Since stepping away from royal duties in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have remained in the spotlight, but recent allegations suggest turmoil behind the scenes. As they celebrated Harry’s 40th birthday over the weekend, reports emerged claiming that the Duchess of Sus𝓈ℯ𝓍 instills fear among her staff, with one source describing her as a “dictator in high heels.”

An insider revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that “everyone’s terrified of Meghan,” noting her tendency to belittle others and disregard advice. The source characterized both Harry and Meghan as “poor decision-makers” who frequently change their minds. “Harry is charming—no airs at all—but he’s very much an enabler. And she’s just terrible,” the insider added.

Another source elaborated on Markle’s alleged behavior, stating, “She marches around like a dictator in high heels, fuming and barking orders.” This individual claimed to have witnessed Markle reduce grown men to tears, emphasizing her relentless nature.

The couple has experienced high staff turnover over the years, with Markle’s top aide and private secretary leaving in 2021, followed by their chief of staff’s departure just three months into the role last month. Josh Kettler, a consultant based in Santa Barbara, resigned after a brief stint, and Toya Holness, their global press secretary, left in 2022.

This is not the first time Markle has faced scrutiny regarding her treatment of employees. Buckingham Palace conducted an investigation in 2018 into her behavior toward two royal aides, which was labeled as “bullying behavior.” Although no findings were made public, Markle dismissed the claims as a “calculated smear campaign.”

Since distancing themselves from the royal family, Harry and Markle have made their home in Montecito, California. Meanwhile, royal expert Kinsey Schofield recently suggested that Markle regrets some of her statements made during their exit from royal life. “Meghan does regret certain statements that she made,” Schofield noted, adding that the couple did not receive the reception Markle had anticipated, and that several of her comments had “backfired.”