Soon after Prince Harry proposed to Meghan Markle, the Queen seemed to “give” them one of her most trusted aides, a woman named Samantha Cohen. Samantha is the lady behind Meghan, in the white Chanel-looking suit, in the photo above. The Queen was apparently a big fan of Samantha, and Her Maj thought Samantha would be a big help to Meghan and Harry throughout the engagement and in the first months of their marriage. It was always going to be the case that Samantha’s work on Team Sussex would not be on a permanent basis though – she was always a transition figure. But considering the “diva Meg” stories, the British tabloids are trying to stir up drama about Samantha’s exit…which isn’t going to happen for months.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s renowned personal secretary is set to leave her role after the birth of their child in spring – just weeks after another aide suddenly resigned. Samantha Cohen, 50, is a key member of Meghan’s Kensington Palace staff and her departure will fuel rumours that the Duchess is difficult to work for.
Ms Cohen is nicknamed ‘Samantha the Panther’ and was also one of the Queen’s most trusted aides having served as a communications secretary and spent 17 years working for the royals. She joined Meghan and Harry ‘temporarily’ when the post was left vacant by Edward Lane Fox, who left this summer following five years of service. The Duke and Duchess were said to have asked for her to stay on. The Duchess is reported to have been especially keen to hire her permanently after she resigned from Buckingham Palace- but Ms Cohen reportedly refused and will leave in 2019. Meghan’s personal assistant Melissa Touabti also quit, just six months after the Royal wedding at Windsor Castle in May.
Reported in the Sunday Times, a source close to Meghan said: ‘Sam will be a huge loss. Going forward, Meghan might need someone cut from a slightly different cloth to traditional courtiers, who is not a career civil servant or royal insider’. The source also revealed the Duchess’ early morning routine and warned that new aides would have to be adaptable and patient.
Samantha’s work with the Sussexes was always going to be temporary, and it speaks well of Harry and Meghan that she’s not leaving them high and dry all of a sudden – she’s not even going to leave until the spring! She’s giving them plenty of notice to set up her replacement, which I have faith that they will do. This is all part of the larger royal conversation: Harry and Meghan need their own court and their own office, and that’s what they’ll be getting. I fully expect Meghan to choose Samantha’s replacement with an eye towards running their royal office a lot differently than the Cambridges run their office.
A lot of the biggest Kate supporters often ask me (or troll me) about why I don’t believe that Meghan is really a diva. I just don’t think she is a diva by American standards – I think she’s a go-getter and she came into the duchess role wanting to truly hit the ground running. She wanted to work, and she expected the people who were staffed to her office to help her and do her bidding, because that’s what Americans think: that if you have “staff,” they’re there to help and do what you say. Meghan ran face-first into the different standards of British work life, and even more radically different standards of royal-work life. So I understand why British people think she’s “demanding” – it’s because she knows what she wants and asks for it and expects a clear chain of command with herself at the top of the chain. And royal staffers don’t know how to handle that, so they’re leaking sh-t to put her in her place. It’s not that Meg is a diva – she’s just an American.
Photos courtesy of Avalon Red.
Methinks”staff” wasn’t prepared to work. And are shocked she is treating her role as a job.
The thing with that is – for the staff that were already working with royals I don’t think that adds up. There’s no way Meghan comes swooping in with higher expectations than the Queen. And I can’t imagine someone getting a job of this level without being accomplished and hard working in some form or another. They’re not hiring 16 year old 7/11 cashiers off the street… I can only imagine the difficulty of getting an interview with the royals.
I think British culture is very different. Positions are not necessary based on merit and handwork like in the US. British people get through positions due to family connections and influence. There’s a measure of that in the US, but I think it’s more frowned upon here. We have the idea of a meritocracy precisely because the British did not, and largely do not. The American founding fathers wanted to break away from a system that privileged birth and position over hard work and initiative. I think to think that everyone who works for the royals some how “earned” their place ignores how British society works.
@Yami, there is still an element of that in the UK (particularly in certain professions like the arts) but there has been a real effort made to stamp it out in most professions. In the law, for example, knowing someone at a big firm absolutely will not get you an interview for a training contract. You have to get there on merit.
@Tina, that’s interesting that you mention that. I saw a documentary about how difficult it is for young people, particularly young people of color, to get positions in law firms in England precisely because they don’t have a insider connection with the firm. These poor working class families don’t have the means to develop the social connections that make knowing someone within the industry so vital and it effectively shuts out anyone who isn’t like the ruling class. I think it’s a nice ideal, but realistically I’m not sure effective England has been in moving on beyond a patronage model. It’s so ingrained in society. I hope British society is more successful tho, all that wasted talent is a huge tragedy.
@Yami, certainly there are more subtle factors such as “polish” that mean that it’s difficult for many people from lower income backgrounds to make it to law firms and enter other similar professions. Structural racism and prejudice are real and insidious (and very difficult to eradicate). But it’s really, really not about who you know. Not any more.
@Tina, but this whole idea of polish, absolutely proves my point. Who decides what “polish” is, if not the families and money who lead society. They sent the standards that all other must meet and are going to bring in their friends and family because they are “our sort” with just the right amount of “polish”. I mean, it’s pretty blatant. Most of the British ruling class politicians come from Oxford and Cambridge and Eton and Harrow. To imply that patronage is a thing of the past is a bit naive, the class system itself, to my mind, just reinforces the system.
@Yami, that’s no longer entirely true. David Cameron and Boris Johnson are Old Etonian, Bullingdon Club types, for sure. But Theresa May and Sajid Javid (one of the possible next PMs and the son of a Pakistani bus driver immigrant) are not. Our society is not perfect. But it is not as rigid as you seem to think.
@Tina But again, it’s 2018 and how long has England been in existence? The country has been around hundreds of years and we can name only two politicians who disprove the rule? That’s an outlier, not a pattern. I’m just saying.
But it’s not only two politicians (and those are two of the very top politicians in government). Priti Patel, Philip Hammond, Liam Fox, Karen Bradley, David Gauke, Alun Cairns, Gavin Williamson, etc. all went to state schools. (And that’s just in the (Conservative) cabinet – these are our top politicians). Theresa May’s initial cabinet had the highest number of state school educated politicians since the 1945 Labour government. We’re not perfect. But we’re changing.
I think it’s strange someone would still think that the US is a society based on merit. I don’t think those societies actually exist. Some societies are more egalitarian, but in those societies equality comes from equal access to education. Neither the US nor Britain have equal access to education for every single one of their citizens, not by a long shot.
Going to state school in the UK doesn’t mean you don’t have a privileged background. And many of the social connections needed to develop your career, in particular in fields like law and politics, are made at top tier universities like Oxford (which May attended).
Oxbridge domination is a whole other issue. But Oxford and Cambridge are not like Harvard and Yale in the sense that all universities in England cost the same to attend (and you don’t pay anything back until you are earning a certain amount). (And they didn’t cost anything when today’s politicians were attending them). Oxford, in particular, has made a lot of effort to admit less privileged students. And again, I’m not saying that the UK is a pure meritocracy. Far from it. But it’s not like it was before WWII either. And the lack of social mobility is just as pronounced in the US, if not more so.
Meghan is not even one of the hardest workers in the royal family. That accolade goes to Charles & his siblings plus the Queen. I don’t think it’s an issue about working hard but it’s about learning the culture and how you interact & speak with staff. When you start in any new work environment you have to learn to fit in gradually. Meghan should have taken her time to learn about the work culture & Harry should have guided her.
So what does that mean, exactly? How do British posh people interact with their staff to let them know they want something done that doesn’t sound pushy or whatever criticism Meg is getting? Do they say “pretty please” or “when you have a moment”? I’m just really at a loss because I can’t believe that she would act in any other way but professional. What is wrong with expecting your staff to do their jobs?
My first few weeks in the UK (working for an investment bank full of posh people) was very confusing. I had a hard time prioritising work as everything came prefaced with ‘i’m so sorry to bother you, but would you terribly mind..’ i can only assume that in a palace, the tone would even more polite.
it felt like quite a roundabout way of giving directions, but that’s just their way of doing things. it was up to me to adapt and not the other way round.
So if she is the more direct of the 4 ( william, kate, harry and herself), whilst being the most junior in terms of rank, it’s not difficult to see why the staff would find her demanding.
Mrs. Bump–Thank you so much for your explanation. It makes so much more sense to me now. Actual sense. Plus, it’s been a long time since I worked in an office, but some of that dynamic is starting to come back to me. Oy, I can’t imagine how confusing that would be to me, and also how much they would probably hate me!
@mande, I’d say that *if* reports are true that she constantly texts people at 5 a.m., that could get old, really quickly and create a stressful environment as you already feel behind when you get to work. Also, *if* she is a control freak, she could be a micro-manager, which –and I say this from experience–can be a nightmare to work for. I worked for a really sweet guy but he was the biggest micro-manager, like watching over your shoulder as you did something as simple as make photocopy and it was soul destroying. These are totally speculative but if true could be contributing factors.
Totally agree with you and Mrsbump. I had the same experience when I moved here to UK. She will have to assimilate to get along, if she wants to that is.
IIRC, that original article stated that Meghan “is up at 5 a.m.; she texts employees throughout THE DAY”… There is nothing that states she *starts* texting people at 5 a.m., as soon as she opens her eyes. If I am to believe that, I want to see proof of a text with the time stamp on that employee’s phone.
When I was teaching, I had parents emailing at all hours, incl. weekend evenings. I just learned to set that account to “Do Not Disturb” after working hours/weekends, and that was that. I also told my principal that I was not a doctor on call and unless the district wished to pay me accordingly, I would not respond to any off hours communication (unless of emergency, for which she did have my cell #).
