The sources also said that they approached The Times because they were of the opinion that the version of the Duchess that appeared in public was only partially true and that they were concerned about how the issues about bullying were handled. According to the report, the sources believe that the public ‘should have insight into their side of the story’ before the couple’s highly anticipated interview with Oprah Winfrey which will be broadcast on Sunday, their first appearance since they left for London to North America last year .
Buckingham Palace said it was “very concerned” about the allegations set out in the report.
“Consequently, our HR team will investigate the circumstances as set out in the article. Members of the then staff members, including those who left the household, will be invited to participate to see if lessons can be learned,” reads the statement. .
“The Royal Household has had a Dignity at Work policy for a number of years and will not tolerate bullying or harassment in the workplace.”
Prince Harry and Meghan announced in January 2020 that they would be retiring as working members of the royal family and relocated to North America shortly thereafter. 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 spoke of a rift between the couple – who are based in California and expecting their second child – and the British royal family.
A Sussex spokesman dismissed the Times report as a ‘calculated smear campaign’ ahead of the couple’s interview with Winfrey.
“Let’s just call it what it is – a calculated smear campaign based on misleading and damaging misinformation. We are disappointed to see this slanderous portrayal of the Duchess of Sussex gaining credibility through a media agency,” said the spokesman.
“The Duchess is saddened by this latest attack on her character, especially as someone who was the target of self-bullying and is very committed to supporting those who have experienced pain and trauma. She is determined to continue building of compassion around the world. and will continue to strive to set an example for doing what is right and doing what is right. ‘
The spokesman said the allegations in the Times’ report were “defamatory” and that a legitimate letter of refutation had been sent to the media.
The Times declined to comment when CNN approached him.
Harry touched on the pressures of royal life during a conversation with fellow Briton James Corden for his “Late Late Show” last month.
“It was a very difficult environment,” the duke said. “We all know what the British press can be like … and it’s ruined my mental health. I was like, ‘This is toxic,’ so I did what any man and any father would do: I have to get my family out of here. . ‘
Harry and Meghan are caught up in a years-long war of words and lawsuits with much of the tabloid media, fighting multiple lawsuits against publications and photo agencies that have printed details of their private lives.
Last month, Meghan won a privacy claim against Mail publishers on Sunday after publishing a letter she sent to her father, launching a burning rebuke of ‘dehumanizing’ media organizations after the verdict, saying the ‘damage they inflicted and continue’ to do runs deep. ‘