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Former Palace staff have revealed fascinating insights into Meghan Markle's struggles after joining the British royal family. According to royal insiders, one of her main challenges was adapting to the rigid pace and protocol within the House of Windsor, particularly the requirement that the Monarch remain the central figure in all royal activities.
Tom Quinn's book "The Secret Life of Royal Servants" provides an intimate look at life behind palace doors through the perspectives of royal staff members. The book reveals that Meghan found it particularly frustrating having to report her daily movements and schedule her activities well in advance. While residing in Nottingham Cottage, she was required to coordinate her departure times to avoid conflicts with senior royals' schedules, a practice she found restrictive and unnecessary.
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A source close to the late Queen Elizabeth suggested that Meghan's difficulty in adapting stemmed from her struggle with the hierarchical nature of the royal family. The institution's structure required all members to work in support of the Monarch rather than pursuing individual agendas. Meghan reportedly had her own vision for her role as a working royal, which often conflicted with the palace's established protocols. The source emphasized that while such independence might be acceptable outside the monarchy, the royal family operates as a tightly controlled institution where individual members must prioritize their duty to the Crown.
The size of Nottingham Cottage, gifted to Prince Harry and Meghan by Queen Elizabeth, became another point of contention. Prince Harry admitted in his 2023 memoir "Spare" that he felt embarrassed by the modest size of their first home together. This sentiment was echoed in the couple's Netflix documentary, where they revealed that even Oprah Winfrey was surprised by the cottage's small scale during a visit, reportedly joking that "no one would ever believe it."
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In more recent developments, Meghan's Netflix series "With Love, Meghan" faced scheduling changes due to California wildfires. Originally set to premiere on January 15th, the release was postponed to March 4th, inadvertently avoiding a clash with Princess Michael of Kent's 80th birthday celebration. The postponement came as the Sussexes faced potential evacuation from their $23 million Montecito mansion due to devastating wildfires sweeping through Southern California.
The couple's response to the wildfire crisis demonstrated their commitment to their new community. They opened their doors to friends and loved ones fleeing the fires and made donations through their Archewell Foundation to support relief efforts. However, their humanitarian efforts faced some criticism, with former "Family Ties" star Justine Bateman labeling them as "disaster tourists" after they were photographed distributing supplies to victims.
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Sources close to the couple defended their actions, emphasizing that Meghan, as a Los Angeles native, feels deeply connected to the city and its residents. The criticism particularly stung as Meghan considers Los Angeles her home and has been genuinely distressed by the destruction caused by the wildfires, which have claimed 25 lives and burned over 40,000 acres.
The Sussexes' holiday celebrations have also evolved since their departure from the royal family. Their Christmas traditions now reflect a blend of American customs, with Meghan's mother Doria being their primary family visitor. Their celebrations include elaborate meals, games, and musical activities, marking a significant departure from Harry's previous royal Christmases at Sandringham.
Royal biographer Ingrid Seward has noted the stark contrast between Harry's past and present holiday experiences. His former Christmases were filled with formal family traditions, including present exchanges on Christmas Eve, church services, traditional lunches, and the Boxing Day pheasant shoot. Since marrying Meghan in 2018, Harry has celebrated Christmas at Sandringham only once, in December of that year.
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Their new life in Montecito embraces American holiday customs, with their home decorated in the style of their wealthy neighborhood, where residents often employ interior designers to create perfect holiday displays. This transformation in their celebrations reflects their broader journey from traditional royal life to a more independent existence in California, where they've created their own traditions and routines away from the strict protocols of the British monarchy.
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