And while I know that some people are “on call” round the clock with their jobs (PAs, etc), if that is the job you sign up for, you really can’t bitch about it. Take it or quit. There’s always a choice.
@MrsBump-
That’s very helpful- thanks for that insight. It explains a lot.
MRSBUMP I’m dying laughing cause this happened to me at my last job. Half the company was European and from England. When they came over for a week of meetings they were horrified by the way my boss spoke to me. They sent me flowers after they left 😂 I was like she’s like the second nicest boss I’ve had.
Another time during a meeting my American coworker was getting annoyed with a British coworker. Finally the British guy responded like no need to get huffy or something. And my coworker snapped “we’ll look who put on their big boy pants this morning”. Their were audible gasps by the Europeans and they were in complete shock. I wanted to slide under the table and laugh.
When I lived and worked in England (my folks are English) everything was ‘sorry to bother’, ‘would you mind awfully doing xxx for me’ and ‘when you get a moment, could you…’ so I can totally understand the culture shock
The thing is that Meghan hasn’t even gotten started yet. I mean, she’s been part of the firm for what, six months. The others are the hardest working now, but how knows what kind of record Meghan will build up over time. It’s really not an apt comparison.
I experienced this the other way round.
In a working environment outside the U.K, l would politely ask staff ‘would you mind?’ Or ‘could you do this?’ Or ‘shall we do it this way?’ In my mind l was giving them instructions but l much later learnt that to get them to do anything l really needed to issue orders.
I don’t think Samantha got the job because she was well connected. I believe she saw the job advertisement in a newspaper, while on holiday in Australia, and just applied for it. She sounds like a typical, easygoing Australian, and highly capable.
These people are used to plan multiple engagements in one day for senior royals with all the security issues connected. What “hard working” is she doing that is scaring royal staff? LOL It’s ridiculous. Planning a 45-minute visit at the Hubb Kitchen and a cute photo-op doesn’t require crazy skills and terrific work.
Agree Maxine, what hours do these people work? If I’m getting texts at 5a.m. and expected to stay until 6-7 p.m., then yes, I’m pretty honked off at 5 a.m. I like her and I think she’s getting the shaft in the British press, but I’m also an American and I’ve worked in numerous office settings, including marketing/public affairs and I’ve never had a boss text me at 5 a.m., on a weekend yes, but that seems a little much to me.
Yeah, I see it in shades of grey.
A friend of mine who works for her old network asked a North American colleague in PR what she was like and he said: “demanding, unhelpful, social climber.”. He said she was the one they liked to use the least for PR for the show or any crossovers with ad clients etc because she resented it. Others on the show were wonderful. Now, do I take that with a grain of salt? I take it with several sacks of salt. But I find it interesting. As do I find it interesting that there have been reports of her being rude to inflight staff since she’s been with Harry.
Does that mean I don’t like her? On the contrary, no! I love her and thinks she’s perfect for the Royal Family and just what they need. I love her past charity work, I love her interactions with crowds, I love her speechifying, I love her nods to her heritage (eg: in her wedding), I love her first steps in regards to what she’s chosen to support.
Could she be a diva and micro-manager to staff and still fabulous on a public level and to friends? Of course!!!! People aren’t all good or bad. There are many famous personages in history who were shitty in some way or didn’t treat their wives/husbands/staff/children particularly well but we still admire them.
I do find it amusing that some of the Americans think they just work harder than the Brits (I’m neither but love you all) and that’s the sole issue. I doubt it. Yes, different approaches and work styles likely have something to do with it. That does t mean she’s not a nightmare to work for in a P.A. capacity – many incredible people are.
I think Megs is smart and hopefully she’ll realise that this behaviour leaks too easily (especially for her as a divorced American woman of colour – people are looking to besmirch her reputation) and will amend it. She should also hire staff who suit her needs, personality and style and then treat them the way they deserve to be treated.
PS: I note someone above as saying that the US is a pure meritocracy and that made me laugh. No country is. The US might be better than other places in some ways in regards to this; but who your parents know and your existing networks still massively contribute to the way many people in the US get jobs and the opportunities that arise for them. To pretend otherwise is ridiculous.
If anything has blown away the myth that the US is a meritocracy it’s the mob family running it right now. And they aren’t the only family of rich people who do this.
Not all texts demand immediate replies. Any I got @ 5 a.m. certainly wouldn’t get one because I’m not awake that early.
I don’t understand why this is such a “big deal.” Some people email more than they text & Meghan is probably used to using her phone & texting. If something is urgent & needs an immediate answer, wouldn’t that be a phone call?
Texts & emails are can be an efficient way of sending reminders or memos for responses by the recipients at times convenient for them.
Without knowing the exact content of M’s texts, it seems inappropriate to criticize her for what time she sends messages to staff. Could be ” pls pick up blue shoes @ cobbler before they close @ 4 pm” or something similarly prosaic.
I’m so confused. Her assistants are supposed to be patient and flexible with their BOSS??? How …. in what other position would that even be a thing. That personal assistants aren’t there to assist but to slow your ass down and bog down your life. Make things run faster, more efficiently and smoothly or go find another job. It’s a job. She is your boss. Wtf.
Literally this. On what planet does staff think they have the right to do anything but say ‘yes, ma’am right away’. I have 2 secretaries, 3 younger associates and 5 interns on my team. Woe betide any one of them who would dare to pull any of the crap that the palace staff has done in the last month. Don’t like your boss? Quit. Spread gossip? You’re fired.
Meghan is in charge of her staff, she sets the culture. If she chooses to set an American work culture, that’s up to her. If her staff doesn’t like it, they can leave. Americans don’t tolerate disloyal staff. Breach trust and you’re out the door, whether the breach was accidental or intentional. We don’t mess around. These people are going to learn a nasty lesson.
The “Boss” is the Queen. Not Meghan. All the staff ultimately have to answer to the Queen. It’s her household and her rule as how things are to be done. This is what the staff have to balance. Meghan is merely a lower ranking family in law that has to figure out how the royal palace protocol works and wisely estimate what she can challenge to meet her needs and how to go about it.
The universe in which the BRF factually has its own set of protocol. As cransb said, the Queen is the boss of the BRF and the courtiers and staff are not regarded merely as “personal assistants” under the authority of the family members they may be working most closely with as they all work for the Monarch and even BRF members are expected to serve the Monarchy, not individual personal whims or agendas. Denial of reality simply does not change it and I don’t get refusing to accept these facts about the function of the BRF which are very much in the public domain.
I’m pretty sure the assistants to the Prince of Wales don’t tell him he’s not the boss but the Queen is. The Queen isn’t running the day to day households of the other senior royals. She never has. An assistant hired to work for a specific royal needs to listen to that royal. The Queen doesn’t have time to step in.
If the Prince of Wales breaks protocol, darn right he is reminded of protocol. The bottom line is that Royal protocol is always determinative above the wishes of individual BRF members. Denial of this reality simply does not change it no matter how many times this reality may be denied and it seriously is at climate change denier levels here.
@Nic919,
Darn right HRH has a royal protocol. Queen giveth and Queen take-ith.
That doesn’t mean she micro manages her palace business. That’s what the staff is for, to make sure everyone follows protocol. Obviously there’s got to be an agreed set of order and rules to run rf business, palace/court. The ONE person that gets to determine that protocol is HRH. No other rf member has the right to override her – She’s the Queen. They either follow her rules and “preferences” or they run the risk of not being in her good favor or worse.
They can always relinquish their royal status and state allowance and go live by their own means. If they choose to stay in the monarchy, then they have to contend with the Queen who wants traditional protocol adhered to.
There’s always going to be conflicts just as there always have been. And as usual, everybody, rf, staff and ultimately the media, become privy to all the palace squabblings whether it be Diana, Charles, Henry, or Kate. All these rf members had famous run-ins with HRH “preferences” and rp. Meghan will be no different.
Can you imagine if the head of a charity hired a staff to help them and the staff was rolling their eyes and talking about being patient with the head of the charity?! This is your job. She needs to hire a personal assistant that has worked with CEOs not work adverse royals
This.
As someone who row in the charity sector—yes, this is exactly what we do. Just because someone has enough money to found a charity doesn’t mean they know how to run a foundation.
Hopefully the founder understands they aren’t the expert and hires people who understand how to run a business. But it sounds like some do not.
It’s the staff who are being Divas. They’re being paid to do a job and instead are complaining about it.
Exactly!
Absolutely!
I mean, I have to say that I like our way of working in the UK. We work when we’re at work, and (unless you’re at the absolute top of your profession) we don’t work outside those hours. Royal staff are famously paid very little (they make up for it when they leave).
Tina, you’re right, lots of people giving her a break for texting an employee at 5 a.m….I’m here to tell you if someone texts me at 5 a.m. and I’m not due at work until 7 a.m., then we’ve got a real problem. It’s not like she’s a damn obstetrician who is delivering babies at all hours of the night, she goes places and grips and grins and hugs people. It is said that she writes her own speeches, which is great, so what are we doing that is causing assistants to move on? Who is to say that this person was not working 40 plus hours a week and Meghan wasn’t being a micro-manager? Why does the boss get a break simply because it’s Meghan and we all like her? Anywhere else a boss that demanding would get roasted, let’s be realistic here.
Mellie, the article stated that Meghan is a go-getter who is regularly up at 5AM. Not that she’s texting the staff at that time.
Really? I thought I read some where that she was doing that…ok, then disregard my defense of the employee if that is not true 🙂 Hopefully it really isn’t true, because I like Meghan….I don’t know her, but I like her. haha.
