A former senior royal butler has lifted the lid on the alleged toxic atmosphere created by Meghan Markle towards staff within the royal household, claiming her behaviour left experienced employees feeling 'humiliated' and 'terrified'.
Grant Harrold, who served the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall for over seven years, has spoken out in support of palace aides, suggesting the Duchess of Sussex's treatment of them was a significant contributing factor to the couple's eventual departure from royal life.
'A Culture of Fear' Within the Palace
Harrold's comments come in the wake of renewed scrutiny over the allegations, first reported in 2021, which prompted a internal investigation by Buckingham Palace. The findings of that inquiry were never made public.
The former butler stated that the claims did not surprise him, suggesting that 'where there's smoke, there's fire'. He described a working environment where long-serving, dedicated staff were allegedly reduced to tears and felt utterly demoralised.
Support for the Royal Household Team
Mr Harrold passionately defended the character of the royal staff, emphasising their unwavering professionalism and commitment. He described them as some of the most loyal and hardworking individuals, who are trained to maintain impeccable standards and discretion under immense pressure.
He expressed his sympathy for those who found themselves in a difficult position, caught between their duty and alleged mistreatment, noting that speaking out against a senior royal is an unthinkable act for most palace employees.
The Fallout and Move to America
These allegations are cited by many commentators as a pivotal moment that accelerated Prince Harry and Meghan's decision to step back as working royals. The subsequent Oprah Winfrey interview, where the couple discussed their struggles within the institution, failed to adequately address these specific claims from staff.
The ongoing tension between the Sussexes and the rest of the Royal Family continues to be a source of public fascination and media scrutiny, with this latest revelation adding another layer to the complex narrative.
