#Buckingham Palace inquiry results of Meghan Markle’s ‘bullying’ could be delayed

The results of Buckingham Palace’s human resources investigation into claims that the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle bullied royal staff could be delayed until next year, a new report claims.

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. Royal sources confirmed to the paper that the investigation is “ongoing” and may not be released until next year.

The investigation was launched in March after Markle was accused of bullying at least two palace aides during her short tenure as a senior British royal – occasionally reducing staffers to tears and “humiliating” another.

At the time, Buckingham Palace said it would “not tolerate bullying and harassment” and was “very concerned by the allegations” that Markle forced out two personal assistants and undermined the confidence of a third. Markle denies these claims.

The original complaint was filed by Meghan and Harry’s communications secretary, Jason Knauf, in October 2018, but only came to light before Markle’s Oprah Winfrey interview.

Knauf’s formal complaint read: “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”. Knauf also questioned “if the household policy on bullying and harassment applies to principals”.

After the allegations came to light, Meghan’s rep 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.”

By not including the findings of the inquiry in the Sovereign Grant report, the London Times writes, “it means the palace may seek to delay the findings until next year’s report, or explore another way of addressing suggested changes to its human resources policies and procedures resulting from the inquiry, which is being paid for privately.”

It will also help avoid further tension between William and Harry who have been at odds since Megxit during the unveiling of a statue of their mother, Princess Diana in July.

A new book, “Battle of Brothers: William, Harry and the Inside Story of a Family in Tumult” by author Robert Lacey, also claims that Prince William was the one who decided he and Prince Harry needed to “split” households in March 2019 after the complaint – not the other way around.

The book quotes a Kensington Palace courtier as saying: “Meghan portrayed herself as the victim, but she was the bully. People felt run over by her. They thought she was a complete narcissist and sociopath — basically unhinged.”