In a dramatic turn of events that has once again thrust the British royal family into the spotlight, a former royal aide, Jason Knauf, has publicly reiterated accusations that Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, bullied staff during her time as a senior royal. The explosive claims, originally made in 2018 but resurfaced today, August 15, 2025, have sparked widespread controversy. Just hours after Knauf’s allegations were aired in a candid television interview, Prince William, Prince of Wales, announced his appointment as the new CEO of the Earthshot Prize, a high-profile environmental initiative founded by William. The swift promotion, revealed at 9:00 AM GMT, has fueled speculation of a deliberate endorsement by William, intensifying tensions within the royal family and reigniting debates about Meghan’s conduct. This development, unfolding against the backdrop of an already strained relationship between the Sussexes and the Waleses, underscores the complexities of royal dynamics and public perception.
The Allegations: A Resurfaced Scandal
Jason Knauf, a seasoned communications expert who served as joint communications secretary for Prince William, Princess Catherine, Prince Harry, and Meghan from 2015 to 2019, first raised concerns about Meghan’s behavior in an internal email sent in October 2018. In the email, which was leaked to the media in 2021 just before the Sussexes’ bombshell Oprah Winfrey interview, Knauf alleged that Meghan’s actions created a toxic work environment at Kensington Palace. Specifically, he claimed she “bullied” two personal assistants, driving them to resign, and was “seeking to undermine” the confidence of a third staff member. He described her behavior as “totally unacceptable,” noting, “The Duchess seems intent on always having someone in her sights.”
Today, Knauf broke his silence on the issue during an exclusive interview on Good Morning Britain, his first public comment since the email’s leak. “I stand by what I wrote,” he said, speaking calmly but firmly. “I witnessed behavior that was intimidating and demoralizing to staff. It was my duty to report it, not out of malice, but to protect those who felt unable to speak up.” Knauf emphasized that his concerns were raised privately to senior aides, including Simon Case, then William’s private secretary, and were intended to address workplace issues, not to target Meghan personally. He expressed regret over the public fallout but maintained he would “do it again” to uphold professional standards.
Meghan, now 44 and living in Montecito, California, with Prince Harry and their two children, Archie and Lilibet, has consistently denied the allegations. In a statement issued through her spokesperson shortly after Knauf’s interview, she called the claims “a calculated smear campaign based on misleading and harmful misinformation.” The statement highlighted Meghan’s own experiences as a target of bullying, noting her commitment to “supporting those who have experienced pain and trauma.” She added, “I’m saddened that these accusations resurface at a time when I’m focused on my family and positive projects like With Love, Meghan.”
The timing of Knauf’s remarks is notable, coinciding with the upcoming release of Season 2 of Meghan’s Netflix lifestyle show, set to premiere on August 26, 2025. Some speculate the renewed focus on the bullying claims is an attempt to overshadow her latest venture, though Knauf denied any such motive, stating his comments were prompted by “ongoing questions” about his role in the controversy.
Prince William’s Bold Move: A Promotion with Purpose
Mere hours after Knauf’s interview aired, Prince William announced his appointment as the new CEO of the Earthshot Prize, a £50 million initiative launched in 2020 to fund innovative environmental solutions. Knauf, who has served on the Prize’s board of trustees since 2022, will succeed Hannah Jones, who stepped down after four years leading the organization. In a statement released at 9:00 AM GMT, William praised Knauf’s “proven loyalty and exceptional leadership,” noting, “As we look to scale solutions for the planet’s greatest challenges, I’m confident Jason will steer the Earthshot Prize to new heights.”
The timing and nature of the promotion have raised eyebrows. Insiders describe it as William’s “greatest endorsement” of Knauf, signaling his trust in the aide who stood firm against Meghan. “William’s decision is no accident,” a palace source said. “It’s a clear message that he values Jason’s integrity and believes his account.” Knauf’s new role places him at the helm of one of William’s most cherished projects, with a global platform to oversee £20 million in grants and collaborations with innovators across 60 countries. His salary, reportedly £250,000 annually, and high-profile responsibilities elevate him to a prominent position within the royal sphere.
