The Times, a reputable British newspaper, has delved into the life of Meghan Markle during her time with the royal family, drawing on numerous accounts from Buckingham Palace staff. The article paints a picture of Markle as a figure who, while initially seen as a breath of fresh air, eventually caused unease and tension within the royal household.
Markle, a former American actress, was thrust into the world of British royalty, a realm governed by strict codes and traditions, vastly different from her own upbringing. Her spontaneous gestures and embraces, which were initially seen as refreshing by Kate and William, quickly became a source of discomfort and tension within the palace.
The Times reports that "Kate, William and Charles tended to flinch when she approached for a hug." Hurt by these reactions, Markle reportedly confided that she didn't understand the coldness: "In California, everyone hugs everyone." On one occasion, she even attempted to embrace a particularly stiff equerry, who, according to a witness, "flinched as if she had tried to punch him in the eye."
Rumors quickly spread, suggesting that the Duchess of Sussex had her sights set on her brother-in-law, Prince William. A former employee recounts: "These overly tactile manners made William uncomfortable, as Meghan would hug him practically every time they crossed paths." The embraces and kisses on the cheek fueled gossip, even hinting at a possible flirtation. "This was clearly not the case, but the tense atmosphere caused by all this sensitivity (and the resulting gossip) deepened the rift between the brothers," one of the sources clarifies.
For her part, Markle was equally disconcerted. According to the investigation, she perceived the differences in personality between her husband and brother-in-law as irreconcilable: William, rigid and protocol-bound, was said to have inherited his father's coldness, while Harry, more spontaneous and instinctive, reminded her of Lady Diana. A member of staff recalls that she often joked about this contrast: "Harry doesn't have the same parents as William. He, at least, isn't pompous, he's relaxed."
Beyond her perceived awkwardness, Markle reportedly struggled to tolerate the rigidities of the court. A former member of her team confides in The Times: "Meghan really didn't like the hierarchy. Many rules seemed pointless, some existed only to protect the privileged status of each senior member of the family. These last ones are quite capricious: if one of them gets a gold pen or a car, then they all want one. Meghan thought they behaved like children."
The article also reveals anecdotes about the extravagant demands of certain family members. Prince Andrew, for example, son of Queen Elizabeth II and brother of Charles III, reportedly demanded the transfer of an employee because he didn't like a beauty spot on his face. On another occasion, he allegedly demoted a man on the grounds that he was wearing a nylon tie.
While Markle may not have had the same absurd demands, her relationship with palace staff has often been criticized. Some employees cite her ambivalent attitude, oscillating between excessive friendliness and demands deemed excessive: "One minute she was very friendly, maybe even too much, hugging staff and trying to befriend them. The next minute, she was irritated if she wasn't answered immediately, at any hour of the day or night," concludes one of them.