Meghan Markle said through a spokeswoman that she was “saddened” by a Times of London article claiming she had “humiliated” and “harassed” staff.
The report is based on a charge initially sent in October 2018 by Jason Knauf, who at the time was working as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s communications secretary. Knauf’s complaint, filed with royal house officials on behalf of unnamed employees, alleges that Meghan “expelled two personal assistants from the house and undermined the confidence of a third staff member,” according to the Times.
“The duchess is saddened by this latest attack on her character, especially because someone has been targeted for harassment and is deeply committed to supporting those who have experienced pain and trauma,” a spokesman for the royal couple said in response to a HuffPost feedback request on Tuesday.
“She is determined to continue her work creating compassion around the world and will continue to strive to lead by example to do what is right and do what is right.”
The Times article also reports that on two occasions, in October and November 2018, the Duchess wore earrings that had been sent as a wedding gift by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Crown Prince was responsible for the assassination of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi in early October 2018, according to an intelligence assessment released by the U.S. government last week.
The Times article quoted a response from a spokeswoman for Meghan and Prince Harry: “In a detailed legal letter of rebuttal to the Times, we have dealt with these defamatory claims completely, including false accusations about the use of gifts given to the Duchess. to the Duchess. Crown “.
This coming Sunday, the couple’s spectacular two-hour special with Oprah Winfrey kicks off, which the spokesperson also referred to in her response to the Times.
“We call this what it is: a calculated defamation campaign based on misleading and harmful misinformation,” the spokesman said, adding that they were “disappointed to see that this defamatory portrait of the Duchess of Sussex gave credibility to a media outlet.” “.
According to the Times, the couple’s lawyers said the dam “was being used by Buckingham Palace to convey a totally false narrative”.
Buckingham Palace said in a statement shared with HuffPost on Wednesday that it was “very concerned about allegations in The Times following allegations by the former staff of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex”.
“Consequently, our human resources team will examine the circumstances detailed in the article. The staff involved at that time, including those who have left the house, will be invited to participate to see if lessons can be learned, ”the statement said. “The Royal House has had a Dignity at Work policy for a number of years and does not and will not tolerate harassment or harassment in the workplace.”
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