Searing new descriptions have emerged of 'Duchess Difficult' Meghan Markle's treatment of staff, as husband Prince Harry prepares to celebrate his landmark 40th birthday tomorrow.
A brutal new report by US publication Hollywood Reporter claimed that Meghan has been given a new nickname by her US staff amid accusations that she 'belittles' people and 'marches around like a dictator in high heels, fuming and barking orders'.
The publication has also reported allegations that Meghan is 'absolutely relentless' towards her employees, with one source telling the Hollywood Reporter: 'I've watched her reduce grown men to tears'.
Meghan and her husband were also called 'poor decision makers' who 'change their minds frequently' - with Harry dubbed 'a very, very charming person' and yet 'very much an enabler', in the scathing new reports.
Claims of the Duchess's unpopularity among staff came amid speculation sparked by the couple's revolving door of employees after it was reported last month that the Sussexes' chief of staff Josh Kettler had left his role after a short three month stint.
Speaking to The Sun royal expert Hugo Vickers said: 'I know people around Windsor who told how difficult she was when they were in Adelaide Cottage'.
'There was a time when she was incredibly rude to one of the sub-gardeners, and the head gardener complained to the Queen, and she drove down to Adelaide Cottage and ticked her off.
'There's a lot of evidence they can't keep hold of staff and that is a very very bad sign because some people inspire huge loyalty, the late Prince Philip for example,' Vickers said.
Meghan had previously been accused of bullying palace staff before the pair's move to California, prompting royal aides to launch an inquiry into claims of Meghan's 'belittling' behaviour towards two personal assistants.
Staff were said to have been left in tears and feeling 'traumatised' - with some likening their condition to having post-traumatic stress.
While details of the report were never revealed, the allegations have always been strongly denied by the duchess, whose lawyers described them at the time as a ‘calculated smear campaign’.
The couple have gained a reputation for losing employees, and are believed to have lost at least 18 members of their workforce since they married in 2018.
Nine or more have left their roles since the couple escaped Britain for California in 2020, including their global press secretary Toya Holness and Meghan's top aide and private secretary Samantha Cohen.
These claims come as the couple prepare to celebrate the Duke of Sussex turning 40 on Sunday, as separate sources suggested he was feeling increasingly lonely in the US and considers his security guard David Langdown his best friend.
Harry issued a statement on Friday night telling of his excitement at turning 40, saying: 'Bring on the new decade.'
The Duke will mark the milestone on Sunday privately with Meghan and their children Archie, five and three-year-old Lilibet.
He is then thought to be planning a getaway for a weekend with his closest friends, Sky News reported.
His message paid tribute to his two 'incredibly kind and funny' children, adding they had 'sharpened his focus in all my work'.
Harry told the BBC: 'Whatever the age, my mission is to continue showing up and doing good in the world. Bring on the next decade.'
