Allegations of inappropriate conduct toward staff by Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, have resurfaced, drawing attention to past workplace dynamics. A report details an instance where the Duchess allegedly ignored a young job applicant for an extended period before dismissing her without explanation.
This account, shared by a friend with contacts in the Royal Household, is one of several anecdotes that have emerged. Another incident described Meghan berating staff at Soho House Istanbul in 2015 over a room issue. These accounts have been linked to the term 'Sussex Survivor Squad,' a nickname reportedly used by individuals who worked for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
In 2021, palace officials confirmed an inquiry into claims that the Duchess's behavior had driven two personal assistants to leave their positions and undermined a third. Reports at the time suggested that some staff members felt traumatized, with some comparing their experiences to post-traumatic stress. The Royal Household commissioned a third-party law firm to investigate these allegations.
The first publicly noted departure was that of Meghan's personal assistant, Melissa Toubati, in 2018, just six months after her marriage to Prince Harry. A senior Palace source at the time acknowledged Toubati's talent and stated she would be missed, a remark interpreted by some as indicating dissatisfaction with her sudden departure.
Further details emerged in 2018 when Jason Knauf, then the Sussexes' communications secretary, reportedly wrote to Simon Case, Prince William's private secretary. Knauf expressed concern that the Duchess had allegedly forced two PAs out of their roles within a year, describing the treatment of one individual as unacceptable and stating the Duchess seemed intent on targeting someone for bullying.
Palace aides confirmed in 2022 that the bullying report's findings would not be made public, stating only that the review had concluded and resulted in recommendations for policy and procedure updates. The Duchess has consistently denied the allegations, with her legal team describing them as a "calculated smear campaign." A spokesperson for the Duchess stated she has been the target of bullying herself and is committed to supporting those who have experienced pain and trauma.
Questions have been raised as to why the Duke and Duchess have not publicly called for the report's release, a step that could potentially address ongoing staff recruitment challenges.