Royal aide reveals relief at no longer working for Prince Harry

Former Palace staff have shed light on the Duke of Sussex's journey from media darling to controversial figure.

Ailsa Anderson, who served as press secretary to the late Queen Elizabeth II from 2001 to 2013, recently shared her experiences working with Prince Harry during his time as a senior royal.

Anderson painted a picture of a charming and popular prince, adored by both staff and the media.

However, recent events have seen Harry's public image shift significantly, with his departure from royal duties and subsequent revelations causing ripples within the monarchy.

Anderson's recollections paint a vivid picture of Prince Harry's popularity during his time as a senior royal.

"Harry was the media's darling. He was the war hero, he'd served in Afghanistan, he was a cheeky chappie," she told The Sun.

The former press secretary noted that royal correspondents "all absolutely loved Harry" and described him as "funny and intelligent".

Anderson contrasted Harry's image with that of his brother, Prince William. "William was seen as more serious and shy but Harry was the life and soul of the party," she said.

The Duke of Sussex's charm extended to Palace staff as well, with Anderson recalling a lighthearted moment: "I've got a photograph in my hall of Harry and I with our arms around each other outside a ladies' loo - don't read anything into this. It was hilarious."

The shift in Prince Harry's public perception has been stark. Since stepping down as a senior royal in 2020, Harry has faced increasing scrutiny and criticism.

His move to the US with his wife Meghan Markle and subsequent revelations about royal life have strained relationships within the family.

The couple's high-profile interviews and Netflix documentary series have further fuelled controversy. Recently, Spotify founder Bill Simmons labelled the duke and duchess as "grifters" after their podcast deal with the platform ended prematurely.

This dramatic change in Harry's image is a far cry from his former status as the "media's darling". The prince who "couldn't do a thing wrong", according to Anderson, now finds himself at the centre of ongoing royal controversies.

The transformation has left many, including former Palace staff, reflecting on the stark contrast between Harry's past and present public personas.

The current challenges faced by the Royal Family have not gone unnoticed by former staff. When asked about recent Palace crises, Anderson remarked: "Thank God I'm not there."

However, she praised the efforts of current palace press officers, saying: "I do think they're doing a brilliant job."

Anderson highlighted the demanding nature of royal communications work. "It's a tough job, it's relentless, it's 24/7. Even when you're on holiday, you're still getting media calls," she explained.

Despite the ongoing controversies surrounding Prince Harry and the wider Royal Family, Anderson expressed admiration for the current royal household staff. "I think they're doing a terrific job, I really do - so hats off to the Royal Household," she concluded.