Meghan Markle denies ‘reducing staff to tears’ in bombshell ‘bullying’ complaint

Meghan Markle has vehemently denied an accusation of bullying staff at Kensington Palace shortly after marrying Prince Harry.

According to the Times Jason Knauf, then the Sussexes’ communications secretary, made a complaint in October 2018.

The complaint claimed Meghan had allegedly driven two personal assistants out of the household.

It is further claimed she was undermining the confidence of a third staff member, The Times reports, allegations Meghan’s representatives have denied.

Her reps counter claimed that this was nothing more than a “calculated smear campaign based on misleading and harmful misinformation.”

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, 39, will bare all in an unprecedented interview alongside Harry, 36, with American chat show icon, Oprah Winfrey, on Sunday UK time.

Former members of the Sussexes staff have reportedly decided to share their story after believing that only “a partial version” of Meghan’s time as a working member of The Royal Family had come to light.

The Times alleged that Knauf had emailed Simon Case, who was working as Prince William’s private secretary after speaking to head of HR, Samantha Curruthers back in 2018.

It is further claimed that Prince Harry had interceded in the dispute and asked “Knauf” not to pursue the matter.

An extract of Knauf’s email, published by The Times said: “I am very concerned the Duchess was able to bully two PAs out of the household in the past year. The treatment of X* was totally unacceptable.

“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.”

Knauf’s email added: “I questioned if the Household policy on bullying and harassment applies to principals.”

In response to the allegations published by the Times, Meghan’s spokesperson 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.”

They added: “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.”

Harry and Meghan’s tell-all interview with Oprah is set to air in the States on Sunday night and will later be screened by ITV who successfully won a bidding war, coughing up £1 million for the rights.

On Monday, CBS dropped two teaser trailers for arguably the most dramatic royal interview since Diana, Princess of Wales’ and Harry’s mum, held an infamous Panorama interview with Martin Bashir.

During the teaser clip, Harry, 35, revealed that he feared “history would repeat itself” – a hint at Diana’s fate.

The network later revealed that the interview would be extended to two hours.

A teaser clip sees Oprah ask former Suits actress, Meghan, whether she was “silent or silenced” – however, in the promotional clip, we do not hear Meghan’s response to the question.

Daily Star has approached Kensington Palace for a response.