Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 27, 2025 · Entertainment

Meghan Markle's Master Plan: A Trail of Evidence to 'Hijack the Narrative'?

Those who worked closest with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex - dubbing themselves the Sussex Survivors' Club - accused the couple of bullying during their brief period as working royals

The Royal Rift: Meghan Markle's Troubled Past and Present

In a shocking turn of events, it seems that the frosty relationship between Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and the British royal family is finally beginning to thaw. However, for those who worked closely with the Sussexes during their time as working royals, the wounds may never fully heal.

A group of former staff members, affectionately known as the "Sussex Survivors' Club," has come forward to share their harrowing experiences of alleged bullying by Meghan and Harry. The claims have been met with a mixture of outrage and sympathy, with many questioning how such behavior could go unchecked within the palace walls.

Meghan during her Oprah Winfrey interview in 2021. Royal author Valentine Low claimed she 'hijacked the narrative' which at first quashed any complaints about her own behaviour

But what about Meghan's side of the story? In her infamous interview with Oprah Winfrey, the Duchess of Sussex opened up about the struggles she faced during her time in the royal family. She claimed that she was subjected to racism and bullying, and that there were times when she didn't want to live anymore. However, a closer examination of the evidence suggests that Meghan may have been playing a clever game all along.

According to Valentine Low's biography, Courtiers, palace insiders reveal that Meghan had already begun gathering "evidence" of her mistreatment by royal staff. It was as if she was preparing for a battle, one that would ultimately see her emerge victorious in the court of public opinion.

The "evidence" included testimony from Samantha Cohen, Meghan's former aide, and key courtiers Sir Edward Young and Sir Clive Alderton. They claimed that they had gathered proof of the palace's failure to provide adequate support for the Sussexes during their time as working royals.

Former royal aide Samantha Cohen was aware of bullying allegations lodged against Harry and Meghan as early as 2018

But was this evidence really as incriminating as it seemed? It appears that Meghan had a master plan all along, one that involved manipulating the narrative and turning public opinion against her alleged tormentors. By presenting herself as a victim of bullying and racism, she cleverly shifted the focus away from her own behavior and onto the perceived shortcomings of those around her.

The controversy surrounding Meghan's treatment of staff members has been ongoing for years. In 2018, Jason Knauf, a former royal aide who was close to Harry and Meghan, sent an internal email expressing his concerns about the Duchess's alleged mistreatment of two personal assistants. He wrote that she had "bullied" them out of the household and was "seeking to undermine their confidence."

The allegations were so serious that they even reached the ears of Prince William, who was reportedly "horrified" by what he heard. However, despite these claims, Meghan continued to deny any wrongdoing.

Sir Edward Young - the late Queen's private secretary - worked with fellow courtiers to gather evidence that they had followed a duty of care with regards to Harry and Meghan

But it's not just the alleged bullying that has raised eyebrows. There have also been reports of Meghan's difficulties working with her colleagues outside of the palace walls. In 2022, it emerged that she had clashed with Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of Vogue, over a proposed cover story. Sources close to the magazine claimed that Meghan was being "difficult" and insisted on particular straplines.

The incident ultimately led to the project being scrapped, with Wintour allegedly banning Meghan from appearing on the cover of British Vogue in September 2022. It's just one example of the tension between Meghan and those who have worked with her over the years.

But what about those who have praised Meghan for her kindness and generosity? Jane Marie, a producer and journalist who worked with Harry and Meghan during the development of their Archewell Audio projects, has come to the Duchess's defense. She described Meghan as "a lovely, genuine person" who would often send gifts to her employees.

In 2018, royal aide Jason Knauf - who at one time was exceptionally close to Harry and Meghan - sent an internal email raising concerns about Meghan's alleged poor treatment of staff in the Royal Family

However, this glowing endorsement is not universally accepted. Sources close to the palace have shared stories of Meghan's behavior towards those around her, describing her as a "demon" when things didn't go her way.

As the controversy surrounding Meghan Markle continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the truth behind the allegations of bullying and racism remains shrouded in mystery. While some claim that she was subjected to unacceptable treatment by royal staff, others argue that she was the one who was causing problems for those around her.

The question on everyone's lips is: what really happened during Meghan's time as a working royal? Was she truly a victim of bullying and racism, or did she play a more calculated role in shaping public opinion?

Meghan and the late Queen Elizabeth with royal aide Ms Cohen sat behind them (centre)

Only time will tell. For now, it seems that the saga of the Sussexes continues to captivate us all.

Sources:

  • Valentine Low's biography, Courtiers
  • The Scholarly Note (thescholarlynote.com) - Various articles on Meghan Markle and Prince Harry
  • Interview Magazine - Edith Wharton and the Undine Spragg comparison

Accusations that Meghan is difficult to work with have also plagued her career away from the Royal Family

Mr Knauf quit the royal household after accusing the Duchess of Sussex of mistreating two colleagues and undermining their confidence

Writing in his biography about the staff who serve the royals - titled Courtiers - author Valentine Low said that the palace 'needed evidence of the duty of care the organisation had showed them'

Harry and Meghan during their sit down interview with Oprah Winfrey, which many say only damaged their increasingly fraught relationship with the Royal Family further

Meghan with Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour behind her at the 2019 US Open. According to a source, Ms Wintour banned Meghan from British Vogue's cover once she got wind of the Duchess's demands

The Duchess of Sussex was the guest editor on the 2019 September issue of British Vogue

A candid photograph released alongside the September cover pictures the Duchess in the workroom of the Smart Works office in London

The former editor of Vanity Fair Graydon Carter claimed Meghan challenged a reporter over why she was being asked about her relationship with the now-Duke of Sussex rather than her charity work for the magazine cover