The News
**Trouble in the Palace: Allegations of Bullying Surround Duchess Meghan**
In the summer of 2018, junior employees at Kensington Palace found themselves waking up to early emails and texts from the newly married Duchess of Sussex.
Palace officials initially explained that Meghan's communication with contacts in the US necessitated the early messages due to time zone differences.
They also mentioned cultural variances in management styles, suggesting that Americans tend to be more direct.
Friends of the former actress praised Meghan's leadership, recounting instances such as her gesture of providing an ice-cream stand for staff.
However, as time passed, these justifications appeared inadequate.
By October, the excitement from Meghan and Prince Harry's wedding had faded, and insiders began openly labeling Meghan as “Duchess difficult.”
Reports emerged of secretaries in tears, with whispers of bullying surrounding the Duchess's behavior.
Buckingham Palace had pledged to release a report on how bullying allegations were addressed by officials but has since remained silent, leaving questions unanswered and changes unexplained.
Working for the Royals has always been challenging, with long hours, low pay, and demanding job requirements that strain personal relationships.
The line between a demanding boss and a bully can blur, as seen when Jason Knauf, the couple's former communications secretary, lodged a complaint to protect his staff.
In an email, Knauf expressed concern about alleged bullying incidents involving the Duchess targeting palace employees, including the distress experienced by Samantha Cohen, the couple's private secretary.
The situation took a dramatic turn when the bullying allegations, previously kept confidential for two and a half years, were made public after Harry and Meghan's departure from royal duties.
The claims surfaced shortly before the couple's revealing interview with Oprah Winfrey.
In response, the Duchess's representatives criticized Buckingham Palace for spreading false narratives.
Signs of discord first emerged in 2018 when Meghan's personal assistant, Melissa Tuabti, departed, followed by another PA who left abruptly.
Fast forward to June 2022, and the controversy surrounding the bullying accusations persists.
Despite public scrutiny and the passage of time, the allegations remain unresolved.
Samantha Cohen, a respected aide known as “Samantha the Panther,” is reportedly leaving her position, adding to the growing unease within the palace staff.
Another aide recently resigned amid rumors of the Duchess's challenging demeanor, indicating ongoing tensions within the royal household.