Meghan Markle & Prince Harry Reportedly 'Distressed' By Claims In New Bombshell Exposé

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry sources have dismissed Vanity Fair's profile on the royal couple, noting that the report has been "distressing" for them.

The Duchess of Sussex, in particular, was accused of being a demanding boss. Former staff described working with her as challenging, with some allegedly needing therapy.

The shocking new exposé comes months after loyal employees praised Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as great bosses in response to a similarly scathing exposé in The Hollywood Reporter.

A source close to the Sussexes revealed to The Times that the couple found allegations made against them in Vanity Fair's February cover story "distressing."

Close associates of the couple also told The Daily Beast that Harry and Meghan are disheartened by the accusations, particularly given their current challenging situation: Harry is embroiled in a complex legal case in the U.K., while Meghan's highly anticipated Netflix project has been delayed.

The Sussexes allegedly feel the bombshell cover story "has succeeded in making a bad time worse."

The U.S. publication's profile on the couple, titled "American Hustle," claimed that Meghan could be "really, really awful" when situations did not unfold as expected.

According to several individuals who have worked with the couple since they departed from the U.K. five years ago, Meghan was described as initially "warm and effusive" but allegedly became "cold and withholding toward the person she perceived to be responsible" for setbacks.

In the article, some of the couple's alleged former staff characterized Meghan as a demanding and challenging boss.

One former employee claimed that while they initially doubted the allegations of bullying, their experience working with the duchess eventually changed their perspective.

Some staff compared Meghan's behavior to that of a character from "Mean Girls," describing her as a "teenager" playing High School-style power games.

Working on Meghan's Archetypes podcast was also described by others as "really, really awful" and "very painful."

According to one insider, "Because she's constantly playing checkers, I'm not even going to say chess, she's just very aware of where everybody is on her board. And when you are not in, you are to be thrown to the wolves at any given moment."

While Meghan seemed to receive the brunt of the criticism, Vanity Fair also painted a less-than-flattering picture of Prince Harry, describing him as well-intentioned but prone to proposing "crazy" ideas.

One such concept reportedly included a "sociopath podcast" where he would interview controversial figures like Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The magazine also quoted Harry reflecting on his personal struggles, stating, "I have very bad childhood trauma. Obviously. My mother was essentially murdered. What is it about me that didn't make me one of the bad guys?"

A source also described Meghan as a nurturing figure who makes Harry's life "so easy" while he plays the role of "facilitator" to support her desires.

"I can picture him meeting Meghan and being just a deep breath of, like, 'I've been so exhausted, and you make everything so easy,'" a source said.

"I don't want to be like, oh, it's an Oedipus thing or whatever, but it kind of feels like she's reparenting him in a way," they added.

The explosive article reveals a growing disdain for Harry and Meghan in the U.S., as ex-colleagues and neighbors openly voice their frustrations.

Wealthy residents of Montecito, where the couple lives in a $29 million mansion, have expressed their displeasure over the disruption of their once-tranquil neighborhood, which has transformed into a noisy hub for tourists and fast cars.

After purchasing their luxury home from an oligarch, the couple has become known as "local villains" in this upscale California enclave.

One frustrated neighbor remarked, "They moved away from England to get away from the scrutiny of the press and all they do is try and get in the press in the United States."

Despite the explosive claims made in the profile, some staff who have worked closely with Meghan and Harry have previously spoken out in their defense.

Employees described the couple as "caring" bosses, sharing stories with US Weekly about their thoughtful gestures, such as gifting employees their children's outgrown baby clothes, fresh flowers, and personalized care packages.

While reflecting on her time with the couple, Mandana Dayani, a former president of Archewell, told the news outlet about the Sussexes' generous and supportive nature. She emphasized that Meghan and Harry's acts of "kindness, mentorship, and support" usually happen "quietly behind closed doors."

Harry's former chief of staff, Josh Kettler, who left after only three months in August last year, also shared a similar sentiment. He said he was "warmly welcomed" by the couple and praised their dedication and hard work.

More recently, Jane Marie, a producer who collaborated with the Sussexes on Archewell audio projects, told Vanity Fair that Meghan is "just a lovely, genuine person."