Former palace staff members have come forward with intimate details about the stark differences between Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle's approach to royal life.
According to Daily Mail, palace insiders described Kate as "Meghan Markle without the messianic complex" in royal author Tom Quinn's new book "Yes, Ma'am: The Secret Life Of Royal Servants."
Staff members revealed that while both women came from similar upper-middle-class backgrounds, their methods of adapting to royal protocols and traditions differed significantly. Kate took a measured approach, carefully observing palace dynamics before making any changes, while Meghan displayed immediate confidence and attempted to implement changes from day one.
One former palace staff member shared thoughts about Meghan's initial approach during meetings at Kensington Palace:
It was extraordinary because she was so confident that you could see she wanted to run the meeting rather than learn about the Royal Family through the meeting. She was a great believer in grabbing the bull by the horns - except the Royal Family is not really a bull.
Staff described feeling uncomfortable with Meghan's determination to change long-standing traditions despite her limited experience with royal protocols. Multiple sources indicated that she expressed desires to become the most prominent and beloved member of the royal family.
Palace insiders praised Kate's patient approach to learning royal customs and traditions. She actively sought guidance from various sources, including Prince William, Queen Camilla, and her mother Carole Middleton. Her willingness to accept advice from both senior royals and lower-ranking staff members earned her respect throughout the palace.
Staff members noted that Kate understood certain royal traditions, like hunting, could not be changed despite her personal feelings about them. This pragmatic approach helped her navigate potentially controversial situations without creating unnecessary tension.
According to royal biographer Robert Lacey, William and Kate treat their staff like family members, following Queen Elizabeth's tradition of hosting Christmas parties and giving presents. Their paternalistic approach created a warm working environment despite relatively modest staff salaries.
Meghan's treatment of staff reportedly varied between excessive familiarity and irritation when they didn't immediately respond to requests. Former staffers claimed she seemed uncomfortable with Harry's deferential approach to palace employees, preferring a more direct Hollywood-style service culture.
Some palace employees formed what they called the "Sussex Survivors Club," with some reportedly experiencing symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder. However, Meghan's lawyers strongly denied all bullying allegations, describing them as a "calculated smear campaign."
Kate focused on supporting Prince William's position while gradually developing her own royal identity. She recognized the importance of not overshadowing other senior royals and worked within established hierarchies.
Meanwhile, Meghan struggled with what she perceived as unfair treatment compared to Kate. Former staff revealed tensions arose when Meghan's requests were denied because staff members worked for Kate, highlighting the complex nature of palace dynamics and protocols.
Both Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle encountered significant challenges transitioning from private citizens to royal family members. Their contrasting approaches to these challenges ultimately led to vastly different outcomes within the institution. Palace staff revealed that while both women faced similar initial skepticism due to their non-aristocratic backgrounds, Kate's patient and methodical integration proved more successful than Meghan's ambitious attempts at rapid change. Today, Kate continues her role as Princess of Wales while Meghan has stepped back from royal duties and relocated to California with Prince Harry.