Yes, the staff and some other royals are lazy, but that’s only a symptom of the real issue. What all this reveals is that the Royal Family and their staff are short-sighted morons barreling themselves towards extinction. Apparently 20th Century History isn’t a required course because they don’t seem to recognize the pattern of recent events and what it could mean for them.
They were shocked by Brexit, are presumably aware of the turmoil within their own country and rising Right and Left Wing populism throughout Europe and the world. Last time this happened half of Europe’s monarchies didn’t survive. But instead of being proactive by ratcheting up the work, ratcheting down the spending, flooding the papers with photos of the kids, and actively trying to look like a happy extended family; they choose to play petty palace politics.
And it’s not like they’re just failing to combat the bad press. They’re adding to it intentionally even though no one is coming out well. The whole leak about Meghan’s emailing habits and working hours was profoundly out-of-touch with the real world. Meanwhile the government is being handed their a$$ and everyone else realizes that whatever time eventually tells, the immediate future is going to be bleak. But hey, she stole my look, he was rude to my girlfriend, she made me cry, etc. right? The Royal Family as an institution really may be too stupid to survive.
Amazing comment. I think you might be right. I would be sorry to have one reality show less to watch but i’ll get over it…
100 percent co-sign va va kaboom
Totally agree, you’ve summed it up brilliantly
Va va for the win. How did you reach into my head and say things I was thinking but hadn’t been able to put into words. Petty bullshit will sink them and guess who Brits will blame?
“The whole leak about Meghan’s emailing habits and working hours was profoundly out-of-touch with the real world”
Even if there was some truth about her emailing people very early in the morning,etc.. everything was obviously sensationalized.
Talking about these “working hours”,I can’t think of one thing she has done that would have required Meghan to work like a crazy all day.. it’s absolutely ridiculous. Allegedly her assistant left afyer the stressful preparation for the wedding,so these “leaks”,assuming they came from a source,have more to do with the months leading up to the wedding that some real “hard work” she’s doing.
Wow, Kaboom. So accurate. Your comment wins the internet today. The British royal family feels they are the most important in the world, the most famous and therefore can never be dethroned.
Perhaps they should reconsider their line of thinking.
@VA VA – this to +1,000,000. The most insightful comment I have read on all of this royal mess over the last few weeks.
You win comment of the day. They need to be hiring you.
Or maybe all this petty palace politics is being amped up to distract from the mess the government is creating for its country through Brexit (*takes off conspiracy hat*)… or they are just that out of touch with the reality of the country they live in.
Great comment!
I really don’t think the monarchy’s going to last much past Elizabeth. There’s so much sentimentality around her plus with the changing society, I think Charles will be the last monarch.
I echo all of the above. Well put.
The idea of Brexit being anti-traditional isn’t supported philosophically. The energy behind Brexit is nationalist sentiment. Liberals and progressives and globalists opposed Brexit, not traditionalists and conservatives and Royalists, so Brexit augurs quite well for the British Royal Family. The British monarchy has also existed for over a thousand years playing the long game into what is now the 21st century. I’m not a huge fan, but an institution that has been chugging along for over a thousand years is hardly informidable.
I like Meghan but I agree with Vi that Meghan isn’t doing hard work or threatening anyone within the Royal family by wanting to work hard. The Firm does have its rules though, it is part of playing the long game, and if Meghan wants to work hard within the family she will need to work in keeping the Firm’s rules. As other people have pointed out, Sophie ‘works’ quite a lot in terms of doing a lot of engagements, but she likely does them within the constraints of the Firm’s rules which is something Meghan will likely have to adapt to.
Much ado about nothing.
Cohen was always a six month hire.
Go look at original announcements months ago.
I think a lot of it is cultural differences as well. An ex from way back was from England and his parents did not show much emotion. To them, we are probably too emotional, loud and demanding
Ha! I’d love to see how they’d cope if one of them married someone from my passionate, emotional and very loud Italian family! 😂
Enough with the stereotyping of Italians being loud. Some are, most are not.
It’s a tired stereotype.
Trust me it’s not an Italian thing. I know Italians think they own the market on being loud but my French family can be just as loud. We once got the cops called on us at a family reunion because the neighbors complained about how loud we were.
@Sicily – she said MY passionate, emotional . . . Her family, not Italians in general.
@Sicily she was talking about her Italian family. I’m also Italian and my family can be very loud as well…I’m not stereotyping, that’s just my family.
Golly, I’m loud all by myself….as a kid, I was called “the foghorn of *** Avenue”. Yikes!
I would assume that Meghan has had some cultural sensitivity training. I had as much just to go over there as an exchange student. Also, not all Brits find Americans loud. There are indeed loud drunken Brits. This idea that all Brits are just these quiet, reserved, very polite types isn’t really true. Also, I would say some of their perceptions of Americans depend on one’s personality. I am more introverted than extroverted and fit in fine there for the most part. While I was much younger than Meghan is when I lived in the UK, you do start to assimilate the more time you spend there. By the end of my studies, people didn’t necessarily know I was American. I don’t mean just the accent, but Americans carry themselves differently. I could spot the Americans in the crowd just based on how they moved and dressed. That starts to change after a while. I would assume Meghan has adapted more than people think at this point.
^^This! I’m British and Brits do try to be polite and considerate when asking anything, even if it’s that persons job. It’s a respect thing. Brits aren’t all still upper lip though and they do know how to work hard. So much of what I’ve just read in this comment section is just stereotyping but people who know a Brit of used to live here. There is nothing wrong with showing respect to someone you employ and treating them as your equal. Royal household staff have a lot of training and have had to rise up through the ranks for have jobs closer to the Royals. If you watch the way the Queen interacts with her staff, she doesn’t demand or command; she talks to them as though they’re her equal.
I do suspect that Meghan comes across as brash compared to the other Royals and it probably has rubbed some people up the wrong way. I actually think that Meghan maybe has a competitive side and a drive to succeed and outdo others which is great in any normal career path but this isn’t an ordinary ‘firm’ that she’s working for and there isn’t really much of a career path to be had. No matter how hard she might work, the Sussex’s will slowly fade into the background as the Cambridges children get older.
If they are as lazy as their parents, we won’t see any W&K kids working for another 25 years. That means Harry and Meghan will continue being of global interest for a couple of decades. If they continue on the path towards becoming globally-recognized humanitarians, that won’t dim.
I don’t think it’s because she’s American. I think it’s a personality conflict.
But that’s what she’s saying American behave differently than Brits.
Most white Americans have never had a black boss. I’m sure the number is much higher for white Brits. That’s likely the conflict. They don’t know how to take direction from a woman of color.
Sometimes I get the impression that people who see racism in anything others do or say are even more racist themselves than the people they accuse to be.
@Zip yeah that’s not how racism works. Reverse racism isnt an actual thing. It’s simply a catchphrase used by those who want to shut down conversations that make them uncomfortable.
@Jessica – I disagree. One of my best bosses was black. I worked for her for 2 years, and 12 years later we are still friends and I consider her one of my best mentors. I was hired for a different role, and then asked specifically to work with her a few months later because I liked her and wanted to learn from her. I also never thought about her skin color. I am American, and dated a British man for close to 5 years quite a while ago; I believe it’s the American/Brit thing. We are very different. At least, we were. Our temperaments, family interactions (I remember him being put off at a large dinner with my family and how we ate off each other’s plates), spending, workstyles. I met him here in NYC while he was getting an MBA. I also spent a ton of time in London with him once he moved back, and even packed up my stuff and moved there to be with him for a very short time. If you both want to relationship to work you make it work, but there were cultural differences which we both had to acclimate to. He WAS one of my greatest loves, though.
I’m a white Canadian and had a black, female boss for a while, I loved her. She was smart, personable, polite but strong and I really respected her. Perhaps Canadians have a more multi-culturally accepting attitude towards it?
@Jaded, as a Canadian WOC I can tell you that no, in general white Canadians don’t have a more multi-cultural accepting attitude. Some white Canadians do and I appreciate them.
In general we are just polite and know how to keep the opinions behind closed doors.
I agree, Zip. You will get eaten alive in the comments for that but you are right. I too often find that ppl who constantly bring up racism are the most racist themselves.
I agree with you too, Zip. I think some people just drag these threads looking for something to accuse others of being racist about.
Considering there are millions of Americans of working age, to make a blanket statement that most white Americans have never had a black boss is a stretch. I wish people would really think before they speak/write.
+ 1 Zip.
I live in Toronto and she wasnt known to be a terribly nice person when she lived here *runs and hides*
I’ve heard the opposite.
*stands firm in my opinion and doesn’t run and hide.
Are you TO native also? Also not opinion but fact
Her dog walker said she was a always pleasant and spoke to her. Her neighbors, coworkers, and everyone in between said she was nice and dedicated. I find it hard to believe that suddenly “Meghan isn’t nice” when she’s been around for years and we’ve never heard it. Like ever.
That’s a very long time in an industry that gossips like no other for your behavior to be completely hidden and never talked about.
The timing is suspect. She enters the BRF and suddenly she’s got a diva attitude and the worst thing since the plague?
@leyton the people who i know who encountered her was long before the BRF. Im not saying she is the worst thing since the plague all i am saying is that she wasnt known as the nicest person which is well known in Toronto. Everyone wants to make her out to be some kind of Saint now but she is human and isnt perfect.
@jadedone I’m a TO native, and I know several people who have interacted with her on a regular basis. One acted with her on Suits. One was employed by her. One used to run in the same charity circles as she did.
And a friend of a friend regularly took yoga with her.
