The sources also said they approached The Times because they felt the Duchess’s version that had come out publicly was only partially true and they were concerned about the way bullying had been handled. The report said the sources believed the public should “have an insight into their side of the story” ahead of the couple’s highly anticipated interview with Oprah Winfrey airing on Sunday, their first sit-down performance since London last year. left and left for North America.
Buckingham Palace said it was “very concerned” about the allegations in the report.
“Accordingly, our HR team will investigate the circumstances described in the article. Staff members 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 in his statement. .
“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.”
Prince Harry and Meghan announced in January 2020 that they were retiring as working members of the royal family and moved to North America shortly after. Buckingham Palace confirmed last month that the couple had agreed with Queen Elizabeth II, Harry’s grandmother, that they would not return as working royals.
The move sparked talks of a split between the California-based couple who are expecting their second child and the British Royal Family.
A Sussexes spokesman dismissed the Times report as “a calculated smear campaign” ahead of the couple’s interview with Winfrey.
“Let’s just call this what it is – a calculated smear campaign based on misleading and harmful disinformation. We are disappointed that this defamatory portrayal of The Duchess of Sussex is being made credible by a media outlet,” said the spokesman.
The Duchess is saddened by this latest assault on her character, particularly as someone who has been the target of self-bullying and who is deeply committed to supporting those who have experienced pain and trauma. She is determined to keep going. building compassion around the world. and will continue to strive to set an example by doing what is right and doing what is right. “
The spokesperson said the claims made in the Times report were “defamatory” and that a legal letter of rebuttal had been sent to the media.
The Times declined to comment when contacted by CNN.
Harry touched on the pressures of royal life while talking to fellow Brit James Corden for his “Late Late Show” last month.
“It was a very difficult environment,” said the Duke. “We all know what the British press can be like … and it destroyed my sanity. I thought, ‘This is toxic,’ so I did what any husband and father would do: I have to get my family out of here. . “
Harry and Meghan are engaged in a long-running war of words and lawsuits involving much of the tabloid media, filing multiple lawsuits against publications and photo agencies that printed details of their private lives.
Last month, Meghan won a privacy claim against the publishers of the Mail on Sunday after publishing a letter she sent her father, and after the verdict launched a caustic rebuke against ‘dehumanizing’ media organizations, saying they ‘did damage and continue ‘. doing goes deep. “