Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Is moody Meghan losing her sparkle?
‘Abrupt go-getter’ now ‘frustrating’ royal staff
Six months after the Duchess of Sussex’s fairytale wedding, it appears the honeymoon could indeed be over. After initially being wowed by ex-actress Meghan, royal sources suggest people behind the scenes are now feeling the strain of her “authoritative” nature.
And while many felt she would be the breath of fresh air the royals needed, there is a certain feeling of frustration developing.
Rumours of a falling out with sister-in-law the Duchess of Cambridge, a frequent “abrupt tone” and her apparent demands on staff have led to the Queen intervening.
And the very public fallout with her dad, followed by the rows with her extended family, have “raised more than a few eyebrows” among the family known as The Firm. Even a quiet word from Her Majesty in Harry’s ear after his apparent “What Meghan wants, Meghan gets” outburst has done little to quell the “whirlwind” blowing through the household.
With an unrelenting schedule and a perfectionist’s attitude, it is clear Meghan, 37, has thrown herself into royal life.
One key source revealed that when she revealed her intensions to “hit the ground running”, she gained much admiration.
But her attitude is since said to have changed from the “smiling, bright-eyed Meghan into something more imperious”.
Others suggest she has seemed particularly keen to shed her image as an actress who did racy photoshoots and steamy sex scenes, with her former career a “total no-go area” for conversation.
A source said: “On the face of it, Meghan does have it all. She’s intelligent, enthusiastic and has a
ON MOVE TO FROGMORE
different way of doing things, which can be very exciting.
“But the constant ‘go-getter’ persona is wearing thin among some in the household. Her attitude from the off was, ‘I want to know everything’. While that’s admirable, the whirlwind nature of it all is just not possible. There is so much to get to grips with. People feel she is putting too much pressure on herself and needs to realise there’s more to royal duty than learning the steps, making speeches.
“Some staff have even discussed how they can encourage her to slow down but, so far, it has been difficult.” Details of her unrelenting schedule have emerged, revealing apparent 5am texts, emails and even dawn calls to staff with various demands. Then there is the row over an emerald tiara Meghan wanted to wear for her wedding and reports emerging of a rift with the Duchess of Cambridge.
Kate was reportedly reduced to tears after Princess Charlotte’s bridesmaid dress fitting in the run-up to Meghan’s May wedding.
The 36-year-old, who had just given birth to Prince Louis, was said to be “feeling quite emotional”. Another source added: “It’s obvious the two women are pretty different and while they haven’t been involved in a soap opera-style falling out, they aren’t exactly the best of friends.
“But their lack of closeness could also be to do with the two brothers wanting to pursue their own lives and there’s no real desire to be spending every waking minute together.”
The Daily Mirror understands Meghan and Harry’s move to Frogmore Cottage at Windsor Castle was partly to do with William’s ambitions for Kensington Palace. The couple were reportedly set to enter opulent Apartment 1 at the palace, which will be renovated after the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester vacate it in the new year.
However, one source suggests that after William and Kate opted to remain in the palace once Charles becomes King, they also decided they want to have 21-room Apartment 1 and turn it into an array of “state rooms”.
A source said: “The plan would be to use the rooms for banquets and welcoming heads of states and honoured guests. Harry and Meghan were offered other accommodation within the palace but saw this as the perfect opportunity to get out of London and start afresh.”
Though both families will keep their offices at the palace, Meghan and Harry will have a 25-mile journey into London.
The source added: “On the one hand it’s felt the breathing space will be a good thing for all involved. But on the other, those early-morning calls just might get a little earlier.”