LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - JUNE 03: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends a National Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II at St Paul's Cathedral on June 3, 2022 in London, England. The Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II is being celebrated from June 2 to June 5, 2022, in the UK and Commonwealth to mark the 70th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II on 6 February 1952. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are facing renewed scrutiny following allegations of workplace bullying, which royal experts say could significantly damage their reputation in the United States.
A new Vanity Fair feature, marking five years since their departure from the U.K., includes claims from former staff members who say they sought therapy due to their experiences working with Markle. Royal author Tom Bower described the revelations as “devastating,” warning that they have “poisoned the smiling image of the welcoming home-maker.”
The feature paints a challenging picture for the couple, particularly as they prepare to launch major projects in the U.S. This includes Markle’s upcoming Netflix lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan, set to premiere in March. “Having invested so much to re-brand herself as a loving, caring Californian mother and wife, the Vanity Fair disclosures have poisoned the smiling image of the welcoming home-maker,” Bower noted.
Numerous staff members have quit the Sussexes production company and charity, leading to questions about their ability to retain employees.
Prince Harry did not escape scrutiny in the profile, which described him as “lost, out of his depth, and naive.” The portrayal raises questions about the couple’s transition from royal life to their new roles in the entertainment industry. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams suggested their efforts to build a philanthropic image, including supporting California wildfire victims, may struggle to resonate in light of the allegations.
Fitzwilliams added that the Sussexes’ attempts to establish a successful career in show business appear misaligned with industry expectations. “Neither, according to the article, appear to understand what a successful career in show business actually involves,” he said.
The negative press could also impact their streaming deals, with some speculating that Netflix may reconsider its investment in their projects after poor reviews and small audiences.
The reports have also highlighted potential breaches of the strict non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) Markle allegedly required her staff to sign. “Clearly their huge anger overcame any fear that she would seek legal retribution. It’s a bad weekend,” Bower remarked, noting the potential legal ramifications.
As public perception of the couple continues to shift, royal watchers believe their future success in the U.S. hinges on how they address these latest accusations. Vanity Fair’s in-depth investigation has reignited discussions about their departure from the royal family and their ongoing struggle to redefine their public image outside of the monarchy.
Markle also faced allegations of bullying from her time in the U.K. with members of staff at Kensington Palace.
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