Meghan Markle was accused by former employees of treating staff like ‘s***’Credit: Mega

Meghan Markle’s Bullying Allegations: Narcissism Claims and Oprah Fallout Fuel Royal Rift

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is once again under intense scrutiny following renewed allegations of bullying and claims of narcissistic behavior, with royal experts pointing to her 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview as a pivotal moment that revealed her character. According to a report by The Sun, former employees have accused Meghan of treating staff harshly during her time as a working royal, with one ex-courtier describing “psycho moments” and others claiming she reduced staff to tears. These accusations, coupled with high staff turnover at the Sussexes’ Archewell foundation, have reignited debates about Meghan’s management style and personality. This article explores the bullying allegations, the narcissism claims tied to the Oprah interview, and the broader implications for Meghan and Prince Harry’s public image.

Harry and Meghan during their shocking Oprah interview in 2021 Credit: Newspix

The Bullying Allegations: A Recurring Narrative

The allegations of Meghan’s bullying behavior first surfaced in 2018, when Jason Knauf, the Sussexes’ former communications secretary, sent an email to Kensington Palace expressing concerns about Meghan’s treatment of staff. Knauf alleged that Meghan had bullied two personal assistants out of the household and was targeting a third, describing her behavior as “totally unacceptable.” These claims led Buckingham Palace to launch an investigation in 2021, just days before Meghan and Harry’s explosive Oprah interview aired. The timing was widely seen as strategic, with Meghan’s team calling it a “calculated smear campaign” to undermine her narrative.

According to The Sun, former employees have recently come forward with fresh accusations, describing Meghan as “Duchess Difficult” and a “dictator in high heels” who left staff feeling “terrified.” One source told The Sunday Times, “I witnessed people being chewed up in person and over the phone and made to feel like s***.” Another insider, who worked with Meghan before her 2018 wedding, labeled her a “classic narcissist,” claiming she was “lovely when it is all going her way but a demon when the worm turns.” These accounts paint a picture of a demanding and volatile boss, with one high-ranking Archewell staffer reportedly saying, “Everyone is terrified of Meghan.”

The high turnover at Archewell—18 staff members have quit since the Sussexes moved to California, nine since their relocation—has fueled the narrative of a toxic work environment. Former employees have coined the term “Sussex Survivors’ Club,” with some half-jokingly claiming they suffered post-traumatic stress from working for the couple. However, sources close to the Sussexes dispute these claims, with an Archewell insider telling The Sun that the “Duchess Difficult” label is “fabricated” and that the couple’s Montecito-based operations make such characterizations logistically implausible.

Royal expert Hugo Vickers told The Sun he ‘wasn’t surprised

Narcissism and the Oprah Interview: A Turning Point

Royal historian Hugo Vickers, speaking to The Sun, said he was “not surprised” by the bullying allegations, pointing to Meghan’s 2021 Oprah interview as evidence of her “narcissistic tendencies.” The interview, watched by millions worldwide, saw Meghan and Harry make shocking allegations against the royal family, including claims that an unnamed royal expressed concerns about “how dark” their son Archie’s skin might be and that Meghan was denied mental health support during a period of suicidal thoughts. Vickers argued that Meghan’s demeanor during the interview—polished yet unrelenting—revealed a self-focused narrative that prioritized her victimhood over diplomacy.

“She has shown quite a few narcissistic tendencies in the past, particularly in things like the Oprah Winfrey interview,” Vickers said. He also recounted an anecdote about Meghan’s alleged rudeness to a gardener at Windsor, which prompted the head gardener to complain to Queen Elizabeth II, who reportedly reprimanded Meghan. This story, while unverified, has been widely circulated on platforms like X, where users have called Meghan a “nasty bully” and “race baiter.” One X post from September 2024 stated, “The signs of narcissism were there in the Oprah interview,” echoing Vickers’ sentiments.

Meghan’s supporters, however, argue that the narcissism label is unfair and rooted in misogyny and racial bias. They point to her openness about mental health struggles during the Oprah interview as a courageous act, not a narcissistic one. A post on X from March 2023 highlighted support from Meghan’s friends, who claimed the bullying allegations were part of a royal family-orchestrated smear campaign to discredit her before the interview aired. “Meghan didn’t bully anyone because they’ve buried that fake report,” the user wrote, referencing the palace’s decision not to publish the 2021 investigation’s findings.

