The 5 biggest bombshells from the new Prince Harry and Meghan Markle report.

If you thought the saga of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle couldn't get any more intriguing, a new deep dive into their new Californian life proves otherwise.

Spanning months, Vanity Fair interviewed dozens of people who have worked alongside or crossed paths with the couple. The report sheds light on their impact, struggles as novice CEOs, and the persistent shadow of their royal past.

Though Harry and Meghan opted out of an interview, sources delivered revelations that bring their much-talked-about life into sharper focus.

Watch: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry on 'Sunday Morning'. Post continues after video.

Why Harry and Meghan take forever to launch anything.

Ever wondered why it took nearly two years for Meghan's podcast Archetypes to premiere after the couple signed their Spotify deal? Or why we're still waiting for a taste of American Riviera Orchard's elusive jam?

According to a former Spotify employee, the couple's production process was — to put it mildly — unorthodox. While visiting Spotify's Los Angeles office, Harry once famously asked for hot cocoa. The request prompted staff to scramble, as there wasn't any in the office. Someone even pitched the idea of Harry hosting a podcast about hot chocolate. (It was vetoed.)

"He wanted to do a podcast about disabled people who compete in the Invictus Games," the source said. "But there's no crossover between the audience who would listen to that and people who want to hear about Harry's life."

Although their 2023 Netflix docuseries Heart of Invictus reflected Harry's passion for the games, its under-performance compared to Harry & Meghan suggested that audiences are more interested in 'Keeping Up With the Sussexes' than the couple's philanthropic ventures,

Those bullying claims.

Meghan Markle's workplace reputation has long been a hot topic. Vanity Fair's report reignited the conversation with fresh insights from a media professional who worked closely with her.

Initially warm and collegial, Meghan's demeanour reportedly shifted when projects hit snags, often due to the couple's demanding expectations. For instance, a teaser for Archetypes was released five months before there was even any tape to promote.

"It was really, really, really awful," the source said. "Because she's constantly playing checkers — not chess — but she's very aware of where everybody is on her board. When you are not in, you are to be thrown to the wolves."

Several colleagues experienced burnout and even sought therapy after working on her projects. While one insider believed Meghan never outright shouted, they noted, "You can be yelled at even if somebody doesn't raise their voice."

Others remarked that Meghan might benefit from acknowledging her shortcomings. As one source wryly concluded, "But who am I to criticise Meghan Markle? She's doing great."

Why Harry stays stateside.

Harry's estrangement from the UK appears deeper than ever, exacerbated by legal battles and safety concerns. His lawsuit for government-funded police protection — stripped away after the Sussexes stepped down as working royals in 2020 — continues to dominate headlines. The High Court in London has twice dismissed his claim, but Harry's appeal is ongoing.

Security fears aren't unfounded. A former close associate revealed that paparazzi regularly stake out their Montecito home, with strangers even arriving in rideshares.

These risks reportedly contributed to Harry's decision to skip longtime friend Hugh Grosvenor's wedding. Attending the June 2023 event might have undermined his legal arguments for protection.

"I'm sure a lot of decisions about time in the UK are also being made based on how it looks for the case," a source explained.

All is fair in love and Montecito.

Vanity Fair's sources unanimously agreed on one thing: Harry and Meghan are passionately in love. A former colleague described their relationship as magnetic.

"You know how you meet those couples where the way they're looking at each other makes you feel like you shouldn't be there?"

Despite their affectionate bond, Harry's vigilance over Meghan's safety often attracts attention. When he's solo, Harry is "very personable and at ease with people," a source said, comparing him to his mother Princess Diana. But with Meghan, "there is a circus".

"He's so protective of her because people are so nasty to her."

Meghan, meanwhile, is seen as a driving force behind the scenes. As one insider noted, Harry had previously been exhausted behind closed doors, but his now-wife made "everything so easy".

"I don't want to be like, oh, it's an Oedipus thing or whatever, but it kind of feels like she's re-parenting him in a way."

Are they bad neighbours?

In their posh Montecito neighbourhood, Harry and Meghan are local celebrities — but not necessarily local favourites.

A Montecito resident — dubbed "the Montecitan" in the report — partially blamed the couple for the skyrocketing housing prices and a surge in tourists around the area. Locals often gripe about packed parking lots and crowded trails, especially near where Meghan was once spotted hiking.

While most neighbours admit they've never encountered the couple, they appeared in a video celebrating Ellen DeGeneres' vow renewal and are occasionally spotted in town — Harry on a bike, Meghan filming nearby. And their Netflix ventures, filmed close to home, keep their presence palpable.

So, what's the takeaway?

From slow-moving projects and workplace strife to unwavering devotion and a turbulent past, the report paints a complex picture of Harry and Meghan.

It's a tale of love and ambition that's also fraught with friction — with their neighbours, former colleagues, and even themselves.

As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex continue crafting their post-royal identities, one thing's clear: they'll always keep us talking.

Feature Image: Getty