Jason Knauf, the former royal aide to Sussexes Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, reignited the controversy surrounding Meghan's alleged bullying of staff during his recent interview on Australia’s prestigious program, 60 Minutes. This interview arrives just days before the Netflix debut of Markle’s much-anticipated lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan, leading some to speculate about the timing of Knauf's comments.
Knauf, who played a significant role during the couple’s royal tenure, expressed concerns back in 2018 about Meghan's treatment of her personal assistants. His email to Prince William’s private secretary revealed serious worries, alleging, “I am very concerned the Duchess was able to bully two P.As out of the household... The treatment of X was totally unacceptable.” Such revelations push forth the narrative of Meghan’s purportedly toxic environment within the palace walls.
Further detailing the allegations, Knauf noted, “The Duchess seems intent on ‘always having someone in her sight’, indicating vindictiveness,” adding, “We have had report after report from people who have witnessed unacceptable behavior.” The initial concerns sparked Buckingham Palace to initiate an internal investigation, which, surprisingly to many, has not seen the light of day, allegedly buried to maintain peace within the royal family.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Knauf noted in his interview, “I wouldn’t change anything and have no regrets.” This statement not only supports his previous allegations but also raises questions about whether there might be more truths still hidden.
Notably, Samantha Cohen, the late Queen's trusted adviser gifted to Meghan to ease her transition, abruptly left her role with no clear explanation, which adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. The Palace's reluctance to publish results of the investigation has fueled speculation, with many insiders believing the royal family prioritizes maintaining harmony over transparency.
Some speculate Knauf's recent appearance is not merely about airing grievances but may serve another purpose, possibly alluding to internal family dynamics, particularly with Prince Harry. Many observers find Knauf’s praise for Prince William—describing the breakdown of the relationship with Harry as both “hard and sad”—to be telling especially as it relates to Harry's public statements about his estranged family.
Journalist Amanda Platell remarked on the significance of Knauf’s comments, stating, “Was this a clear dig at Harry who went on to make millions out of his alleged grievances against the royals?” This comment brings to light the discrepancies and tensions exposed through public statements from the Sussexes and their reception of criticism.
Emily Andrews, another royal commentator, commented on the ramifications of Knauf's interview as they pertain to future relations within the family, especially since Meghan and Harry have often defended their actions with claims of unfair treatment due to racism and jealousy. Previously, allegations by ex-staff have been labeled by Meghan’s supporters as part of a “calculated smear campaign,” but with this renewed exposure, how long can such defenses hold?
This discussion coincides intriguingly with the impending release of With Love, Meghan. Early previews and reports suggest the series focuses primarily on Meghan alone, continuing the motif of the couple’s “brand separation.” Viewers have hinted at the absence of Harry’s involvement, raising questions about the direction of their partnership, especially as they navigate such turbulent waters.
Insiders suggest this latest series may be the last chapter of Meghan and Harry's $100 million deal with Netflix, and reactions to the initial episodes already predict it will be ‘very watchable’—though skepticism remains due to previous public backlashes.
While the Sussexes have carved out their own narrative post-Royal life, the echoes of Knauf’s revelations pose serious challenges to their story. With allegations still swirling and the Netflix series approaching, the future remains uncertain for Meghan Markle, whose persona as the compassionate advocate for feminism faces new scrutiny.
Interestingly, as the world watches, it begs the question—what else might come to light? With Knauf seemingly holding the cards of the Royal family's secrets, the possibility of future revelations remains tantalizingly open, making us wonder just how much longer the Sussexes can maintain this facade of normalcy amid the echoes of past allegations.