What ’ s the truth behind Meghan losing her PA?

Also last week, the Palace was hit with a number of damning reports concerning the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s staff. Meghan’s personal assistant was reported to have ‘quit suddenly’ after six months of service. The PA, thought to be known as ‘Melissa’, ‘played a pivotal role in the success of the royal wedding’, said a Palace representative. This comes after reports that Samantha Cohen – the couple’s secretary – has also left, following 17 years of service. These resignations, the report added, follow Edward Lane Fox’s departure in the summer. He was Prince Harry’s former private secretary and worked for him for 15 years.

Reports also suggested that the Queen ‘had words’ with Prince Harry during the wedding run-up over his ‘difficult’ bride; Meghan was allegedly upset after she was told it was ‘impossible’ for her to wear a tiara with emeralds (there were concerns that the jewels were Russian). According to royal correspondent Robert Jobson, during wedding preparations, a bellicose Prince Harry told staff, ‘What Meghan wants, Meghan gets.’

But what is the truth behind these stories? According to Jobson, Samantha – dubbed ‘the panther’ – was only an ‘interim private secretary who was always going to leave’. Equally, Ed Lane Fox’s resignation ‘was announced a long time before the wedding’, says an insider. These reports have led Palace aides to wonder why there is a negative tone towards Meghan.

Nonetheless, Meghan’s PA has left after six months, ‘Causing one to think, why is she going?’ says a source. ‘It’s not normal for aides to leave quickly,’ says Jobson. ‘There have been a number of fallings out and stories about Meghan being grumpy with staff.’ But royal correspondent Roya Nikkhah says, ‘The build-up to any wedding is difficult. Generally, Meghan is considered a welcome addition to the royal family who opens up the institution to more people.’