Meghan Markle's Alleged Bullying: Royal Expert Speaks up as Ex-Aide Reveals More Details

Meghan Markle has once again found herself at the center of a storm of allegations. This isn't the first time she has faced public scrutiny. Yet, this time, a fresh account has been added to the mix of rumors and reports.

Accusations of bullying by Meghan Markle within the royal household have resurfaced. These allegations have cast a shadow on the former actress's image. These claims have stirred up more than just the royal insiders; they've gripped people's attention worldwide.

Several claims became public just as Meghan and her husband, Prince Harry, were about to share their royal journey with the world. Meanwhile, the palace's investigation into these allegations remains under wraps. Now, a former royal aide, Samantha Cohen, has broken the silence.

Meghan celebrated for her acting career and now a member of the royal family by marriage, is alleged to have treated staff members poorly. Some allegations stated behavior that supposedly left some in tears. These allegations surfaced through leaked emails from Jason Knauf. Jason was the couple's communications assistant at the time.

Jason's emails reportedly detailed incidents where two personal assistants felt compelled to leave their jobs due to the Duchess’s behavior. Additional claims suggest Meghan consistently targeted individuals, potentially undermining their confidence.

These allegations came to light at a pivotal time. They surfaced just days before the couple's highly anticipated interview with Oprah Winfrey was to be broadcast globally. It was an interview where Harry and Meghan were expected to be candid about their experience as senior royals.

In response to the swirling allegations, Buckingham Palace initiated an internal investigation. The institution, typically private and discreet, found itself in the unusual position of having to scrutinize one of its own. Yet, the outcomes of this investigation remain undisclosed to the public.

The palace's silence hasn't stopped the flood of speculation and commentary from royal observers and the media. Some view the lack of information release as a protective measure. Others see it as a missed chance for transparency that could build trust in the monarchy.

Amid this complex backdrop, Samantha has shed light on the circumstances. A trusted royal aide with nearly two decades of service, Samantha served the late Queen before assisting the Sussexes. She has now confirmed her participation in the palace's inquiry.

Samantha, known for her loyalty and professionalism, offers valuable insight. Nevertheless, she has remained reserved about the specific details discussed during the investigation. She hinted at the challenges of a high staff turnover while working with Harry and Meghan.

"Now, finally, that dam has been breached—and I have no doubt that more will now emerge," Tom Bower, a royal author, commented.

Sharing her experience, Samantha remarked, "I was only supposed to stay for six months, but stayed for 18—we couldn’t find a replacement for me, and when we did, we took them on tour to Africa with Harry and Meghan to show them the ropes, but they left [quit] as well while in Africa."

In the face of these allegations, Meghan and Harry have presented a united front, firmly denying the claims. They have conveyed their frustration and sense of injustice over the narrative that has been shaped.

Prince Harry in his memoir "Spare," offers a contrasting portrayal of his wife. He portrayed her as an empathetic leader who cared deeply for her staff. He recounts how she would check up on those who were ill and host small gatherings to lift spirits. He painted her as a compassionate boss committed to fostering a caring work environment.

The couple's stance is a dismissal of what they perceive as a pattern of unfair treatment by some media outlets. They have labeled the allegations as a "calculated smear campaign." This sentiment is supported by statements from their legal representatives, who have questioned the motives behind the accusations.

Valentine Low, a royal author, has added to the conversation with claims in his book, "Courtiers: The Hidden Power Behind the Crown." The claims depict a difficult working situation with Meghan and Harry. He writes of staff members being "screamed at," and trying to limit their time with Meghan as much as possible.

"I am very concerned that the Duchess was able to bully two PAs out of the household in the past year. The treatment of X* was totally unacceptable,” one of the leaked emails from The Times reveals.

“The Duchess seems intent on always having someone in her sights. She is bullying Y and seeking to undermine her confidence. We have had report after report from people who have witnessed unacceptable behavior towards Y," the email continued.

Amidst the allegations, a spokesperson for the Sussexes responded to the bullying claims. As noted by royal correspondent Omid Scobie: "The Duchess is saddened by this latest attack on her character, particularly as someone who has been the target of bullying herself and is deeply committed to supporting those who have experienced pain and trauma. She is determined to continue her work building compassion around the world and will keep striving to set an example for doing what is right and what is good."

As direct accounts from staff are scarce, the available narratives resonate with a sense of tension and strain. As more information surfaces, and the Sussexes continue to assert their version of events, the public's view of the royal family—and Meghan's place within it—remains in a state of flux.

While royal experts are currently discussing the bullying allegations, there have been other conversations about Meghan's state of mind and who she compares herself to. We previously reported that some think Meghan considers herself to be her late mother-in-law's double.

Since her relationship with Prince Harry began, Meghan Markle has been heavily scrutinized by the public. Some have compared her to Princess Diana and others have said she could never measure up to her late-mother-in-law.

