Meghan Markle finds herself in a difficult position after the release of a scathing exposé by *Vanity Fair* last week, which highlights the ongoing difficulties the Duchess of Sussex has faced in her attempts to maintain relevance and success after stepping down from royal duties in 2020. The article, published on January 17, lays bare the struggles of Markle and her husband, Prince Harry, as they navigate their post-royal ventures, painting a troubling portrait of their business failures and tarnished reputations.
According to royal expert Kinsey Schofield, the couple is feeling the sting of the article’s harsh claims, leaving them “bruised and upset.” Schofield, speaking to Sky News Australia, explained that the Sussexes are grappling with the fallout from the exposé, which has resurfaced several damaging allegations about Meghan’s character and their personal and professional lives. “They are in a bad place right now,” Schofield revealed. “It’s my understanding that they are upset over it, and things aren’t good for them right now.”
Schofield pointed to a series of setbacks in the couple’s ventures, including the postponement of Meghan’s upcoming Netflix show—reportedly at the streaming giant’s request—as key factors in their current frustration. Markle’s attempts to rebrand herself as a media mogul and global influencer have been challenged by the harsh narrative in *Vanity Fair*, which revisits old allegations that Meghan is manipulative and self-serving.
Neighbors Speak Out: The Sussexes No Longer Welcome in Montecito
One of the most eye-opening revelations in the exposé comes from neighbors in Montecito, California, the couple’s adopted home. Despite their international celebrity, the Sussexes have been branded as “local villains” by residents who are less than impressed with their presence in the quiet, upscale community. One Montecito local, who has never met the couple, disparagingly referred to them as “the prince and the starlet,” underscoring the resentment many feel toward them.
The couple’s arrival in the area is said to have driven up housing prices, with locals complaining that Markle, in particular, has worked to market the town’s previously low-key charm to the wider public. “It’s such a kind of hucksterism,” one resident stated, accusing Markle of trying to profit off the town’s “understated elegance.” Another critic did not hold back, describing the Sussexes as “the most entitled, disingenuous people on the planet.”
One of the most shocking claims in the exposé suggests that Markle’s team had even floated the idea of writing a “post-Harry divorce book.” While no formal proposal was made, and there are conflicting reports about whether the idea was ever truly discussed, the suggestion alone raises eyebrows. It paints a picture of a woman who, despite her attempts to distance herself from the royal spotlight, seems perpetually eager to cash in on her name and fame—no matter the cost.
The “Mean Girl” Reputation: Bullying Allegations Resurface
In addition to the revelations about her personal life, several former colleagues spoke to *Vanity Fair* about their troubling experiences working with Meghan Markle. Multiple anonymous sources accused the Duchess of “bully” behavior, claiming that her tactics included undermining employees and spreading malicious gossip.
One individual, who worked closely with Markle on media projects, described the experience as “really, really, really awful” and “very painful.” The source went on to accuse Markle of playing a manipulative game, likening her to a “Mean Girls” teenager who thrives on power and control. “She’s constantly playing checkers—not even chess,” the insider said, alluding to Markle’s calculated approach to managing those around her.
While no one claimed that Markle ever raised her voice in anger, several sources alleged that she engaged in more subtle forms of bullying, like talking behind people’s backs and intentionally undermining their confidence. “It’s gnawing at your sense of self,” one source explained, describing the mental toll of working with someone like Markle.
Markle’s Fall from Grace: Is the Dream Over?
The latest exposé paints a grim picture of Meghan Markle’s post-royal journey. Once seen as a beacon of progressive ideals, the Duchess now finds herself embroiled in controversy and allegations that threaten her carefully curated image. Despite her best efforts to reinvent herself, the *Vanity Fair* article exposes the cracks in her carefully crafted façade, leaving many to question whether her attempts at relevance have fallen short.
While Meghan Markle may have once been the darling of Hollywood and the global elite, the harsh reality of her post-royal life seems to be setting in. As the couple deals with the fallout from the exposé, one thing is clear: the dream of a fairy tale life outside the monarchy may be fading faster than they had hoped.
