survivors' club
Former employees of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have broken their silence after several years. British royal experts have cited their shocking stories, which reportedly pushed some staff to the verge of a mental breakdown. According to the British press, they have formed an informal "Sussex Survivors' Club."
For several weeks, foreign media have echoed statements from people who worked hard for the success of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Reports of the Duchess of Sussex's communication difficulties with her staff emerged even when she and her husband were striving to win over the British public. Former royal adviser Jason Knauf somewhat confirmed the bullying behaviour of his former employer. In 2018, he lodged an official complaint with the Kensington Palace HR department, recounting the story of two assistants allegedly bullied by her.
Dark clouds also loomed over the red-haired aristocrat. Prince Harry was accused of harassment and attempts to intimidate by the head of his charitable organisation. According to the latest "Daily Mail" reports, 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 drive their staff to anxiety disorders?
The portal's editor-in-chief announced that "the group is made up of formerly 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 woman. 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 afterwards joined Prince William's staff, finding employment as the chief executive of the Royal Foundation.
British journalist, Robert Jobson, known 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.
