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Buckingham Palace launches probe into Meghan Markle ‘bullying’ allegations

<p>Staff were reported in <em>The Times </em>to have alleged that Meghan had driven out two personal assistants during her time as a working royal</p> (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Staff were reported in The Times to have alleged that Meghan had driven out two personal assistants during her time as a working royal

(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Buckingham Palace will launch an investigations into allegations of bullying made against Meghan, Duchess of Sussex by former members of staff, a spokesperson has said.

Staff were reported in The Times to have claimed Meghan had driven out two personal assistants during her time as a working royal, with staff alleged to have been “humiliated” on a number of occasions.

Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “We are clearly very concerned about allegations in The Times following claims made by former staff of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

“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.

“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 publication alleged the Duchess’ actions were viewed by sources as an attempt to paint herself as a “victim” so as to convince Prince Harry to leave the UK with her and escape the “unbearable experience” - something her lawyers have denied.

However sources told the paper that despite complaints, the institution of the monarchy “protected Meghan constantly”, adding “All the men in grey suits who she hates have a lot to answer for, because they did absolutely nothing to protect people.”

It is understood the palace hopes to launch the probe soon, with any changes in policy or procedure triggered likely to be shared later in the Sovereign Grant report, which is published annually and documents royal accounts for the year.

The disclosure comes ahead of a scheduled tell-all interview between the Sussexes and Oprah Winfrey which is expected to dig into the couples’ experience of royal life and the decisions behind their move to America.

Additional reporting by agencies

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