Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Meghan Markle ‘saddened’ at Kensington Palace adviser’s ‘bullying claims’

‘The duchess is saddened by this latest attack on her character, particularly as someone who has been the target of bullying herself’

Tom Batchelor
Wednesday 03 March 2021 14:26 GMT
Related video: A trailer of Meghan and Harry’s interview with Oprah Winfrey, which will be aired on 8 March in the UK
Leer en Español

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The Duchess of Sussex is “saddened” by claims she faced a bullying complaint from a close adviser while at Kensington Palace, her spokesperson has said.

Allegations reported by The Times said Meghan Markle had faced a complaint in October 2018 from Jason Knauf, who at the time was the Sussexes’ communications secretary.

The complaint alleged that she drove two personal assistants out of the household and undermined the confidence of a third member of staff, the paper said.

The Times said it had been approached by royal sources who claimed they wanted to give their account of the “turmoil” within the royal household.

Responding to the allegations, Meghan’s spokesperson said: “The duchess is saddened by this latest attack on her character, particularly as someone who has been the target of bullying herself and is deeply committed to supporting those who have experienced pain and trauma.

“She is determined to continue her work building compassion around the world and will keep striving to set an example for doing what is right and doing what is good.”

A Palace spokesperson declined to comment when contacted by The Independent.

The Times also reported that Meghan had attended a state dinner wearing earrings given to her as a wedding gift by Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi crown prince.

The earrings were reportedly worn during a trip to Fiji which took place just weeks after the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

A US intelligence report released last week found the crown prince had approved the killing. 

There is no suggestion that the duchess received the earrings in person, or that she has ever even met the crown prince.

The Independent contacted her representative for comment.

The report comes just days before Meghan and Harry’s interview with Oprah Winfrey is due to be aired.

Read more: After Meghan Markle bullying claims, lots of people are making the same point

The CBS two-hour special will be screened on Sunday in the US and is expected to be shown in the UK on 8 March.

The royal household will be braced for the show’s revelations as the couple discuss their life within the family and their exit from the working monarchy.

In a dramatic pre-released clip of the interview, Ms Winfrey asks Meghan if she was “silent or silenced”, with the duchess’s answer not revealed.

In response to a comment by the duchess, Ms Winfrey asks: ”Almost unsurvivable. Sounds like there was a breaking point?“

Harry is seen saying of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, while holding Meghan’s hand: “I’m just really relieved and happy to be sitting here, talking to you, with my wife by my side, because I can’t begin to imagine what it must have been like for her [Diana], going through this process by herself, all those years ago.”

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in