Samantha Cohen, who served as the private secretary to the late Queen Elizabeth II for 17 years, has recently spoken out about her time working alongside Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
In a candid interview with the Herald Sun, Cohen likened her experience with the couple to dealing with teenagers, citing challenges and frustrations during her tenure.
Having been appointed by Queen Elizabeth II to assist Prince Harry and Meghan, Samantha Cohen eventually resigned from her role as their private secretary in 2019.
Her departure came amidst reports of a tumultuous working relationship, as detailed in historian Valentin Law’s book, *Courtiers: The Hidden Power Behind the Crown*.
Cohen expressed feeling disheartened by the treatment she received, drawing parallels between her responsibilities and the complexities of managing adolescents.
Despite initially intending to stay for only six months, Samantha Cohen found herself extending her stay to a remarkable 18 years due to difficulties in finding a suitable replacement.
She recounted the struggles of officials in identifying a successor, highlighting the challenges faced in maintaining continuity within the royal household.
During a significant milestone in their royal duties, Prince Harry and Meghan embarked on a poignant 10-day tour across Africa in 2019, accompanied by their young son, Prince Archie.
The tour, which marked their final official engagement as senior members of the royal family, encompassed visits to Cape Town, Botswana, Angola, and Malawi, showcasing their commitment to charitable causes and global outreach.
In a revealing ITV documentary filmed during their African expedition, Meghan Markle expressed her vulnerability and emotional struggles in adjusting to royal life.
She candidly disclosed feeling unsupported by courtiers and grappling with the relentless media attention, shedding light on the personal challenges she faced amidst the public scrutiny.
Reflecting on her tenure with the late Queen Elizabeth II, Samantha Cohen praised Her Majesty’s humility and grace, emphasizing the monarch’s lack of ego and penchant for embracing imperfections.
Cohen fondly recalled moments when things did not go as planned, noting how the Queen found joy in unexpected mishaps that added a touch of spontaneity to her otherwise meticulously orchestrated affairs.
Following their African tour, Prince Harry and Meghan shocked the world with their decision to step down as senior members of the royal family.
Their final royal engagement in March 2020 marked the beginning of a new chapter as they relocated to the United States with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, seeking a more private and independent life away from the constraints of royal duties.