MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry’s former palace staff still suffer “trauma” after a “very painful” time, royal sources have claimed.
The Duchess is facing allegations of bullying just days before her ‘tell-all’ interview with Oprah Winfrey – claims she denies.
The 39-year-old is said to have snapped “it’s not my job to coddle people” after aides were allegedly left in tears and humiliated by her “difficult demands”.
A spokesperson for the Duchess emphatically denied allegations of bullying – instead saying Royal aides had launched a “calculated smear campaign” against Meghan ahead of her interview with Oprah Winfrey.
But according to ITV’s royal editor Chris Ship, staff still suffer from what they call the “trauma” of the period.
Other sources have referred to these members of staff as “victims”, and told ITV their time at the Palace was “terrible” .
Another source with knowledge of the feud between Wills and Harry claimed the situation was “toxic”.
Sources last night alleged to The Times that Meghan drove two personal assistants out of the household and undermined the confidence of a third.
The report further claimed Meghan “humiliated” at least one ex-staffer while another said the Duchess’ behaviour felt “more like emotional cruelty and manipulation…”
One royal aide, anticipating a row with the duchess, is also alleged to have told a colleague: “I can’t stop shaking.”
Responding to the allegations, Buckingham Palace tonight released a bombshell statement saying they would look into the allegations.
In an unprecedented move the Palace released a statement saying “we are very concerned” at the claims.
The statement said: “We are clearly very concerned about allegations in The Times following claims made by former staff of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
“Accordingly 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.
“The Royal Household has had a Dignity at Work policy in place for a number of years and does not and will not tolerate bullying or harassment in the workplace.”
‘FALSE NARRATIVE’
It is understood the Palace hopes to start the investigation soon, and any changes in policies or procedures will be shared in the Palace’s annual Sovereign Grant report.
A Sussex spokesperson claimed The Times was “being used by Buckingham Palace to peddle a wholly false narrative”.
They said: “Let’s just call this what it is — a calculated smear campaign based on misleading and harmful misinformation.
“We are disappointed to see this defamatory portrayal of The Duchess of Sussex given credibility by a media outlet.
“It’s no coincidence that distorted several-year-old accusations aimed at undermining The Duchess are being briefed to the British media shortly before she and The Duke are due to speak openly and honestly about their experience of recent years.”
Meghan and Harry sat down with Oprah for a tell-all interview recently, expected to reveal some “pretty shocking things” when the chat is aired.
ITV has paid a seven-figure sum to air the explosive TV event and the broadcaster pipped Sky and Discovery for the much-anticipated sit-down, their first since quitting the Royal Family last year.