Princess Diana, a beacon of compassion and a disruptor of the traditional royal protocol, left a legacy of humanitarian work and personal vulnerability that reshaped the British monarchy.

Markle, an American actress turned Duchess of Sussex, has carved her path, challenging norms and facing intense scrutiny while navigating her role within the same institution.

Recently, Meghan, at 42, embarked on a new venture, launching her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. This move, rich in ambition and personal expression, has reignited conversations about her connection to Diana's legacy, stirring insights from royal experts and evoking varied reactions from the public.

American Riviera Orchard represents Meghan's latest step in crafting a life that merges public influence with private entrepreneurial ambition.

The brand, which will offer an array of homewares products, signifies her commitment to creating a legacy that transcends her royal title. Notably, the brand's launch coincided with The Diana Award ceremony, a decision that royal expert Tom Quinn suggests is no mere coincidence.

According to Tom, Meghan sees herself as "Diana's heir," a woman who, like her late mother-in-law, faces the media's glare but strives to leverage her platform for personal and broader societal gain.

However, this alignment with Diana's legacy has sparked debate, with some viewing it as a respectful nod to the past, while others criticize it as capitalizing on royal connections.

The parallels drawn between Meghan and Princess Diana are not new. Prince Harry has often highlighted the similarities between the two most influential women in his life.

In their Netflix documentary series, "Harry & Meghan," Harry emphasized Meghan's compassion, empathy, and warmth, traits he deeply associates with his mother.

This comparison extends beyond personality traits, touching on their shared experiences with media scrutiny and their desire to use their public platforms for advocacy and change.

In an excerpt from the documentary, Prince Harry recalled a night when he and Meghan stayed in a room at Buckingham Palace following a royal engagement.

Although most royal family members were there, including his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, the person the media chose to portray on the front page was Meghan.

Many royal fans accused Meghan of trying to steal the spotlight from other royals, but Prince Harry clarified that the media chose who they put on the front page, not the royals.

Yet, this connection to Diana's legacy is a double-edged sword, offering both a source of inspiration and a potential point of contention within and outside the royal family.

Critics argue that Meghan's business endeavors, particularly the timing of her brand's launch, reflect a calculated move to align her image with Diana's enduring influence.

This perspective suggests a complex navigation of personal ambition and public perception, where every decision is scrutinized for its authenticity and respect for royal traditions.

Yet, supporters see Meghan's actions as a continuation of Diana's legacy, honoring her memory by embodying the same spirit of independence and social consciousness.

The launch of American Riviera Orchard is more than just the introduction of a new brand. It's a statement of identity and purpose from Meghan, a declaration of how she wishes to be seen and remembered.

By aligning her entrepreneurial ventures with Diana's legacy, Meghan is carving a space where her work can be both personally fulfilling and beneficial to others.

However, the path she navigates is fraught with comparisons and expectations, where her every move is seen through the lens of her late mother-in-law's shadow.

As Meghan continues to build her brand and define her public persona, the conversation around her connection to Princess Diana's legacy is unlikely to wane.

The move to start a business comes as Meghan is carving out her identity on her and her husband's new website. We previously reported that the pair launched a new website in which Meghan altered her publicly-used name.

As Prince Harry and Meghan launched the new website, they transitioned from the Sussex Royal URL handle to simply Sussex. Despite stepping back from official royal duties, they continue to use their titles. The website includes a section designed to offer the public more insight into their lives and work.

Notably, Meghan's page introduces her using only her first name, omitting her family name. This decision reflects a common practice among British Royals, frequently referred to by their first names and titles.

Meghan's narrative on the site includes her upbringing, painting a picture of her journey from a young South California girl to the influential figure she is today. The page also featured her advocacies for women, mental health, gender equality, and family care.

Meghan's impact and recognition are also highlighted through her inclusion in various world rankings, marking her as a notable figure on the global stage.

Now residing in California as a mother of two, Meghan and Harry have embarked on a new chapter away from their roles as senior members of the British Royal Family.

Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, whose names are emblematic of their continued connection to Harry's heritage, are a significant part of their lives in America.

Following their move, the couple launched the Archewell Foundation and introduced the podcast "Archetypes," initiatives that underline their ongoing commitment to public service and discourse.

Meghan's details are available on the Royal Family's official website, though it offers limited information about her advocacies and activities.

It mentions that she and her husband have stepped back as senior members, stating, "The Duchess will continue to support various charitable causes and organizations that align with her longstanding interests, including the arts, education access, women's support, and animal welfare."

Recently, in light of King Charles' recent cancer diagnosis, Prince Harry returned to London to be by his father's side. However, Meghan Markle decided to stay in America during this period.

The reasons behind Meghan's choice to remain in America, while not confirmed were revealed by the King's former butler, Grant Harrold.

"Meghan made the decision that it was best to stay home with the children, and maybe she feels that this is something Harry has got to do alone," he said. "It’s his father. She’s aware of the close relationship and probably encouraged him to come over."