Bea del Rio in CultureFeminism

REAL TALK: Meghan Markle is NOT to blame for her staff’s quick turnover

Prince Harry and Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle have a lot on their plates right now, what with Meghan’s pregnancy, and their transition to Frogmore Cottage on top of their royal duties. They have plenty to deal with—and the tabloids constantly attacking Meghan certainly doesn’t help.

Everything the duchess does seem an invitation for many to pick at her. When one of their royal staff member, Amy Pickerill, announced her resignation, it was enough to get the rumor mill running again. With news of Amy’s departure, people automatically assumed that she quit suddenly because she couldn’t take the duchess anymore. Trolls and haters saw it as more than enough proof of how Meghan is the type who’s impossibly difficult to work with. It’s not the first time this type of accusation has come up after all. Last December, when Meghan’s PA quit, tabloids were quick to paint a picture of her as this bossy b*tch who makes outrageous demands. Reports include how her staff were allegedly “reduced to tears” and how she would email them instructions at 5 a.m. She was even given the nickname “Duchess Difficult.” I know, so rude. According to Vanity Fair, “The rumors surrounding Meghan Markle have escalated in recent months to the point where Prince Harry reportedly ‘feels powerless’ to stop them.”

Before you join the hate train though, make sure to read up. Contrary to what most believe, the rumors seem to be unfounded.

A Kensington Palace source explains to Harper’s Bazaar, “Amy is leaving after the arrival of the baby. The Duchess will be very sad to see her go, but is excited for her as Amy has exciting plans ahead including spending some time abroad. Amy had originally planned on staying until at least the end of the year, but with the baby coming, it makes sense to help recruit someone now who can pick up when The Duchess returns to her official work. They will definitely stay in touch and Amy will be on hand for any advice and help that is needed in the future.” The publication further confirms that Kensington Palace “has known about [Amy]’s decision to leave for several months, so her departure isn’t a shock.”

As for her PA’s departure last December and her reputation of being hated by the staff, reports refute that too. Per Elle’s royal source, Meghan’s staff actually admire her drive. The magazine wrote that Meghan is in fact “well liked” and that her staffers are “excited by her ideas and enthusiasm.” Additionally, “Though she has been cast as the royal who wants to shake things up, the source says that Meghan is eager to learn from the staff about royal protocol and has been taking her lessons in stride.”

And since we’re addressing rumors, let’s talk about the persisting one about her alleged beef with Kate Middleton. Ever since Meghan joined the family, people seem keen to brew drama between them. The news of Harry and Meghan moving to their own home on the Windsor Estate, instead of being neighbors with William and Kate, only fueled that. Many assume the move was because Meghan and Kate can’t stand each other. Sorry, gossip-mongers, try again. Per Vanity Fair’s royal correspondent, Katie Nicholl, the tension lies not in the women, but in their hubbies. “The rumblings that Meghan and Kate Middleton are feuding might be rooted in some tension between Prince William and Harry.” This, she said, might be the real reason Harry and Meghan are moving away from their in-laws. “Kate and Meghan are very different people and they don’t have a lot in common but they have made an effort to get along,” a royal source reportedly told Katie. “Any issues are between the brothers.”

If you can see a pattern at all with these rumors—attacks, more like—against Meghan, it’s that they’re all so clearly sexist. Let’s dissect “Duchess Difficult,” for example. Meghan is clearly an ambitious, passionate, strong-willed woman—all positive traits required of a leader. But it’s been translated to demanding, difficult, high-maintenance. Come on. She’s not one to be idle and clearly wants to use her new position in society to make a change—that takes hard work. Give the duchess credit.

And with regards to her staff’s quick turnover, Refinery29 speaks the truth when they pointed out that with Meghan and Harry preparing for their first wedding anniversary, expecting their first child, renovating and moving into Frogmore Cottage, and splitting courts with Prince William and Kate Middleton, “During this time, staff has come alongside them to aid in the transition, and not all of the roles were permanent from the onset.” Adding, “Upon closer inspection, a lot of the [staff] turnover and changes can be explained by the life changes in the couple’s lives and the evolution of their roles within the royal family. They are splitting courts, which has less to do with Prince Harry and Meghan moving to Frogmore Cottage and more to do with Prince Harry and Prince William’s roles looking different with time.”

And of course there’s that gossip about her feud with Kate that just won’t die. Why do people need to pit women against other women? It’s an old narrative we desperately need to move past. And I would like to point out that seeing how Meghan is an outspoken feminist who constantly talks about the importance of women lifting each other up, I doubt she’s one to start a cat fight.

Anyway. I’m probably much more affected with these rumors than the duchess herself. Katie told Entertainment Tonight that despite reports of drama, she is at the “happiest period of her life.” Katie told the site: “Behind the scenes, she and Harry are really happy at the moment.” Adding, “They are super excited about the spring birth of their baby. They are very much looking forward to moving into their new home in Frogmore Cottage.” Good for the duchess! Haters be damned.

Photo courtesy of @hrhofsussex’s Instagram account

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