They all said she was nice. Friendly even. They also all describe her as “energetic” or something like it.
For what it’s worth.
I don’t think she’s a saint but I havent heard anything bad about her.Someone used to work with her on her makeup and she said she was lovely and that they had a lot of fun.Even her double on suits who’s worked with her for years wrote this nice post about her and wished her the best
Even if she,so what? I’ve met a lot of horrible people and I’m not always nice all the time.Shes only human
I live in Toronto and work with a lot of PR people. None of them have anything nice to say. They either say ‘no comment’ or make some reference to her being unkind or a diva, or just roll their eyes.
And, she’s good friends with Ben and Jessica Mulroney. That is not a selling point.
Oh, my. Sounds like a lot people in Toronto resent Meghan for one reason or another. They must be glad this menace to society left town. Now, they only have JM to talk about.
I laugh at these comments because they are 1) clearly the same posters under different names who always come into these threads, and 2)rip offs from the crazy tumblr Anti-Meghan group.
I too think it’s different than just US v UK attitude.
Courtiers are asked their opinion, they are not dictated to. This isn’t a regular chain of command. It would be similar to production companies in her past life; she’s the “face” but the production is the power and gives her the script. Except courtiers will leak more to the press to get their “faces” in-line because they don’t worry about losing money short-term on a project; they take the long game of what they think benefits the crown.
Royal life is not freedom to do charity work at leisure in the spotlight. Its a very nice gilded cage.
American or British, if you willingly become a member of the institution of the royal family then it makes sense to figure out how it all works and try to adapt.
this is a very nuanced and great explanation.
I agree Flounder. There are definitely issues with North American vs British ways of addressing things but it depends on numerous things. The rf might be a bit reserved, but my in laws are from “Saf Lawndin” and they think that I, as a Canadian, am super reserved (which I don’t necessarily agree with, I just don’t drink to excess and have huge brawls with people). British society is a multifacted, stratified thing, and not everyone has a stiff uffer lip, has trouble being direct and is workshy. Sometimes personalities clash and I think this group is clashing big time.
It was reported that Samantha’s position was always temporary. It’s annoying that they put temporary in quotes & obviously drumming up drama to fuel the narrative that Meghan is difficult to work with.
I partially agree with you, but depending on the SC article one reads, some said Meghan really liked her and requested her to reconsider staying permanently rather than being the 6 month loan/pre retirement, also those six months since May 2018 was finalized in Oct 2018. The preretirement, if you read the first versions of the SC articles, she resigned/was asked to quit, other versions because our Queen/BP top staff were quitting right after PP retirement and work unloaded from HM to Charles/William/Harry.
Apparently an interim employee leaving on the agreed upon date is now a scandal. The tabs are so desperate to take down Meghan, tomorrow they will be complaining that she is contributing to global warming by exhaling carbon dioxide.
Exactly.
Exactly. It was reported when she started it was a temporary hire. Maybe six months.
Samantha Cohen was going to retire from previous position but Queen asked her to stay on for temporary job to help Meghan. It’s all over the press , from months ago, but the tabloids know many people have short attention spans. Go look at the old tweets and articles, they are there months ago, this was a temporary hire. ALWAYS
Hm.
I am a diva in the kichen.
And American.
DIVA AMERICANA!
😉
😆
LOL! Nice! 😀
She’s not just an American, she’s a person who has worked in organisations where there is accountability. I have worked in different jurisdictions including in the private sector in the UK, your secretary/executive assistant works for you and her job is to help you to get yours done. These people have a warped sense of what the “real” work environment is. Demanding by sending emails when she wakes up and 7 in a day? Who are these lazy individuals? I get over 20 mails a day and some overnight. I don’t get up at 5:30 thinking the person expects a response immediately. I respond to such mails when my work day starts or earlier, depending on if I have time before getting to the office. Except it is marked urgent, get out of bed now and respond (which will then be newsworthy), most intelligent employees know it is simply a placeholder for when you start your work day.
yes, thank you!!! I would think that complaining about your boss asking you to do your job would get you fired. I don’t understand how she was supposed to act but all these complaints really make the Royal staff look like a bunch of lazy gossips
Right?? Complaining about 7 emails a day is hilarious to me when I’ve come back in the office after a day off before to find over 200 waiting!
I can come back to 7 emails from getting a coffee refill, sometimes from the same person.
This.
I have switched jobs recently, but previously it was not unusual to have 300-400 a day and a boss texting and emailing at 3 am. I wish 7 emails. Hell, even in my position now, 150 is pretty normal.
E-mails and text msgs are different. And texts are more “insistent” than e-mails…? More real-time. I don’t have a smart phone and have never received or sent a text. But I know they are slightly different from e-mail. (This is more a non sequitur than a comment.)
I’ve not seen a single thing that she has done that would qualify as “hard work” and that would scare royal staff,lol. Her assistant reportedly left because of the stressful months leading up to the wedding. If these leaks come from royal aides and have some truth,I don’t think these texts and emails were even connected to her alleged “hard work”.
How.many.time.are.you.going.to. say.the.same.thing.Vi?
We get it. Meghan is not a hard worker. She’s a lazy diva.
I’m just sitting back here with my popcorn, enjoying the show.
Me, too!! I’m endlessly amused by the excuses Meghan’s fans come up with for every bit of bad news that comes out. I haven’t heard any for the lambskin skirt the animal lover wore several weeks ago, though.
Making even more popcorn!!
I adore animals. All of them…except rats. I also love a good lambskin coat and a great steak.🙄
she wore a lambskin skirt? gross…
Hopefully you are just as horrified by people who want to eat those baby lambs…They are going to be slaughtered anyway, so use the skins.
So two temp aides have left. Is that what all the fuss is about.
Exactly! Don’t see what the big deal is, people quit and move jobs all the time.
What convinces me that Meghan is not bossy is how she is with Harry, he is sooo in love with her and would do anything to make her happy, and yet (in public anyway) she never seems to take advantage of that or try to dictate orders to him.
To everyone, she seems like a kind respectful woman who is new to a country and culture and learning from the people she is around.
I am sorry Kaiser, but I believe Meghan is a Diva. I also believe Kate is a Diva, too.
I think she’s Uber controlling and wants things her way. Sure, she’s American. Don’t paint everyone with the same brush. She’s ambitious and certainly had her sights set on a Princess Diana-esque model of how she wants to be perceived. Kate, not so much.
I 100% think that Meghan wants to be the star of the “show”.
I see trouble in paradise down the road. Calling it how I see it and how I think things will shake in the future.
Strongly disagree, all evidence points to H&M wanted to be more private not the star of the show. Frogmore instead of Apt 1, private engagements, etc. She definitely wants to use her platform which is good.
Agreed with Jessica, look how private she is with her pregnancy.
And the cookbook.
Apt 1 is undergoing heavy renovations including adding more privacy hedges. The cousins are moving out this year. Renovations are supposed to take 2 years. If no one is moving in, why all the work? Of course they need another place with room for baby and nannies before Apt 1 us ready.
My bets are on the Sussexs moving into Apt 1 in 2020-2021.
All this getting out is dodge by being 20-25min away is just nonsense.
@eliza
I’m not going to speculate that far in advance. Royal reporters have been extremely wrong on multiple things regarding the Sussexes. They have the Cotswold lease so they could have used that until Apt 1 was finished and not move to Frogmore. So I strongly disagree.
@Shelby
I don’t think Meghan wants to be the star of the “show”. She simply has charisma and overshadow the others. This is an innate quality (either you have it or you don’t have it) and Meghan can’t do anything about it.
Ugh. Charisma is not an innate quality. We are past the time of the great man theory.
Meghan’s is a completely unknown animal to the royal family, half-black, American, not to mention beautiful and well-spoken. She’s going to garner a ton of attention world wide and largely because she’s married to the most popular British royal, who is the son of one of the most popular British princesses who died tragically. Harry’s wife was going to get a lot of attention. The fact that Harry brought home *this* particular bride, no one expected and that just heightens the fascination. It’s unreasonable to expect Meghan to be some kind of shrinking flower because all the circumstances that heighten her visibility are out of her control.
rukidding: I’m not sure what you mean by “not an innate quality” or “past the time of the great man theory…” but both men and women are charismatic, not necessarily all famous, but with the ability to capture our attention and regard. Herewith is a good description of charisma:
“The word charisma refers to a rare trait found in certain human personalities usually including extreme charm and a “magnetic” quality of personality or appearance along with INNATE and powerfully sophisticated personal communicability and persuasiveness; in short, charisma is often used to describe a seemingly uncanny ability to charm or influence people.
Despite the strong emotions they so often induce in others, charismatic individuals generally project unusual calmness, confidence, assertiveness, dominance, authenticity, and focus, and almost always possess superb communication and oratorical skills.”
Sorry Shelby, this makes no sense at all based on Meghan’s past behavior and history. She was part of an ensemble TV show and no one – from Kraft services all the way up to the director – had anything negative to say about Meghan from the entire run of the show. If she was a diva who wanted to be the star of the show, as you claim, we would have heard about this type of behavior on set.
And as Anna and Jessica said, she’s had many chances during the courtship and marriage/pregnancy to demonstrate diva behavior…and she hasn’t. “Diva,” to me, is just code for uppity black woman (i.e., who usually gets described as a “diva?”) so just another way for the gossipers and press to use coded language. Kate was never described as a diva when her (and William’s) staff quit over the years!
