Meghan Markle responds to report that she has bullied Royal Aides

Meghan Markle said through a spokesperson that she is “saddened” by an article in Times of London claiming she had “humiliated” and “bullied” staff.

The report is based on an indictment initially filed in October 2018 by Jason Knauf, who at the time worked as communications secretary for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Knauf’s complaint, filed with Royal Household officials on behalf of unnamed employees, alleges that Meghan “expelled two personal aides from the household and undermined the confidence of a third member of staff,” according to the Times.

“The Duchess is saddened by this latest assault on her character, especially as someone who has been the target of self-bullying and is deeply committed to supporting those who have experienced pain and trauma,” said a spokesman for the royal couple in response. on a HuffPost request for comment on Tuesday.

“She is committed to continuing to build compassion around the world and will continue to strive to set an example by doing what is right and doing what is right.”

The Times article also reports that on two occasions, in October and November 2018, the Duchess wore earrings sent as a wedding gift by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Crown Prince was responsible for the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi in early October 2018, according to an intelligence investigation released by the US government last week.

The Times article quoted this response from a spokesperson for Meghan and Prince Harry: “In a detailed legal rebuttal letter to The Times, we fully addressed these defamatory claims, including false allegations related to the use of gifts made by The Duchess to The Duchess are borrowed. Crown. ”

This Sunday, the much-hyped two-hour primetime special featuring Oprah Winfrey will air, something the spokesperson also referred to in their response to the Times.

“Let’s just call this what it is – a calculated smear campaign based on misleading and harmful misinformation,” the spokesperson said, adding that they were “disappointed that this defamatory portrayal of The Duchess of Sussex was made credible by a media outlet. . ”

According to the Times, lawyers for the couple said the point of sale was “ used by Buckingham Palace to tell a completely false story. ”

Buckingham Palace said in a statement shared with HuffPost on Wednesday that it was “deeply concerned about allegations made in The Times following allegations made by former employees of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.”

Accordingly, our HR team will investigate the circumstances described in the article. Members of the staff involved at the time, including those who have left the household, will be invited to participate to see if lessons can be learned, ”the statement said. “The Royal Family has had a policy of dignity at work for a number of years and does not tolerate harassment or intimidation in the workplace.”