The inquiry concerning bullying claims against Meghan Markle continue to plague the Duchess of Sussex with new revelations that at least 10 former staffers are set to give evidence.
The investigation was launched in March after Meghan was accused of bullying at least two palace aides during her time as a senior royal at Kensington Palace.
She was also accused of occasionally reducing staffers to tears and “humiliating” another.
Now an article in the Mirror newspaper claims “at least 10” former Kensington Palace staffers are set to assist the “sensitive” independent inquiry.
The news comes amid reports that the results of Buckingham Palace’s human resources investigation could be delayed until next year.
While the findings of the “highly sensitive inquiry which is being conducted by an independent law firm, were expected to be announced in the annual Sovereign Grant report to be published this week,” they will not be, according to the Times of London.
Allegations were made that Meghan forced out two personal assistants and undermined the confidence of a third. At the time, Buckingham Palace said it would “not tolerate bullying and harassment” and was “very concerned by the allegations.”
Markle denies these claims and has yet to be formally interviewed over the allegations with reports that she will issue a complete rebuttal by demanding Buckingham Palace hand over a “point-by-point” breakdown of their claims as she prepares to fight claims, as per the Mirror newspaper.
The original complaint was filed by Meghan and Harry’s communications secretary, Jason Knauf, in October 2018 while Harry and Meghan were living at Kensington Palace.
But they only became public just before the couple sat down with Oprah Winfrey and alleged a series of damaging revelations concerning the royal family.
Knauf’s formal complaint stated: “I am very concerned that the duchess was able to bully two PAs out of the household in the past year,” describing her behavior as “totally unacceptable… The duchess seems intent on always having someone in her sights [and] I remain concerned that nothing will be done,” he said, as per the New York Post.
In response representatives for Meghan 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.”
The couple now live in California with son Archie and new daughter, Lilibet.
According to the Mirror article a source close to the inquiry said: “The feeling is this is heading for a brutal showdown between the Duchess of Sussex who is understood to be disputing all allegations labelled against her.”
In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “Our HR team will look into the circumstances outlined in the article. Members of staff involved at the time, including those who have left the Household, will be invited to participate to see if lessons can be learned.”
I really hope this inquiry can be dealt with swiftly and properly and doesn’t create an even wider bridge between the Sussexes and their Royal family.
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