I think you are right about the diva thing because I can’t find any examples of her exhibiting diva behavior. I always thought that the British were more accepting of interracial relationships and less racist in general, but I guess that was naive of me. I’ve always known they were classists, and I thought for that reason that Kate and Meg may found support from each other. It’s too bad that so many people want her to fail, I just don’t get it
@royalwatcher Actually she wasnt known to be a terribly nice person while living in Toronto
@manda, it depends where you go in the UK, most big towns and cities won’t bat an eyelid if a inter-racial couple walks by. But somewhere like Cornwall you may well get dirty looks. Ive been in inter-racial relationships as have my friends and have never experienced any problems or discomfort from fellow Brits. In fact mixed race people are becoming the majority here, if not already.
Unfortunately there are some sections of our society that wants the royal family to stay ‘pure’ (white), since Brexit a lot of nasties have come out of the woodwork as they see it as a green light to voice their racist views.
Jadedone – do tell….
She also wasn’t in as high of a position in Toronto, as part of the cast in a show.
@A i knew a few people who encountered her before her entry into the BRF and she wasnt super friendly and was rude to some people i knew.
There are plenty of people, from her former co-workers, to dog walkers, neighbors, and people who worked in TO area coffee shops who say she was always nice and pleasant. Too much evidence of that for years before meeting Harry to believe otherwise now.
The were rumours of her being rude and dismissive to Cory’s (her ex) friends. She wouldn’t talk to them and felt they were beneath her if they didn’t work in a lucrative career. Apparently, she was very rude in some social settings. This gossip was from Lipstickalley from a girl who runs in the same circles. MM is a social climber and that is what social climbers do. They only talk and make connections with the “right” people. Rings true in so many ways.
Oh, my, prepare for incoming!!!
“all evidence points to H&M wanted to be more private not the star of the show.”
You might want to rethink this a bit after tonight’s award show haha.
No one gets away with upsetting the courtiers for long.
I think if Meg was truly a diva, we’d have seen pics of her and MObama. And footage of her reading that poem at that memorial service. There’s a heck of a lot of things Meg would be doing if she was really a diva.
They could have promoted Michelle’s initiative if they had released a private photo but it was such a personal moment for her. I’m just not seeing ‘wanting to be the star of the show’ just because she had one successful tour. She’s basically disappeared when people expected to be seeing her a lot between now and right before her due date. Kate was ‘everywhere’ when pregnant with Louis and dancing with Paddington Bear.
I think people like the Diva narrative because it’s easy. People expect a pretty actress to be a handful so they go with it. I just think she’s confident and wants to really use her platform not just look pretty.
I think the royals have her on a low profile right now because of all the bad press. And maybe Michelle O didn’t want to be photographed all over the papers with Meghan? I read from an American source that MO was put out that MM just basically blindsided her after the show, and she wasn’t thrilled.
Take that for what you want.
I doubt she was blindsided when they are close with he Obama’s. Weren’t they with the Obama’s the day they announced their engagement? Michell O also knows how it is to be in that position and gave such advice.
Honestly, you comment about Michelle being blindsided makes no sense and sounds totally out of character for her. But, obviously, this “American source” was there for the meeting when MM just popped in and demanded her time, or this person is a close associate or friend of Michelle’s to whom she confides in *without discretion*, right?
What American source?
Michelle’s people did say that it was unplanned. Lol, Meghan and Harry were with the Obamas when their engagement was announced, what??
I think that the palace staff is pissed because they have to take orders from a biracial woman. I’m sorry but every leak is full of subtle racism
That’s basically what I wrote up thread. The BRF may like Meghan but the white courtiers and staff are likely not so progressive.
Agreed!
Totally agree.
BRF do have POC working for them, you know….
The palace courtiers don’t take orders from Meghan or anyone else except the Queen. The Royal family is an absolute hierarchy. Additionally, there is royal protocol which is very strict and which the courtiers often have to enforce with Royal family members whether they like it or not. Given the numerous historical challenges Diana and Fergie had with palace courtiers, this is very much knowledge that is in the public domain and it is very clear that Meghan has been trying to exert authority over a system in which she has very little and is now facing pushback.
@Guester,
+1000
All this, pushback to the pushback, all seems to be for selling papers and clicks. Meghan’s biracial, non-brit, non-aristocrat background has added fresh meat to ravenous tabloid/media market.
Agreed Melania. As someone upthread wrote, the staff’s remarks ring the “uppity” bell for me. I’m not even invested in Royal drama, the only place I even read about it is here. So as a casual, white, American observer, I’m sensing the racism loud and clear.
Diva is such a stupid term.
Who doesnt have bosses that expect things from you?
Perhaps communication by emails/text is a culture the staff aren’t used to. Maybe they are used to sitting down with a notepad, having a meeting, discussing things face to face and being able to guide their boss when needed. I’m sure there’s a lot of upward management. The staff are payrolled by CH and they only have their own ‘court’ there because Charles agreed. I’m sure the staff have to report/take guidance from BP & CH. It’s not just a matter of the Fab four saying what they want. Also receiving texts before 9 is an intrusion, unless you’re on the clock from 8/8.30. I don’t think the staff are paid big money unlike the assistants to the stars.
You’re misreading what was stated, even if all of it wasn’t lies. As stated above 1) her getting up at 5am and 2) her emailing staff throughout the day does not equal her emailing people at 5am.
I didn’t say she was texting at 5am, I know not to make that mistake because you’ve made that clear on here many times. It’s just that if she was texting before 9 am it’s an intrusion, not our UK business culture. Also text/email might not be how they are used to communicating. As has also been said on here numerous times, you fit in with the culture of the company you join. Unless of course you were recruited to stir things up, but she wasn’t.
Then again the whole thing could be lies and she could still be asleep everyday at 8 curled up with her husband and has never sent a text message. Who knows, not me.
Seeing as you don’t know their office hours, why are you insisting that if she texted or emailed before 9am it would be an intrusion?
It is clear she came to work. If the staff cannot handle that, it is the staff’s problem not the person trying to get work done.
@Rosie, it’s only an intrusion if you’re expected to answer said emails or texts at 5:00AM. I worked for someone who suffered from insomnia so he’d often text or email me at all hours of the night but certainly didn’t expect me to jump up and answer them. I would respond to any that were urgent when I got up, before I left for work, and the rest at the office. That the gutter press are running with this as some indication of Meghan’s demanding and disrespectful work habits is just utter nonsense.
Rosie is right, it really isn’t a part of UK business culture to do this, whether or not one is expected to answer. We don’t know if Meghan did this or not, but it is definitely not the norm here.
nota. – I said IF. I was not insisting she was texting. I said If. Usual uk office hours are from 9. I also said we know nothing for a fact.
i honestly think it is simply b/c she’s a woman of color. this is the same treatment WOC get in every job where they assert themselves exactly like any other person. its unfair and gross.
Yes and yes.
Maybe a part, but there are a lot of other cultural differences between an american actress and royal courtiers that could be causing discomfort.
I absolutely think that it’s because she’s an American and they are British. I’m an American who lived in Britain for several years and we just do things differently. The upper class are even more entrenched in their “we’ve always done it this way, so that’s how we will always do it” roles and that’s where the clash is coming from. It’s just fundamentally different styles — it’ll all work out in the end.
I think some people (often lazier, low performer types) are threatened by hard workers like Meghan. Far from embracing it, they feel it’ll “make us all look bad.” I worked with someone like that years ago (just so undermining toward any positive person who joined our group), had to just ignore her. Hopefully that’s what Meghan will do, just focus on doing good work and ally with like-minded people, and ignore the others/hope they’ll rise too instead of tearing others down. Life’s too short and there’s important work to do…
@Sue Denim – I think the idea that Kate is threatened by Meghan is wishful thinking. As even most posters here have noted, Kate after the birth of her third child seems happier and freer and more confident than she ever has. Her position is absolutely secure, and so are her children’s. As for that hard work ethic: Meghan had to be introduced to the UK public after the engagement. Kate had been a known quantity for years. That’s why the rush to get to each of the countries in the UK.
She has done very little since getting back from the Down Under tour. Her work during the summer was not that intense or nonstop. They took a long summer vacation, too.
I think a lot of this stuff is tabloid s*** stirring, but the idea that Meghan hasn’t ever put a foot wrong and that Kate is cowering defensively and that this is all the Middletons’ fault or Charles’ fault is just wishful thinking.
I think that Kate isn’t rethinking her MO is wishful thinking. Here’s this beautiful American, who’s reaching out in a tangible, constructive way to marginalized communities in England, that reaches out to children and the elderly, who is hailed on her tour as a “breath of fresh air” and a “change maker” that is going to give anyone who sat on their laurels pause. Particularly, as they’ve been rather superficial laurels and this is just in the first few months! If this were the days of true kings and queen, someone would be plotting the demise of the popular younger brother and his wife, who might be stealing the people’s heart and possibly the succession. God, I hope someone rewrites King Charles III because I want to see that.
@Yami – we’ll have to agree to disagree on that. Kate radiates confidence and happiness these days, and I’m not the only one to notice that. Meghan will certainly have her sphere, but I think the optics on Remembrance Day on those balconies, and the last row in the royal box at the Remembrance Concert speak for themselves. No one has denied the Tiara Gate tantrum, and antagonizing Prince Andrew on his daughter’s wedding day, forgetting that Eugenie is the Queen’s flesh and blood granddaughter, whom the Queen has loved for nearly 30 years, was another huge mistake.
They aren’t having no London home base because they don’t want one – the idea that Meghan is going to be happy in a dull suburb (it’s not the Cotswolds or the Lake District) out of the way of the buzz of the capital doesn’t hold water, to me.
