Meghan Markle was branded ‘difficult’ by palace employees sick of her demanding behavior

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has faced criticism and backlash during her time with the British royal family, resulting in her being humorously dubbed the “Duchess of Difficult.”

This nickname, as detailed by British journalist Tom Quinn for The London Times, reflects her demanding nature that left palace staff feeling overwhelmed.

According to an anonymous employee at the palace, this label originated from Meghan’s struggles to navigate the complexities of the royal household.

The insider mentioned that Markle found the royal structure challenging and confusing, describing it as a “positively medieval, labyrinthine system.”

For instance, she reportedly questioned the formality with which King Charles III interacted with the late Queen Elizabeth II, exclaiming, “But they’re mother and son — why are they so completely stiff with each other?”

Beyond “Duchess of Difficult,” some staff also referred to her as “Mystic Meg,” a nod to her modern and progressive viewpoints.

It seems Meghan’s approach to her royal duties was intertwined with her distinct beliefs and lifestyle, which the older, more traditional members of the royal staff often found unsettling.

During her tenure as a royal from 2018 to 2020, Meghan’s interactions with staff were described as erratic.

One moment she would be exceedingly warm, hugging and chatting with her team, and the next, she’d express frustration over their inability to meet her immediate demands.

The insider noted that her conflicts often stemmed from cultural differences—she simply wasn’t accustomed to the royal way of doing things.

Quinn’s research for his book, “Yes Ma’am: The Secret Life of Royal Servants,” includes perspectives from former royal aides who observed Markle’s interactions at Kensington Palace.

An aide recalled Meghan’s eagerness to take the reins during meetings, emphasizing her assertiveness while pooh-poohing royal protocol: “She was a great believer in grabbing the bull by the horns—except the royal family is not really a bull.”

Despite the challenges, not all palace staff members viewed Meghan negatively.

Some appreciated her candid and straightforward manner, viewing her as a breath of fresh air.

However, there was a clear divide among the staff, with the older contingent reportedly siding against her, believing she didn’t belong in their world.

Following Meghan and Prince Harry‘s departure from royal duties in 2020, rumors of bullying among the staff emerged, which Markle has consistently denied.

Tensions reportedly peaked when Prince William expressed discomfort with Meghan’s touchy-feely approach, as her enthusiastic hugs made him uneasy.

Quinn explained that while the initial rapport between Meghan and the royal family seemed promising, her exuberant nature began to clash with the established norms, leading to a growing rift.

Staffers began to speculate about the nature of her friendly gestures, worrying they might be misconstrued as flirtation, particularly in the case of her interactions with William.

One former staff member pointed out that Meghan’s high energy and modern beliefs forced the traditional royal family to confront an uncomfortable reality.

Many staff perceived her as actively seeking to redefine royal duties in ways that hadn’t been explored before, stirring a mix of admiration and apprehension.

Markle’s past behaviors didn’t pass unnoticed, especially by the older generation within the royal household, who likened her to Wallis Simpson, the American divorcée whose relationship with Edward VIII led to a historic abdication.

This comparison only fueled their wariness of her intentions and the impact of her actions on royal traditions.

Throughout her time as a royal, Meghan’s passion for social issues became starkly evident.

From public speeches to her advocacy for diversity and women’s rights, it was clear that her vision for royal duties strayed from the traditional path.

Her unabashed approach caught the attention of the older palace staff, who felt her aspirations could overshadow established royal roles.

As Meghan and Harry navigate life outside the Firm, their endeavors to address significant social issues remain in the public eye.

With rumors of political ambitions brewing, Meghan seems intent on maintaining her voice in various discussions that shape contemporary society.

Whether her royal saga marks a departure from tradition or a new chapter in her evolving narrative remains to be seen.