The Palace Is Investigating Bullying Claims Against Meghan When Prince Andrew Is *Right There*

Meghan Markle

Meghan Markle has been hit with allegations of bullying, just days before the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey premieres on TV.

The allegations date back to 2018, when Prince Harry and Meghan were still working members of the royal family.

Former Kensington Palace aides told The Times that Jason Knauf, the couple’s communication chief during that time, sent an email to Simon Case, Prince William‘s then-private secretary, detailing some “very serious” concerns over how staff were being treated by Meghan.

Meghan apparently drove away two personal assistants from her household and undermined the confidence of a third staff member.

“The duchess seems intent on always having someone in her sights,” the email continued.

The Times used letters in place of the actual names of the staff members.

“She is bullying Y and seeking to undermine her confidence. We have had report after report from people who have witnessed unacceptable behaviour towards Y.”

The complaint didn’t progress, according to The Times. 

The sources claimed the case was poorly handled and that they had reached out to the newspaper because they felt like “only a partial version” of Meghan’s character had emerged during her time as a working member of the royal family.

Meghan denied these allegations and, in a statement to The Times, questioned the timing of its article.

“Let’s just call this what it is — a calculated smear campaign based on misleading and harmful misinformation,” the statement read.

“We are disappointed to see this defamatory portrayal of the Duchess of Sussex given credibility by a media outlet. It’s no coincidence that distorted several-year-old accusations aimed at undermining the duchess are being briefed to the British media shortly before she and the duke are due to speak openly and honestly about their experience of recent years.”

In a separate statement to People, the couple’s spokesperson said Meghan was “saddened by this latest attack on her character”, especially as “someone who has been the target of bullying herself and is deeply committed to supporting those who have experienced pain and trauma.”

Buckingham Palace, meanwhile, said it will investigate the allegations.

“We are clearly very concerned about allegations in The Times following claims made by former staff of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex,” the Palace said in a statement.

“Accordingly, our HR team will look into the circumstances outlined in the article. Members of the staff involved in the time – including those who have left the household – will be invited to participate to see if lessons can be learned.

“The royal household has a Dignity at Work policy in place for a number of years and does not and will not tolerate bullying or harassment in the workplace.”

Harry and Meghan’s two-hour, tell-all interview with Oprah will broadcast in Australia on Monday (March 8), 7.30pm on Channel 10.

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