That unimpressive cottage on the Frogmore estate is another message about who counts and who doesn’t. Anmer Hall is bigger and more impressive and the Queen paid for its renovation with her own money.
If there’s anyone who isn’t missing the handwriting on the wall right now, it’s Kate. From where I’m sitting, so far, Meghan is the best thing to happen to Kate in a long time. Kate came out ahead of Meghan in the you.gov poll, remember?
Waity Katie is long in the past. Now what she is, is the delightful dutiful mother of three adorable children who has made a nice stable home for William, dresses appropriate if occasionally dully, and knows where her duty lies. That was her real job, and she’s done it. Waity Katie is old news and old history.
If she’s nervous, she sure ain’t showing it.
“Her work during the summer was not that intense or nonstop. They took a long summer vacation, too”
Do garden parties,friends’ weddings, awards galas and musicals qualify as “work”,even for the “royal standards”?
@Yami I don’t think Kate is re-thinking much based on what Meghan or even Harry do. Kate has shown no interest in reaching out to marginalized communities like Meghan has, its not her forte or her interest. I’d be shocked frankly to see her doing something like working with women in the Hubb Center. She’d be out of her element there, as it stands. She’s always played it staid and safe.
But perhaps playing safe isn’t the wrong option in her position as future Queen consort. Her role really isn’t to be a ‘breath of fresh air’ or to ‘shake things up’. Those things are anathematic to the UK monarchy, which isn’t a popularity contest but a 1000 year old establishment socio-corporate institution. It’s easier for juniors like Meghan and Harry to take up that mantle and stretch the boundaries out. The two positions aren’t antagonistic but should complement each other, if those working them support and understand what the other is doing.
@TheOtherSam
But see here we’re moving the goal posts for Kate. She should totally be reaching out to marginalized communities and should have done it long before now as a future queen. Reaching out to in these ways is exactly what Diana did (her work with Aids) and it endeared her to the public in a massive way. The fact that you can’t see can’t Kate doing these type of things, even as a supporter, speaks volumes to me. The future of the monarchy depends on appeals to all people, not just the ones that they are comfortable with. The women of Hubb would have welcomed Kate, I’m sure, as they would welcome anyone who would commiserate with their tragedy and offer any kind of friendship and good will.
@violet: “No one has denied the Tiara Gate tantrum, and antagonizing Prince Andrew on his daughter’s wedding day, forgetting that Eugenie is the Queen’s flesh and blood granddaughter, whom the Queen has loved for nearly 30 years, was another huge mistake.”
Are we just going to ignore the RF’s general policy of ignoring the media? By the way, the tiara story was changed at least once since it was initially reported. It went from the Queen showing Meghan her choices and saying ‘no’ to the emerald tiara, to Meghan demanding one without seeing her options. That alone is enough to show how “accurate” that story is. And do tell how Meghan supposedly “antagonized” PA on Eugenie’s wedding day? By wearing a dark and unassuming outfit (and blending in with the other family members who chose deep blues and greens)? That’s some fantastic fanfiction right there.
“They aren’t having no London home base because they don’t want one – the idea that Meghan is going to be happy in a dull suburb (it’s not the Cotswolds or the Lake District) out of the way of the buzz of the capital doesn’t hold water, to me.”
Actually it makes perfect sense because Meghan chose to live in a quieter area of Toronto (Seaton Village specifically) during her time on Suits. I suppose being a former actress made you assume she loves the spotlight and action and similar stereotypes.
“From where I’m sitting, so far, Meghan is the best thing to happen to Kate in a long time. Kate came out ahead of Meghan in the you.gov poll, remember?”
Yes, a duchess who’s been a member for 7 years (and has always ranked higher in these polls) vs a duchess who just joined the family 6 months ago (and is still doing well at 55% versus 30 something pre-wedding). Very important “victory” there. /s
This whole “Queen putting Meghan in her place” idea you have is quite sad and amusing. For all the claims of “fanfiction” regarding Kate possibly being threatened by Meghan, your comments are certainly no better.
@ Beach Dreams she keeps sprouting this nonsense about the lily white Kate, it’s best to ignore.
And btw @Violet, Windsor is a lovely part of the UK!
Kate was known as a lazy party girl who never held down a job, vacationed all the time, and waited waited waited for William to stop chasing other women. Not exactly the kind of known quantity the royals wanted in a modern royal bride. No married-ins position is secure. See Diana, Fergie, and Mark.
The Middletons have played PR games for years, as have W&K. Now the game has changed because Harry married someone self-confident, charismatic, and up for the job. That has them scrambling.
@NotASugarHere The polls have shown that Kate and Will are still extremely likable to the British public. Harry and Meghan are well liked too, but the tides have not changed in the U.K. There is no scrambling or intimidation happening, which I know ruins a lot of fan fiction going on here.
Wasn’t Kate about 21 when she started dating William? Is it really that outrageous she was a party girl in her early/mid 20s? I can’t say I like her lifestyle choices, but she was about 14 years younger than Meghan was when she first came to be the royal girlfriend. Plenty of people at that age don’t know what to do with their lives, even when they’re not subjected to royal expectations.
Partying in our 20s is seen as scandalous around here. Dontcha know? Someone pass thee smelling salts!!
I think it’s more than her being an American. I think it’s racism and classism.
Did anyone else read Piers Morgan’s account of how Meghan and her costar from Suits were all BFF with him and then dropped him when she started talking to Harry? IDK I usually stick up for her, but his story tho
Piers Morgan is a trouble maker, he’s like Trump always changing his views to jump on the popular bandwagon. Nobody should listen to that twit.
Lol. Who takes anything Piers Morgan says seriously? He’s a racist troll.
Piers Morgan is having a snit because he’s a tabloid bottom feeder who thought two tv acrots were his friends? They were there to promote their tv show, not become best buddies. Harry has every reason to hate Piers, given his role as Mirror editor during the phone hacking scandal. None of Morgan’s claims to innocence ring true; he was mired deep in that and pretends otherwise. I’m sure as soon as Meghan was introduced to Harry, and told him she had just had an interview with Morgan, he told her the facts about him.
He’s just put out that he didn’t realize that Meghan’s outreach to him was a part of the promotional aspect of her job on Suits. No fool like an old fool. It’s hilarious that he thought that her sharing spoilers from the show wasn’t part of an official PR campaign, and not only approved by the showrunners, but directed by them, but her risking her job by telling unauthorized secrets to a friend. This fool clearly thinks he’s the second coming of Truman Capote. Bless his heart.
@Elena
Wasn’t Piers the one that tried to hit on her and she basically shot him down? I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s why he chooses not to have a favourable opinion about her.
No that was Ashley Cole a footballer, he was married to Cheryl Cole/Tweedy.
I’m more disturbed by the fact that she was ever friendly with him, than the fact she ghosted him.
This! Face it, everyone in the showbiz world knows who and what Morgan really is… Meghan wasn’t new to this country, she visited many times.
Piers also likes to brag that he was friends with Diana, when in reality she invited him to Kensington Palace for a lunch to make sure she kept him friendly towards her so he wouldn’t write hit pieces like is doing now to Meghan. He also stopped following Kim Kardashian when pictures emerged of her large bum on the beach and seemed clear she has had surgery to make it so. Isn’t he a married man? He is a fickle twit.
Once one has worked in the top of the echelons, resigns or is asked to resign because your boss resigned, Sir Christopher Geidt; The Private Secretary to the Sovereign is the senior operational member of the Royal Household of the Sovereign of the United Kingdom. The Private Secretary is the principal channel of communication between the monarch and the governments in each of the Commonwealth realms. They also have responsibility for the official programme and correspondence of the Sovereign.
Samantha reported directly to Sir Christopher Geidt. She was very kind to accept the 6 months with the sixth in line TRH D&D of Sussex. I believe she has a different plan in her personal/career life.
I work for the biggest sector (to keep private) company worldwide, we (all the employees) know if you are ‘downgraded’ so to speak, to go back to the top is more then likely Mission Impossible; its resigning and building your resume/Curriculum elsewhere.
I don’t know if she’s a diva, and honestly I think 99% of these stories are made up or blown way out of proportion. With leaks perhaps coming from someone who benefits from the rift between W&K and H&M. The breakup of the Fab Four before they even took off. Hmmm who could possibly be jealous of his heir’s popularity overshadowing him just as he’s moments away from securing that throne…?
However… if Meghan really did think she was going to marry into the blinking ROYAL family and get ‘stuff done’, she’s incredibly naive. Did Harry tell her nothing about how courts work? It’s like she got her idea of royalty via Hallmark films. They’re not kids anymore.
Protocol and hierarchy are the foundation of royal courts. Change and innovation are threats to their existence. She’s not well prepared for this – she couldn’t be, as it was all done so fast – and honestly I blame Harry for not opening up more resources for her to understand what things are like. If any of these stories are true, it does sound like they rushed to bring Meghan into the fold without properly preparing her for it, and now it’s all a hot mess.
I’m a biracial WOC, and an American – a Californian in fact, of a similar age and educational background to Meghan who has lived and worked in London. I don’t think Meghan is a “diva”, I think Meghan knows what she wants and goes after it with gusto… possibly sometimes at the expense of everything else. There isn’t anything wrong with that, except as other commenters have said, it’s a direct clash to the British way of doing things.
As far as both pecking order and tenure, she’s the lowest of the working “young” royals, and I could see that fact in particular ruffling feathers, especially when she came into the dynamic so suddenly (compared to Kate). She likely wants what she wants, how she wants it, when she wants it, like American bosses tend to (myself included), and I can see how that might have her staff and other courtiers wondering just who she thinks is. I think Meghan would be better served by slowing down, and learning the system before trying to change it.
