Meghan Markle’s life as a royal may have looked glamorous, but her ex-bodyguard, Steve Davies, says it was more of a “goldfish bowl” than a fairytale. Davies, a former British special forces soldier who guarded Meghan in 2018, paints a picture of constant surveillance, drones, and the relentless chase for privacy that took a heavy toll on the former actress. He recalls feeling “sorry for her” as Meghan tried to transition from a B-list celebrity to a member of “the most famous family in the world.” With people trailing their every move and the suffocating pressure, he says, “It was a nightmare.”
Beyond the tabloid whispers, Davies disputes claims that Meghan is “difficult” or demanding with her staff. Far from the “Duchess Difficult” nickname, he describes her as warm, respectful, and considerate, always willing to help others. “One thing I learned from her is ‘Give respect to get respect,’” Davies said, adding that the backlash Meghan faces has always surprised him, as he never witnessed the harsh behavior some claim she exhibits.
This recent defense comes amid a wave of accusations against Meghan and Prince Harry regarding their work culture in California, where a number of former aides have left the couple’s team. A recent story from The Hollywood Reporter quoted sources calling Meghan “relentless,” claiming she “belittles” staff and doesn’t take advice, while Harry allegedly “enables” her behavior. One source even claimed that Meghan has “reduced grown men to tears.” However, friends close to Meghan deny seeing any such behavior, and a source close to the Sussexes labeled the reports “fabricated.” They insist Meghan is often mischaracterized for behaviors that are overlooked in men, calling out what they describe as a double standard.
The Hollywood Reporter’s piece didn’t go unnoticed by co-editor Maer Roshan, who stood by the story, stating that the source who spoke to the magazine was credible and still works with the Sussexes. Roshan dismissed the idea that Meghan’s nickname was concocted by the Palace during Megxit, arguing that it has followed her even in the U.S., sparking questions over whether Meghan’s reputation has been subject to a broader smear campaign or reflects genuine concerns.
But Meghan has also pushed back on the “difficult” narrative herself. On her Archetypes podcast, she emphasized, “You’re allowed to set a boundary. You’re allowed to be clear. It does not make you demanding. It does not make you difficult—it makes you clear.” A Sussexes insider added that Meghan’s email signature even advises staff not to respond outside business hours, suggesting she’s conscious of respecting boundaries.
The “Duchess Difficult” label dates back to 2021, when former communications secretary Jason Knauf filed a complaint alleging Meghan bullied staff at Kensington Palace in 2018. While details of the inquiry launched afterward remain confidential, Meghan has always denied the claims, describing them as a “calculated smear campaign.”
In a world of royal expectations, security details, and public scrutiny, Meghan has grappled with both her new family’s demands and a media narrative that sometimes paints her as hard to work with. As friends and former employees share conflicting views, the truth about Meghan may remain as elusive as the woman herself, leaving many to wonder—was this fairytale meant to be?
