LONDON: Royal correspondent Simon Vigar said in an Aug. 12 Fox News Digital interview that actor Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, faced a “culture clash” with palace staff before her royal exit.
Vigar expanded on the claim in “The Four Wives of Windsor,” his 2026 book about Diana, Camilla, Catherine and Meghan. Penguin’s Century imprint published the book on July 30.
He called the split avoidable and said: “Egos got in the way on both sides.” Vigar argued that Meghan expected more control over public events than the royal household could offer.
The author cited Prince Harry and Meghan’s 2018 tour of Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand as an early sign of mismatched expectations. During the tour, her Suva Market engagement ended early.
Palace representatives attributed the change to crowd-management concerns, ITV News reported at the time. Vigar questioned that account in his interview.
Read: Meghan Markle’s Critique of Royal Life: The Pantyhose Rule and Beyond
Kensington Palace told Fox News Digital that it does not comment on books. A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex also declined to comment on Vigar’s claims.
Harry and Meghan stepped back as working members of the Royal Family in 2020. Queen Elizabeth II acknowledged the scrutiny they had faced and supported their wish for greater independence in an official palace statement.
