During their first royal tour in 2018, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, embarked on a 16-day journey across Australia, Fiji, Tonga, and New Zealand.
The couple garnered immense popularity as they engaged in a staggering 76 engagements and attracted massive crowds during their visit.
However, a new book by Times royal correspondent Valentin Lowe sheds light on Meghan Markle’s discontent with the concept of royal walkabouts.
In his book titled “Courtiers, the Hidden Power Behind the Crown,” Lowe reveals that Meghan Markle, who married Prince Harry in May 2018, struggled to comprehend the purpose of these walkabouts.
Despite enjoying the attention she received, the Duchess of Sussex found it difficult to understand the significance of shaking hands with countless strangers.
In fact, an unnamed staff member claims to have overheard Meghan exclaim, “I can’t believe I’m not getting paid for this.”
Nevertheless, Meghan’s informal and relatable approach to royal visits resonated with the Australian public.
The book highlights instances where Meghan’s actions were seen as inspirational.
For instance, during a visit to a farming family, she brought homemade banana bread, showcasing her down-to-earth nature.
Additionally, when the couple visited a school to observe a program aimed at improving the educational outcomes of young aboriginals, Meghan was hailed as an inspiring role model.
Behind the scenes, however, the book paints a different picture.
Meghan reportedly expressed her desire to bring in her own team rather than relying solely on palace staff, but encountered difficulties in doing so.
The author also suggests that Meghan was perplexed by the enthusiasm of royal fans, questioning why they would gather outside the Sydney Opera House.
The response from her team was a reminder that these individuals admired and supported the monarchy and the institution she represented.
Critics have seized upon Meghan’s complaints about unpaid walkabouts, accusing her of being out of touch with reality.
Meghan Cally, a commentator, sarcastically questioned whether Meghan expected to be paid more than the privileges she already enjoyed, such as living in a castle with full-time staff, chauffeurs, and access to Princess Diana’s jewels.
This revelation comes amid allegations of bullying behavior by Meghan towards her staff, detailed in Lowe’s book.
Furthermore, reports suggest that Meghan was reluctant to engage with junior staff during her time as a senior royal.
Relations between Meghan and the team at Kensington Palace reportedly deteriorated, with concerns raised about her treatment of certain staff members.
When approached by a senior aide regarding these concerns, Meghan allegedly responded, “It’s not my job to coddle people.”
In response to the bullying allegations, policies for staff working for the royal family have been revised, according to a senior palace source.
These changes reflect the need to address and prevent such behavior in the future, ensuring a healthier work environment for all involved.
The revelations in Valentin Lowe’s book provide a deeper understanding of Meghan Markle’s experiences during her early years as a member of the British royal family and shed light on the complexities of her role.