Inside the Sussexes’ Royal Turmoil: A Glimpse into Life with Meghan and Harry

A former member of Prince Harry's team has shed light on the tumultuous atmosphere surrounding the couple during their time in the royal household.

In a recent episode of the Palace Confidential podcast, author Valentin Lowe shared insights from his book, “Courtiers: The Hidden Power Behind the Crown,” revealing how working with the Sussexes often felt like managing a pair of unruly teenagers.

Samantha Cohen, who served as Prince Harry's media relations secretary and played a pivotal role in organizing his wedding to Meghan Markle, opened up about her experiences.

According to Lowe, Cohen had a solid rapport with Harry when she first joined the team, stating that they both liked each other.

However, things took a turn as the demands on Cohen grew increasingly unconventional.

Lowe recounted a particularly telling moment when Meghan reportedly expressed her frustration to Cohen, saying, “Listen, if there is anybody else I can get to do this, I would.”

This sentiment highlights the challenges Cohen faced while trying to navigate the complexities of her role, which often involved tasks outside the traditional scope of a private secretary.

The author described Cohen as an exceptional problem solver with a positive attitude, but noted that she struggled under the pressure of the requests made by the Sussexes.

According to Lowe, Meghan's treatment of Cohen often crossed the line, with the former actress allegedly shouting at her on multiple occasions.

This led to Cohen likening her experience to that of dealing with teenagers, underscoring the chaotic environment within the palace.

Lowe also delved into the infamous “Tiara Gate” incident, discussing the tensions that arose before the couple's wedding.

He pointed out that issues began surfacing early on, from disagreements over the choir to disputes regarding the wedding menu.

A significant point of contention was the way the royal household communicated details about the event to the press, which Meghan found unsatisfactory.

As the couple's frustrations mounted, alternative plans were proposed, but these were met with disdain from Meghan, who was unhappy with the options presented.

Lowe noted that this dissatisfaction only added to the strain on the staff, who were already grappling with the couple's high expectations.

Adding to the drama, Lowe revealed that Harry and Meghan instituted loyalty tests among their staff, aiming to determine who remained committed to their cause.

This led to a self-referential nickname among the staff: the “Sussex Survivors Club,” a testament to their shared struggles and resilience amidst the chaos.

Lowe explained that Harry's fixation on media coverage and his discontent with palace life predated Meghan's arrival.

He described Harry's constant battle against what he termed “palace syndrome,” where staff members would avoid confronting the media on his behalf, leading to feelings of institutionalization.

The tests of loyalty intensified as Harry and Meghan settled into their life at the palace.

Lowe emphasized that the pressure on their staff escalated, resulting in an exhausting environment for those tasked with supporting the couple.

The journalist illustrated how Harry's frustrations and mistrust of palace courtiers only compounded the challenges faced by their team.

The emotional toll on the staff was significant, with many feeling drained and demoralized by their interactions with the Sussexes.

Lowe conveyed that the experiences shared with him painted a picture of a difficult and often painful work environment, leaving staff members feeling unwell from the stress of their roles.

In sharing these insights, Lowe has opened a window into the behind-the-scenes struggles of those who worked closely with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, revealing a world marked by high expectations, emotional turmoil, and a quest for loyalty amidst the pressures of royal life.