Buckingham Palace is reportedly using a third-party law firm to investigate claims of bullying against the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle.
The palace announced the investigation after a former advisor accused Markle of creating a hostile work environment and making multiple aides cry during her time at Kensington Palace. After announcing the investigation, the palace has decided to use independent external investigators, The Times reported Sunday.
Buckingham Palace has hired an external law firm to investigate claims that Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, bullied royal staff, CNN understands. https://t.co/solQiUkA8O
— CNN (@CNN) March 15, 2021
“We are clearly very concerned about allegations in The Times following claims made by former staff of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex,” the palace said in a previous statement, according to People magazine. “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.” (RELATED: Buckingham Palace Is ‘Very Concerned’ Over Bullying Complaint Made Against Meghan Markle, Launches Investigation)
“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,” the statement continued.
A representative for Markle previously called the claim a “smear campaign” and has demanded to see the evidence behind the bullying claims.
“Let’s just call this what it is — a calculated smear campaign based on misleading and harmful misinformation,” Markle’s representative told The Times.
“We are disappointed to see this defamatory portrayal of The Duchess of Sussex given credibility by a media outlet,” the rep continued. “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.”
Markle and Prince Harry sat down for a tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey on March 7 and accused the palace of racism. Markle also opened up about her mental health issues.