A new book detailing life behind palace doors has revealed surprising claims about Meghan Markle’s time as a working royal, including her struggles with royal traditions, her interactions with staff, and how her affectionate nature reportedly unsettled senior royals.
Yes Ma’am: The Secret Life of Royal Servants, written by Tom Quinn, provides firsthand accounts from former royal aides who worked closely with Prince Harry and Meghan. The book, excerpted in The Times, shares claims that Meghan’s American background made it difficult for her to adapt to royal customs, leading to tension behind the scenes.
Meghan’s ‘American Mannerisms’ Clashed With Royal Traditions
According to the book, Meghan was surprised by the structured hierarchy of the royal family. She reportedly struggled with the idea that certain members held more influence than others based on birth order rather than ability. One staffer alleged that Meghan found the royal family’s behavior “childish” and believed they “belittled Harry.”
Additionally, Meghan was said to be frustrated by the living arrangements at Nottingham Cottage, the small residence on the grounds of Kensington Palace that she and Harry occupied. She reportedly felt it was a reflection of how the royal family undervalued Harry.
Beyond protocol, the book claims Meghan’s tactile and expressive personality sometimes made senior royals uncomfortable. Her habit of hugging, a common gesture in the U.S., allegedly caught Prince William off guard. Staffers even speculated that Meghan’s warmth toward William was perceived as flirtation, which reportedly added to the tension between the brothers.
Royal Staff Gave Meghan Multiple Nicknames
During her time as a working royal, Meghan was given several nicknames by staff. The book claims that some employees referred to her as the “Duchess of Difficult,” while others called her “Mystic Meg” due to her interest in wellness and modern ideologies.
However, it wasn’t just palace staff who had a nickname for Meghan. The book also reveals that King Charles privately referred to his daughter-in-law as “Tungsten,” symbolizing her resilience and unyielding nature.
Despite early enthusiasm from the royal family, the book suggests that Meghan’s time within the institution was marked by misunderstandings and cultural clashes that contributed to her and Harry’s eventual departure.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.