As for all the rest of the recent stories, I don’t think she deserves this sort of smear campaign, not at all, but I also think that deep down, she may not be all sugar and spice. She is a social climber of marked accomplishment, though many of us are, and let’s face it, she can run intellectual circles around Harry. Do I think she loves him? No, I think she’s very fond of him, not least because he’s given her the role of a lifetime. Does he love her? I think he does, or thinks he does at least – he comes across as stubborn, and I could see him doubling down on his relationship with her just because his family pushed back at it. Plus, he’s wanted a wife and a family of his own for quite sometime. But either way, just because Harry loves her, it doesn’t mean anyone else in his family has to. And just because people criticize her… it doesn’t mean it’s always about race.
I agree with a lot of what you said, as a WOC who has also worked in London, your experience mirrors mine.
I also agree with your view on Meghan, she seems to be someone who prioritises relationships that will further her career/image, she reached out to Piers Morgan, was photographed with z list british celebrities upon her first arrival in britain but never met with them again once she started dating Harry, the clooneys etc. She’s a bona fide social climber of the highest order, and given how far she has reached, one can only admire her ambition.
But I genuinely think (and hope) that Meghan is as in love with Harry as she seems.
Sophie does over 200 engagements a year, is married to a man far away from the throne, and no one tells her to slow down. All this keeps looking like is W&K angry because Meghan showed up, got to work, and showed up all of their silly excuses.
Say it louder for the people in the back.
Sophie was in trouble in the beginning. I know you know that. She had to adjust to the culture, also, and now that she does hard work with looking for fame and cheers, the British love her.
I don’t think Meghan’s DNA will allow her to take that path.
She wasn’t in trouble from the beginning. She was never supposed to be a working royal. It was after a deliberate entrapment scandal that she and Edward became working royals.
I guess you haven’t noticed how Meghan is doing engagements without the press in attendance. Doesn’t fit your fame whore narrative of her. Not surprised.
Also, it’s funny, because Sophie has been pictured being rude to her staff, and there have been rumours affirming as much. And yet, she wasn’t treated to this type of rhetoric. No one told her to slow down, stop doing so much and expecting so much from her staff, etc. It blew over to the point where no one remembers it anymore. Funny how that happened.
Thank you, nota. I’m not surprised either. It’s the same Tumblr, RG/RD and The Fail narratives, just under a different nickname.
and why is it always the white women on here who never like woc opinions? No, not everything is from nasty tumblr land, which many of the commenters here frequent themselves. things that make you go hmmmm
Totally agree Mereley! I’m biracial as well. Its not always race!
Yeah, it is actually possible to be neither a Meghan hater or a fan. You make a lot of very good points. I agree she’s a social climber, more of a self-made one, which I guess is seen more favourably than being propped up or enabled by family, like Kate. I don’t begrudge her for it any more than I do Kate. And I really don’t understand the comparisons between her and Kate in how they landed their respective princes – there is no comparison. Dating the heir at 21 is different than dating the spare at 35.
I personally wouldn’t speculate on whether she loves him or not, but they look like there’s a lot of passion between them. I do believe she embellished the “we were set up on a blind date and I knew nothing about him” story because that was what Harry wanted to hear. She saw an opportunity and went for it. More power to her. The only problem I have with that is she chose to marry into the life of unaccountable privilege and luxury at taxpayer expense, and in that way she’s no better or worse than the rest of them royals.
I’m confused by all the confusion…
It seems that Meghan was given staff when she first came on-board…staff that knew the ropes and could set her on the right path…and now that staff is leaving after several months so that she can choose her OWN staff…
To me that makes perfect sense….
Another non story. Samantha Cohen was working at B P and had planned to retire from there, but before that on the suggestion of the Queen was sent to work with both Harry and Meghan, for six months. The fact that she has extended until after the birth of the baby shows that she is happy to work for the couple. This story in DM was just yet another in a long line of attempts to destroy Meghan’s character through a smear campaign, clearly in collusion with some insiders. The harassment of a someone new to Britain, and a first time mother to be, is thoroughly disgusting.
+1000
She is an American of colour. I m sorry but I can’t help but think that this mess has a lot to do with racism and it s about a foreign woman of colour entering a rather traditional all white family,who need her to learn her place. Below them. And I am speaking as a white European woman.
I agree!
I could see where you would think that but I honestly see it being more of a culture clash than race. More than any other article written on here since the Meghan diva frenzy began, this makes the most sense to me! We Americans do have a very different way of communicating, and this is probably why she is mistaken as a diva when she is probably not one at all.
Do you understand the British royal system, one of the most hierarchical systems on earth?? You don’t come in, say you are going to shake things up, talk about abortion when in Ireland, not wear stockings, think you are going to pick your own charities in this system and not get blowback. It is just what it is. I always wondered what she was thinking joining a system where she had to give up her voice, and this is why I think she married for the fame she was striving for her entire life.
Cause otherwise, why join a system that steals your autonomy and voice. MM is smart. She had to know this. And now, she is seeing what they do to those who step out of line firsthand. No recent events and a move to the place where Wallis is buried.
Someone isn’t subtle here.
It has a great deal to do with race, as much as some like to pretend it doesn’t or skirt around the issue. It has many royal watchers and possibly staff in a tizzy, the idea that this confident WOC is energized to work.
It’s certainly exacerbated by it. I know a lot of people are like, “Oh, it’s not because she’s black, it’s because she’s AMERICAN you see,” but the truth is that you’re not really treated better if you’re British and Black either.
Why do people blame everyne and everything and kate and william and the queen and charles but meghan?
as for her charitable ventures, giving a speech, one celebrity trip to africa and a letter doesn’t make her mother teresa.
She’s ambitious. runs over people and has an agenda for herself. looking out for your own is how actors/celebrities work. In a firm or any company, your work needs to benefit the firm. She hasn’t worked besides around fringes of hollywood till she got suits. I don’t think she knows how to work in a professional environment like a company.
Or maybe they just want to hire their own staff to ensure their loyalty and minimize press leaks.
There are so many degrees between Donald Trump and Mother Teresa. I’m sure she’s 100% a nicer/better person than Trump but I’m sure she’s not perfect all the time. I read that her ex (Cory) dumped her because she was name dropping and asking for special treatment wherever they went. Maybe that’s a false rumour but he’s been pretty discrete otherwise. Her ex pr said that she was partic about her image refusing to drink out of a gimicky glass in a restaurant and walking out of one of the Sultan of Brunei’s hotels. None of this is particularly bad behaviour if it’s true it just shows someone who is very determined.
I saw her snap at Harry during Eugenie’s wedding. He was interrupting her whilst she was talking to Zara. She gave him look and a hand gesture and then rolled her eyes at Zara. Very sharp. I think she would make her displeasure known to staff. Don’t forget they’re not really her staff. She’s not paying them, they work for the palace as does she.
Oh please, it was a conversation and you and l have no idea what was said. But on the basis of a few seconds of body language you are happy to confirm she is a diva of the worst kind.
princessK – I didn’t say she was a Diva, I said she knew her own mind and was particular. Those are qualities many business people share without being called divas. Maybe that’s code for Diva but I didn’t mean it as such. She’s obviously very controlled, I have very successful friends like that. Polar opposites to me, it’s just their personality type doesn’t stop them being lovely people. I think she wears the trousers with Harry and maybe that’s what he needs. Hopefully he won’t tire of it.
Samantha C. has done a great job in the interim position. Excited to see whom they will ultimately hire.
It’s not as if staff changeovers are unusual with a new regime. My guess is that the Palace asked Samantha to stay on for awhile longer so as not to increase instability as the Sussexes prepare to move and have a baby, and retain their own handpicked staff. Samantha got some sort of royal order from the Queen, who I’m guessing really likes her, and Samantha agreed to stay on a bit longer for the sake of continuity and the last possible disruption.
The tabloids will do anything to keep this going.
I think the expectations of these people are absurd. People marry in for advantage, and that includes Meghan. Why people expect any of them to be self-effacing angels is beyond me.
Cohen was planning to leave before the wedding. She agreed to stay and take on the work of helping Meghan for six months. It’s been six months. No drama.
As an American who lives in Toronto, I would say Meghan would have encountered cultural differences here already. Canadian friends don’t like my loud off the cuff discussions because they are worried strangers may hear. They are a bit pearl clutching like the Brits. And we as Americans, at least where I am from in Ny are taught to be loud to be heard and to show we mean business. I cannot off switch it always, it feels unnatural. I also am far chattier than most Canadians. I am used to chatting with strangers in queue, whereas Canadians find it odd like you must be mentally ill to try to strike up a convo with you. I also do not get approached by men like I did in the states. Canadian men seem frightened to approach. Loads of cultural differences. I also have heard would you mind etc at work, the politeness makes it so difficult to identify the highest priority. I am used to drop everything, focus on this more blunt mentality. My bluntness at times comes across as rude and Meghan is probably experiencing the same thing. Americans are just straight forward. We cut to the chase.
This is really funny, because I’m from Toronto, and I’ve moved to other parts of Canada since, and the first complaint I get from everyone else in Canada about Toronto is, “You’re all loud and obnoxious and rude af and think you’re the center of the world and have no concern for anyone else except yourselves.”
I will agree Torontonians are very hard to make close friendships with and appear self involved. In the states, I had reliable friends who hung out with me weekly. I am lucky to hang out with my “friends” in Toronto once a month. They come across to me as too self involved to forge long lasting bonds with people or they’ve had the same 3 friends since hs or university and you will only be second tier. I have been here 7 years and obviously havent met my tribe yet.
