Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle Are Very Different in This Key Way, According to Royal Staffers
Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle are very different, according to royal staff. Still, they say Meghan is well-liked, in spite of rumors that she's been nicknamed "Duchess Difficult" by staff.


Rumors of a feud between Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle (opens in new tab) just won't die. Like the mythical Hydra, it seems that every the the Duchesses of Cambridge and Sussex (opens in new tab) try to squash a rumor, two grow back in its place. And it's not just rumors of a feud between the duchesses; the women are also compared on a regular basis and pitted against each other in every way imaginable.
One of the rumors that's plagued Meghan (opens in new tab) since she joined the royal family is that she's so difficult to work with that she's caused several members of the staff at Kensington Palace to quit. There were even rumors that she had earned the nickname "Duchess Difficult" among those who work with the royal family.
A source told People (opens in new tab) that “the most difficult job in the royal family is to work with Meghan’s ambitions and make them realizable."
So, is there any truth to the rumors that Meghan is an unrelenting diva (opens in new tab) who drives people to quit their jobs and flee? Unsurprisingly, the answer is a giant "nope." In fact, according to a royal source close to the Sussexes, who spoke with Elle.com (opens in new tab), rumors of Meghan being difficult (opens in new tab) to work with are "absolutely untrue." According to the source, Meghan is actually well-liked by the royal staff and hasn't caused any of them to quit.
According to Elle.com (opens in new tab), per their source, Meghan is, "anxious to learn about royal protocol and takes her new duties very seriously. She's a quick learner, and she’s receptive to the courtiers who have been providing her guidance and helping her adapt to her new life as a member of the royal family."
The truth comes down to another (unfair and unnecessary) comparison between Meghan and Kate (opens in new tab) and between their management styles, which are, by all accounts, very different. But, as a royal source explained, Kate and Meghan are "very different (opens in new tab) people with different styles," which isn't a bad thing.
tl;dr Meghan Markle's (opens in new tab) management style is different than Kate Middleton's (opens in new tab) because they're different humans with different personalities and working styles. Somehow, the rumor mill took that simple fact and turned it into the patently untrue, "Meghan is difficult and makes royal staff quit their jobs and run for the hills!"
RELATED STORIES
Kayleigh Roberts is the weekend editor at Marie Claire, covering celebrity and entertainment news, from actual royals like Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle to Hollywood royalty, like Katie Holmes and Chrissy Teigen. She’s a Ravenclaw who would do great things in Slytherin. To learn more about her, google “Leslie Knope eating salad GIF.
-
Selena Gomez’s New Hair Transformation Is So Major
The actress debuted super-long locks, freshly cut bangs, and an auburn hue.
By Samantha Holender
-
The Very Best Memorial Day Fashion Sales of 2022
Time to find a new bathing suit, bag, or wedding guest dress!
By Julia Marzovilla
-
The Wrong Formula
In the face of a baby food shortage, desperate moms are turning to strangers on Facebook to help—but social media shouldn't be the answer.
By Hayley Phelan
-
The Queen "Nurtures" the Cambridges' Relationship to Avoid the "Mistake" of Charles and Diana's Marriage: Royal Expert
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Charlene of Monaco Opened Up About Dealing With Hurtful Rumors as She Returns to Public Life
The princess had been dealing with health issues since May 2021.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Kate Middleton Serves Big 'Bridgerton' Vibes at the Latest Royal Garden Party
The only difference is the waistline, TBH.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Why the Royals Have to Adhere to Strict Dining Rules, According to an Etiquette Expert
Imagine the infamy of sticking your pinky out when drinking tea, LOL.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Fiancé Riley Roberts?
AOC's husband-to-be is an "easygoing redhead" who lives with her in D.C.
By Katherine J Igoe
-
Prince Harry's Ex Chelsy Davy Just Got Married, Reportedly
She and Sam Cutmore-Scott share baby son Leo.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry Is Worried About Archie and Lili Experiencing the "Online Harm" That Is Currently "Normalized"
He says the internet needs to change dramatically.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Sent a Heartfelt Message to British Soccer Player Who Came Out as Gay
Jake Daniels' decision will make such a huge difference.
By Iris Goldsztajn