Royal expert Simon Vigar has identified a "culture clash" with palace aides as the root of Meghan Markle's difficulties within the Royal Family, a tension he describes as avoidable and marred by egos on both sides.
Expert's Analysis of the Sussexes' Split
In his new book, The Four Wives of Windsor, the long-serving royal correspondent examined the breakdown. Speaking to Fox News, Vigar said: "There was a culture clash there. I think it's a crying shame. It was avoidable, and egos got in the way on both sides."
He added: "I think she thought that there would be more control over public events than there was. The narrative now is that the British media were always against Harry and Meghan. That is not how I remember it, and many of my colleagues remember it."
First Engagement and Growing Tensions
Vigar, who covered the Sussexes' tours, recalled Meghan's early promise, noting: "Harry and Meghan were great. I saw her on her first engagement in Nottingham. She was brilliant with the crowds. She was an absolute natural, which is why it's so sad that they're not part of [the working royals] now."
He observed that the Duchess was accustomed to a public life where "everything was micromanaged in a far more controlled environment," writing: "Those levels of Hollywood control-freakery, as courtiers say, are incompatible with the public service role of the monarchy."
Aides' Perspectives and Cultural Differences
Quoting an anonymous senior staffer, Vigar wrote: "My overall sense is Meghan realised it was hard work and not that glamorous. It's not about you." A senior aide described Meghan's schedule as "intense," noting she grasped the "show bit" of the Royal Family but not "the cultural side."
Vigar argued: "Harry understood it. Meghan, by her own admission, didn't know much about the British royal family or who some of them were. It was just a different level of expectation." He contrasted her with other royal wives: "Whereas Catherine, Camilla, Diana, who was an aristocrat and the most aristocratic of all four of them, just understood the British family more. I think the problem was it was a culture clash. It's an American lady marrying into the most upper-class British family possible."
Palace Response and Allegations
A number of palace aides left their positions while working for Harry and Meghan, with some making allegations about Meghan's treatment of them, which she has denied. Kensington Palace said it does not comment on books, and a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stated: "This is not something we would comment on."