Canada is a huge country; your experience in one small part of it doesn’t necessarily pertain to all “Canadians” everywhere else.
I was only speaking about Toronto given Meghan lived there also. I have been to BC and hope to move out there one day.
As for the supposed 5am texts, so long as she doesn’t demand immediate action (and there has been no suggestion of that) I don’t see the problem. Some bosses are early risers and email their staff when they think of something, with the understanding that the staff will read and handle when they get in the office.
The most ridiculous aspect of the supposed 5 am e-mails/texting is this assertion that, “Oh, BRITISH people NEVER do that, they RESPECT working hours you see!” As if 1) that’s somehow true (it’s really not) and 2) that somehow means that any of them feel any less entitled to your time or your attention, or the unearned credit for the fruits of your labour.
Okay. If you have that sort of working culture in the UK, I am sorry for you. Most of us do not.
Poor meghan i feel worse and worse for her. Thousands of malicious, truly disturbing ppl hating on her daily.
Many of the ‘thousands’, are a group of trolls with multiple identities. I recently stumbled across a site where they identified a particular Meghan supporter who posts on DM and these trolls, who l know on DM, were plotting on how to keep an eye on this Meghan supporter who l also recognise and who l often support on DM. I was amazed at the lengths these troll nutcases go to. I read this all on a site where they worship Cressida Bonas. 🙄
It probably also explains why so many of my messages in support of Meghan get removed, the trolls probably have me as a target and routinely report my posts. When I tell the truth I am often accused of being Meghan’s PR. 🙄
what!? where? Are you serious?
I am serious. I tried to post the links here but they have been removed, probably because the links to such sites break rules.
I hope they choose staff of the same caliber as ELF and Samantha Cohen. Professionals, who have experience in philanthropy and have had experience in media training. None of these friends of friends who will learn on the job.
I know Beyonce is somewhat comme-ci comme-ca in these parts, but, as she said, “A diva is a female version of a hustler.”
And while I think patriotism is a rather dull exercise, it’s not as if America got its independence by strictly sending memos only after 9:30 am and starting them off with, “If it’s not too much of an inconvenience, would you mind terribly if we just popped out for a bit and be independent? Do let us know. Thank you.”
Jokes aside, I call bullshit on the cultural differences excuse. In my experience, British people are no less entitled than their American counterparts. Just because they choose to hide their entitlement behind polite language doesn’t make it any less than what it is. More accomplished people than I have made fun of the British propensity for entitlement and pushiness, long before any of us were around. If anyone wants any further proof of that, ask any British lay person their opinion on the Empire. Or even better, ask anyone of the chumps who voted for Brexit what they think the deal with the EU should look like.
At any rate, I think the smear campaign over the last couple of weeks has to do with the fact that H&M are separating their operation from W&K. I don’t know the exact logistics, but what is likely to me is that pending their move to Frogmore, they’ll be getting a fresh set of staff that they will hire closer to the move. But more importantly, I don’t think they’ll be retaining too much of their staff from Kensington Palace. And I think that, after they do move, W&K (and Poor Jason) will be letting some people go, because it’ll just be the two of them as opposed to three. And my conspiracy theory is that these leaks are coming from someone who is not happy about losing their job in the future.
I’m a British lay person. I think the Empire was a racist, colonialist colossal error that directly caused the vast majority of misery in the Middle East and in much of Africa today. Are some Brits entitled? Sure. The chumps who voted for Trump are too.
I do agree about her having an American work ethic. A good thing. I also think she does view this as a career–the charity and philanthropy stuff whereas other royals view it as a lifestyle. She worked all her life and she is ready to keep working. Not a bad thing at all. We Americans are often viewed unfavorably by Brits and Europeans, because of differences like these and snobbery, and this is a reflection of that.
I’m neither Brit nor American but i have been living and working in various European capitals, in Asia and in Africa for more than decade. The first i’ve ever heard of this legendary American work ethic is here on these comment sections, and have worked with plenty of Americans before. I can assure you that hard work isn’t the preserve of Americans.
However I can certainly attest to the West European snobbery towards Americans, i find it is more a matter of culture and history, basically they think the US has none. Foreign policy also has a lot negative influence and not just since the Trump years.
That being said, they are also snobbish towards each other and the rest of the world, but it isn’t socially acceptable to say so, as it is seen as “punching down”, as opposed to deriding Americans.
Very worthy points by Kaiser here, about her being American and having a different work outlook and process. That may source be much of the tension and miscommunication, if in fact it exists. There’s nothing wrong with hiring staff for a new royal that fits his/her work style, whether it be laid back or more active and intense. Different strokes for different folks.
This thing about her early rising; if she gets up early, so be it, she should have staff who are comfortable working those hours to accommodate her work style. She’s the focus of her own office.
However – always the spoiler – it should be noted that although Meghan is the head of her own ‘chain of command’ of her own staff/office, she’s not her own boss. She now works for the Crown, and the monarch, who heads up The Firm she joined and who also signs checks that fund her efforts. (technically Charles right now, but he will step up soon enough. And after that – William).
All efforts of junior royals are in service to the monarchy and are to support that institution, they aren’t working for their own independent glory or spotlight. Not saying that’s Meghan’s issue – she hasn’t actually done enough public royal work for anyone to judge her in that area imo, and so far she’s been fine – just pointing that’s the essence of royal work and those are the parameters successful royals work in. It’s the nature of that Business (capital “B” intentional).
Longtime reader, first time commenter!
Something I don’t think I’ve seen people discussing yet is the nuance of the role of royal staff for a new royal. I would suggest that maybe they see themselves as working for “the royal family” rather than Megan, so their job is not simply work for her, but to help bring her in to the “way things are done”.
To me, the big disconnect could be simply that royal staff are perhaps expecting their role to be to help Megan adjust and learn the ropes. They may not see their role in the way I see being described above i.e. take directions from a “boss”, and if Megan is expecting them to act as “her employees”, that’s going to cause potential tension as they figure this out.
I do think it’s a bit more complex than “she’s American”. (I’m British and I work in the US and it’s not that big a culture difference.) I would think the bigger learning curve is that the “royal staff” role is not the same as “celebrity’s staff” role.
Meghan the big, bad, demanding, pushy, early rising, American diva making English roses cry and quit their jobs. Lmao. I cannot take this crap seriously.
I have staff, I am American, and I don’t think they should simply do as I say except in case of emergency. That includes household staff. Managing staff is a continual effort.
If you don’t think your staff should simply do as you say, what should they do? Should they do as they see fit, regardless of what you say. If you ask them to do something within a certain timeframe and the decided to ignore you, what would you do…nothing? This isn’t how you manage staff. sorry. I understand not managing like a dictator.. but at the end of the day YOU have the final word.
God bless. Best post ever. I will never utter a complaint again you are so appreciated
I’ve noticed Samantha Cohen before and she always looks so happy at the various outings. I doubt you could fake that for such an extended period. Princess Anne also looked so happy and relaxed talking with Meghan and she’s one of my touchstones when I’m watching events. If Princess Anne is suffering a fool not so gladly that pretty much settles my opinion too. Ha ha. I just wish all the press going on made the same thing made clear here, it was always going to be temporary and this is just a non-issue. While I’ve pretty much sworn off the comments (not just here), even though I’m probably missing some insightful things from the commenters I love reading here. Simply, I love Meghan (but I won’t drop in @Kaiser’s dm’s about it) and the ongoing hate isn’t something I have to invite into my life. There’s just never going to be simple discussions of perceived merits, or not, without the taint of her race being an issue, but often disguised as valid points. That’s how racists work. So whilst not everyone who dislikes Meghan is a racist, you can’t read open discussions without that immediately being one of the first things to come up versus the racially charged “English Rose” in the other corner. So you go Meghan, keep your dad out of your life, keep doing as much meaningful work as you can and enjoy your husband and baby on the way. Watching the Royal Family and dissing or liking the clothes and the jewels, the JEWELS people, cute babies, little squabbles, is one of my distractions that I plan to keep around, minus tabloids and comments, just give me shiny pictures dahling.
Someone here described Meghan once as “Olympic level networker”, which I believe she is, or she would not have gotten as far in her pervious career as she did. There is nothing wrong with being ambitious and hard-working, but in my experience these qualities do not go together with being “friendly and kind to everyone”. I am not saying these qualities are mutually exclusive but being “friendly and kind to everyone 24/7” does not get you very far, if you want to make your own fortune. Meghan simply needs to adapt and realise how far she can actually go; her current employer is very, very different from anything she has experienced before, and completely different rules apply at this Firm. Also, I doubt whether Harrry is being at all helpful: they are madly in love and expecting their first child, so I suppose “reality checks” won’t be on their agenda for quite some time.
I just don’t understand. MM goes from being an actress and having to work, or find work as much as she can, to giving it all up…then she gets ridiculed and lambasted for wanting to work and contribute?
Ugh.
Given that Diana and Fergie were also put in their places, so to speak, it is certainly worth considering that that place is not explicitly racial but much more broadly hierarchical in nature. That is not to say racism doesn’t exist but not following royal protocol historically results in huge pushback within the Firm and the scenario with Meghan has all the indicators of it.
Meghan would have had to have been made aware of this dynamic before she entered and it and I think it is a huge factor in people not wanting to marry into the British Royal Family because it most certainly is not a fairytale for anyone with a shred of independence. Everything must be according to their dictates or that person will face consequences. I think it is particularly hard for Americans to grasp because we are intrinsically independent. Kate seems ok with living within those constrictions but I can see most people wanting to exist the system once they realize it is a system that can’t be bucked without great personal consequence.