Meghan vs Posh
The duchess and designer at war!
With rumours of diva demands and behind-thescenes drama, the Duchess of Sussex seems to be developing something of a reputation.
And now, amid reports that three of her and husband Prince Harry’s staff members have quit in recent months, Woman’s Day can reveal it’s not just royal aides who have their hackles up.
A close source alleges a feud has erupted between Meghan, 37, and celebrity fashion designer Victoria Beckham over the duchess’ apparent refusal to wear the former Spice Girl’s clothing.
“Harry is good friends with David Beckham, so Victoria always assumed she and Meghan would become pals too. But Posh has been left hurt and appalled by the way she thinks Meghan has treated her. She’s fuming.”
While Meghan wore a VB jumper for her official engagement photos, the source claims Victoria’s team has sent numerous outfits to Meghan since her May wedding in the hope she’d again publicly support her brand, as well as fly the flag for British designers. But Victoria has been disappointed that she hasn’t yet stepped out in any of them.
And in a recently resurfaced interview from several years ago, the former Suits star says she’d never wear a Victoria Beckham dress because “I don’t have the long torso”.
“Victoria has been trying to not take things personally, but when Meghan refused to wear the latest frock she sent her, she decided to reach out directly,” claims our source. “Apparently, Victoria penned a letter to Meghan and said that while she respected her fashion choices, she asked if there was perhaps a deeper reason for the snub. She suggested it was inconsiderate to turn her nose up at all VB dresses and politely asked her to explain.
“She even offered to work alongside Meghan to custom-design anything she wanted. Victoria’s not heard back yet. Everywhere she goes in the world, people ask when Meghan will start wearing her clothing, so it’s all rather humiliating.”
Victoria, who attended Harry and Meghan’s wedding with David, has also reportedly told pals that the duchess has ignored several invitations to join her at social events.
“Victoria felt like she and David had a good relationship with Harry, and that would extend to whoever he married,” adds the source. “But Meghan seems to be actively ignoring her attempts at friendship. Posh says it’s got to the point where she seems plain rude.
“Victoria is all about morals, values and having respect for others, no matter what their status. She’s been extremely disappointed by Meghan.”
The alleged falling-out comes amid the revelation that three long-standing aides to the royal couple have quit their posts recently. Meghan’s personal assistant has handed in her notice just six months after starting the enviable job, as has the prince and duchess’ private secretary Samantha Cohen, who’s signing off after just 17 months. She took over the role in April, when Ed Lane Fox stepped aside after five years by Harry’s side.
It’s been suggested that the high turnover could be down to the stressful lead-up to the royal wedding, with new reports claiming Harry was “petulant and short-tempered” while his wife-tobe was allegedly rude to palace staff. In fact, royal biographer Robert Jobson claims in a new book that Harry “hit the roof” over a tiara.
Bride-to-be Meghan is said to have wanted a headdress with emeralds, but was refused after its origins could not be established. She eventually wore a diamond and platinum headpiece selected by the Queen, despite Harry, 34, allegedly telling staff previously “what Meghan wants, Meghan gets”.
“There was a very heated exchange that prompted the Queen to speak to Harry,” the author claims. “She said, ‘Meghan cannot have whatever she wants. She gets what tiara she’s given by me.’”
The Queen warned Harry that Meghan needed to mind how she spoke to staff and to make sure she follows “family protocol”, it says in the book. Her Majesty was also said to have questioned why Meghan needed to wear a veil as it was her second marriage.
Reports also emerged last week that pregnant Meghan’s closest palace ally, the Duchess of Cambridge, has been forced to intervene over her alleged “Hollywood expectations”.
Says our source, “Meghan’s come from a very different world and is doing her best to make sense of it all. While those around her might be frustrated, she knows that Harry is on her side. He is totally devoted to her and will fight for her.”