Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has earned a striking new nickname from royal staff, according to a recent book about her life within the royal family. The Duchess, who has been living with her husband, Prince Harry, and their two children in Montecito, California, since stepping back from royal duties, is now being referred to as ‘Mystic Meg’ by Palace staff.
The title, as revealed in Tom Quinn’s book Yes Ma’am: The Secret Life of Royal Servants, is a playful reference to the late astrologer Mystic Meg, who was famous in the 1990s for her horoscopes and astrology predictions. The nickname comes amid Meghan’s continued influence on her husband and their relationship with the royal family.
Quinn’s book provides an inside look at how the royal staff has reacted to Meghan’s presence within the family. Some members of the royal staff, particularly older ones, reportedly compared her to Wallis Simpson, the American divorcée who led Prince Edward VIII to abdicate the throne. The book reveals that some staff felt Meghan’s influence was disruptive and, in some ways, a repeat of history.
In an excerpt from the book, a retired aide to Prince Harry shared how the Duke often appeared distracted during meetings and focused more on supporting Meghan’s ideas and views. The staff within Kensington Palace became split into two factions: those who supported Meghan’s forward-thinking nature and those who believed her impact on Harry was negative. The tension and gossip within the Palace were said to intensify.
Despite the challenges, Meghan did have her supporters. Many younger members of the staff admired her drive for change and her efforts to tackle important social issues. One former staff member noted that Harry became more interested in social justice and minority rights after Meghan’s arrival, a shift that some of the older staff didn’t fully embrace.
As tensions continued to rise, the book emphasizes how Meghan’s role in the royal family remains complicated, with varying opinions on her influence. While she’s not without her critics, the Duchess has carved out her own path, leading to a significant reshaping of how the royal family is viewed both within and outside of the Palace walls.
Quinn’s Yes Ma’am provides an eye-opening look into the dynamics of royal life and the complex relationship between Meghan, Harry, and the royal family.