Knauf’s history with the royal family adds context to the move. An American-born Oxford graduate, he joined Kensington Palace in 2015, managing communications for both the Cambridges (now Waleses) and the Sussexes. He navigated high-stakes moments, including Harry and Meghan’s 2018 wedding, which he described as a “magical experience.” However, tensions arose as the couples’ offices split in 2019, with Knauf aligning closely with William and Kate. After leaving his role as CEO of the Royal Foundation in 2021, he remained a trusted advisor, making his Earthshot appointment a natural progression—but one laden with symbolic weight.
The Royal Divide: A Family Fractured
The bullying allegations and Knauf’s promotion deepen the rift between the Waleses and Sussexes, a divide that has simmered since Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties in 2020. Public moments of discord—Harry’s memoir Spare, the Oprah interview, and the Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan—have painted a picture of mutual grievances. Meghan’s claim that a royal family member raised concerns about Archie’s skin color, and Harry’s depiction of William as aloof, have strained relations. Kate and William, meanwhile, have maintained a stoic silence, focusing on duties like Kate’s cancer recovery and William’s environmental advocacy.
Knauf’s accusations have been a flashpoint. In 2021, Buckingham Palace launched an internal investigation into the claims, interviewing staff and reviewing protocols. The results, finalized in 2022, were never made public, but the palace introduced new HR policies to address workplace concerns. Meghan’s legal team, led by Jenny Afia, dismissed the allegations as “vague” and “damaging,” arguing the term “bullying” was misused to tarnish her reputation as a career woman. Former staffers have offered mixed accounts: some describe Meghan as demanding but professional, while others corroborate Knauf’s concerns, citing high turnover during her tenure.
William’s decision to promote Knauf is seen by some as a tacit confirmation of his stance. “William’s loyalty is to his team and the institution,” a royal commentator noted. “Promoting Jason sends a signal that he believes the allegations hold weight.” Others, however, view it as a pragmatic choice, given Knauf’s experience and alignment with William’s environmental goals. The Earthshot Prize, which has reduced 420,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions and protected 170,000 square kilometers of land, demands a leader with Knauf’s media savvy and organizational skills.
Public and Media Reaction
The news has ignited a firestorm on social media. Hashtags like #MeghanBullying and #TeamWilliam trend globally, with fans divided. Supporters of Meghan argue she’s been unfairly targeted, with comments like, “This is a vendetta to discredit her success.” Others back William, praising his loyalty to staff: “Good for William standing by Jason!” The British press, long critical of Meghan, has amplified the story, with headlines like “William Backs Aide Who Called Out Meghan” dominating tabloids. U.S. outlets, where Meghan enjoys stronger support, frame it as a royal power play, with Vogue noting her focus on “healing and creativity” through her Netflix show.
The controversy risks overshadowing Meghan’s latest project, where she hosts celebrities like Chrissy Teigen in a Montecito setting, sharing recipes and lifestyle tips. Clips of her in a burgundy Sézane jumper—eerily similar to one Kate wore—have already sparked fashion comparisons, adding fuel to the narrative of rivalry. Meanwhile, William and Kate, fresh from a summer of public appearances, including Kate’s Wimbledon return, maintain a united front, with Kate’s remission from cancer in 2024 bolstering their public favor.
Implications for the Future
This episode underscores the enduring tensions within the royal family, where personal loyalties and public roles collide. For Meghan and Harry, the allegations are a painful reminder of their turbulent exit from royal life. Their Archewell Foundation continues to thrive, but public scrutiny persists. For William, the promotion of Knauf reinforces his commitment to his team and his vision for the monarchy’s future, particularly through initiatives like Earthshot.
As the dust settles, the world watches to see if Meghan responds further or if Harry, who has remained silent, weighs in. Knauf, now thrust into a global role, faces the challenge of leading Earthshot while navigating the fallout of his past actions. For now, this royal drama—marked by accusations, promotions, and fractured bonds—reminds us that even in palaces, human conflicts run deep.
