Meghan Markle responds that she bullied Royal Aides

Meghan Markle said through a spokesperson that she was ‘sad’ about a Times of London article claiming that her staff had ‘humiliated’ and ‘bullied’ her.

The report is based on a charge initially raised in October 2018 by Jason Knauf, who at the time served as communications secretary for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. According to the Times, Knauf’s complaint was lodged on behalf of unnamed employees with officials of the royal household, alleging that Meghan ‘expelled two personal assistants from the household and undermined the trust of a third staff member’, according to the Times.

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

“She is determined to continue to develop compassion around the world and will continue to set an example in doing what is right and doing what is right.”

The Times also reports that on two occasions, in October and November 2018, the Duchess wore earrings sent as a wedding gift from 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 information assessment released by the US government last week.

The Times article quotes a response from a spokesman for Meghan and Prince Harry: ‘In a detailed refutation letter to The Times, we fully addressed these defamatory claims, including false allegations regarding the use of gifts given by The Duchess lent The Crown to The Duchess. ”

This coming Sunday, the couple’s two-hour-long special presentation of the couple with Oprah Winfrey is underway, something the spokeswoman also referred to in their response to the Times.

“Let’s just call it what it is – a calculated smear campaign based on misleading and damaging misinformation,” the spokesman said, adding that they were “disappointed to see this blasphemous portrayal of the Duchess of Sussex receive credibility. through a media sale. ‘

According to the Times, lawyers for the couple said the outlet was “used by Buckingham Palace to invent a completely false narrative.”

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

“Therefore, our HR team will look at the circumstances set out in the article. At the time, relevant 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 been pursuing a Dignity at Work policy for a number of years and does not tolerate bullying or harassment in the workplace.”