The rift between the Fab Four – Prince Harry, Prince William, Princess Kate, and Meghan Markle – first surfaced during the Christmas celebrations of 2018.
Reports suggest that the initial signs of discord emerged when separate parties were held by the royal couples to mark the festive season.
While Prince Harry and Meghan chose to stay at the Queen’s Sandringham estate, William and Kate hosted their celebration at Kensington Palace.
During an interview for Harry and Meghan’s Netflix documentary, Mr. Holt, former head of communications for the Royal Foundation, disclosed the shift from one big party to two distinct gatherings.
The split in festivities hinted at the growing divide within the royal households.
Notably, all royal staff members opted to attend William and Kate’s event at Kensington Palace, leaving Meghan and Harry’s Sandringham party devoid of any servants.
The Christmas of 2018 also witnessed allegations of bullying against Meghan Markle, with reports indicating a strained working environment for the palace aides.
Sources revealed that Meghan pressured the staff to outshine the Cambridges’ party, creating discomfort and exhaustion among the employees.
Consequently, two senior royal employees resigned, citing intimidation and mistreatment by the Duchess.
Jason Knopf, the couple’s former communications assistant, raised concerns about the bullying incidents involving two personal assistants.
The complaints highlighted Meghan’s alleged targeting of staff members and efforts to undermine their confidence.
Despite assurances of an internal investigation, the palace chose not to disclose the findings publicly, further fueling speculations of a strained dynamic within the royal household.
Recent polls reflect a significant disparity in public perception of the royal couples, with only 14% of respondents viewing Harry and Meghan as positive role models compared to 71% for William and Kate.
The survey also gauged opinions on succession, revealing a substantial 64% favoring the removal of Prince Harry from the line of succession, trailing behind Prince Andrew by 15%.
The revelations surrounding the failed Christmas bash and the subsequent bullying accusations have intensified scrutiny on the relationships within the royal family.
As the dynamics continue to evolve, the public’s perception of the royal couples remains polarized, underscoring the challenges faced by the monarchy in navigating internal conflicts and external perceptions.