Meghan Markle Acted 'Awkward' Towards Palace Staff, But There Was No 'Bullying,' Claims Reporter
Meghan Markle has a few people in her corner after she was accused by Kensington Palace staff members of exhibiting "emotional cruelty," "manipulation" and other bullying behavior in 2018.
The day after the scandal went public, the Daily Mirror editor Kevin Maguire stated those claims were somewhat untrue, suggesting that Meghan's demeanor at the Palace was "awkward," but not outright callous. "If you live in a glasshouse, don't throw stones. There's always two sides to a story," he noted. "She and Harry paint themselves as just the victims. But even I'd picked up on the tensions early on."
"At the height of their popularity, before and just after the wedding, she was awkward in Kensington Palace. Staff didn't like her or her behaviour, they felt she was very haughty and domineering," he acknowledged. "But it never want this far to bullying allegations. You can't expect the Palace, or any institution, not to reply."
On March 2, The Times released their story, which included accusations from the couple's communications secretary at the time, Jason Knauf.
"I am very concerned that the Duchess was able to bully two PAs out of the household in the past year. The treatment of X* was totally unacceptable," Knauf allegedly wrote in an email. "The Duchess seems intent on always having someone in her sights. She is bullying Y and seeking to undermine her confidence. We have had report after report from people who have witnessed unacceptable behaviour towards Y."
The accusations against Meghan came from Kensington Palace staff.
The article also reported that the former actress "humiliated" another employee.
Meghan responded to the accusations by having her and Prince Harry's spokesperson give a statement. "Let's just call this what it is — a calculated smear campaign based on misleading and harmful misinformation," the letter read.
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"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 statement continued. "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."
The spokesperson also pointed out the timing of the report, which comes just a few days before Harry and Meghan's tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey will air on March 7.
"We are disappointed to see this defamatory portrayal of The Duchess of Sussex given credibility by a media outlet," the statement said. "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."
