UK Royal Family "Very Concerned" Over Allegations of Harassment by Duchess Markle's Staff... Investigation to Follow

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] The AP news agency reported on the 3rd (local time) that Buckingham Palace plans to launch an investigation following allegations that Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, who left the British royal family, severely bullied staff members during her time in the royal household.

According to the report, Buckingham Palace issued a statement on the same day expressing "deep concern" over the reports of Meghan bullying royal staff and announced that it "intends to conduct an investigation."

Earlier, the British daily The Times reported that while Meghan was living at Kensington Palace, she bullied royal staff, causing two personal assistants to resign and another to suffer significant damage to their self-esteem.

Buckingham Palace stated, "Our HR team will look into the situations mentioned in the article," adding, "The royal household has maintained dignity in its labor policies and has neither tolerated nor will tolerate bullying or harassment in the workplace."

Although the specific investigation schedule is not yet determined, sources indicated that the investigation is expected to begin soon.

The British daily The Guardian noted, "It is very unusual for the royal family to issue a statement in response to media reports," pointing out that "this shows the deepening rift between Prince Harry and Meghan and the royal family since the couple left the royal household."

Notably, the allegations of Meghan bullying staff surfaced just days before the airing of an interview between the couple and famous American broadcaster Oprah Winfrey, drawing significant attention.

In the interview, scheduled to air on the 8th, Meghan is expected to "reveal" previously unknown stories, including experiences of racial discrimination within the royal family and the reasons behind their departure from the royal household.

The Guardian cited a source close to Prince Harry and Meghan, suggesting that the allegations of Meghan bullying staff may be intended to undermine the content of the upcoming interview with Winfrey.

Since declaring their independence from the royal family in January last year, the couple moved from Canada to the United States and currently reside in Los Angeles (LA). They recently announced Meghan's second pregnancy via social media.