The Oprah Interview’s Lasting Impact

The Oprah interview remains a lightning rod for controversy, deepening the rift between the Sussexes and the royal family. Meghan’s allegations of institutional racism and neglect sparked a global race row, while Harry’s claim that Prince Charles stopped taking his calls left the royal family “deeply upset,” according to The Sun. The interview’s timing—just weeks before Prince Philip’s death—drew criticism for its insensitivity, with some X users calling it a “cringe fest of privileged people complaining” during a global pandemic.

Prince Harry later addressed the interview’s fallout in his 2021 mental health documentary, The Me You Can’t See, describing how Meghan was woken up crying due to media headlines and the palace’s alleged efforts to “smear” her. In his memoir Spare, Harry acknowledged a “poisoned” atmosphere at Kensington Palace in 2018, where staff tensions ran high. “Nerves were shattering, people were sniping,” he wrote, suggesting that the environment was challenging for all involved, not just Meghan.

Critics, however, argue that Meghan’s narrative in the Oprah interview lacked nuance. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told NPR that Meghan’s portrayal of herself as a victim ignored the palace’s perspective, particularly regarding the bullying allegations. “Meghan likes seeing herself as a victim,” he said, noting that the palace’s investigation should have been conducted earlier to address the 2018 complaints.

Public and Media Reaction: A Divided Landscape

The bullying allegations and narcissism claims have polarized public opinion. On X, detractors have been vocal, with one user in April 2025 calling Meghan a “mean girl” and “opportunist” who targeted Princess Kate during the Oprah interview. Others have defended her, arguing that the allegations are exaggerated and driven by a media eager to vilify a biracial American woman. “The royal family needs to stop the lies they’re leaking to the media,” one X user wrote, reflecting frustration with the palace’s handling of the narrative.

The media landscape is equally split. Outlets like The Sun and The Daily Mail have amplified the bullying claims, with The Mail reporting in April 2025 that Meghan’s behavior was unprecedented among senior royal women like Queen Elizabeth II or Princess Kate. Meanwhile, Newsweek’s Jack Royston has offered a more balanced view, noting that Harry’s memoir acknowledges a tense work environment but stops short of validating the bullying accusations. Royston also reported Meghan’s 2024 comments to schoolchildren about being a victim of bullying, suggesting she sees herself as unfairly targeted.

The Broader Implications: Can Meghan Rebuild Her Image?

The bullying allegations and narcissism claims pose significant challenges for Meghan and Harry as they build their post-royal brand. The high staff turnover at Archewell, coupled with reports of Meghan’s “noisy tantrums” and “angry 5am emails,” risks undermining their philanthropy and media ventures. The Hollywood Reporter’s description of Meghan as “absolutely relentless” and a manager who “belittles people” has further damaged her reputation in an industry where personal relationships are paramount.

To move forward, Meghan may need to address the allegations head-on, perhaps by releasing a statement or participating in a less confrontational interview format. Her team’s dismissal of the claims as “fabricated” has done little to quell speculation, and the palace’s refusal to publish the 2021 investigation’s findings has left room for ongoing debate. Transparency, as demanded by royal historian Robert Pierce in a 2024 Daily Mail report, could help clarify the truth.

Conclusion: A Saga of Trust and Perception

Meghan Markle’s bullying allegations and the narcissism claims tied to her Oprah interview highlight the complexities of her transition from royal to global influencer. While her supporters see her as a victim of a vindictive palace and tabloid media, her critics view her as a demanding figure whose behavior alienates those around her. The truth likely lies in a gray area, shaped by high-pressure environments, cultural misunderstandings, and personal struggles. As Meghan navigates this latest chapter, her ability to rebuild trust with the public and her staff will be crucial. For now, the saga remains a stark reminder of the enduring power of perception in the royal spotlight.

Sources: The Sun, The Sunday Times, Newsweek, The Hollywood Reporter, The Daily Mail, NPR, X posts