The sources also said that they approached The Times because they felt that the Duchess’s version that had come out publicly was only partially true and that they were concerned about how bullying issues were handled. The report said the sources believe the public “should have a view of their side of the story” ahead of the couple’s highly anticipated interview with Oprah Winfrey to air on Sunday, their first seated appearance since leaving London for North America. last year.
Buckingham Palace said it was “very concerned” about the allegations outlined in the report.
“Consequently, our HR team will review the circumstances described in the article. Team members currently involved, including those who have left the House, will be invited to participate to see if the lessons can be learned,” the agency said in its statement. .
“Royal Household has a Dignity at Work policy in place for several years and does not tolerate and does not tolerate intimidation or harassment in the workplace.”
Prince Harry and Meghan announced in January 2020 that they were no longer working members of the royal family and moved to North America soon after. Buckingham Palace confirmed last month that the couple had agreed with Queen Elizabeth II, Harry’s grandmother, that they would not return as royalty.
The move sparked rumors about a feud between the couple – who are based in California and expecting their second child – and the British royal family.
A Sussex spokesman dismissed the Times report as “a calculated smear campaign” before the couple’s interview with Winfrey.
“Let’s just call it what it is – a calculated smear campaign based on misleading and damaging misinformation. We are disappointed to see this defamatory portrait of the Duchess of Sussex receiving credibility through the media,” said the spokesman.
“The Duchess is saddened by this latest attack on her character, especially as someone who has been the target of bullying and is deeply committed to supporting those who have gone through pain and trauma. She is determined to continue her work by building compassion around the world and will continue to strive to set an example of doing what is right and doing what is good. “
The spokesman said the statements made in the Times report were “defamatory” and that a legal letter of rebuttal was sent to the media.
The Times declined to comment when it was approached by CNN.
Harry touched on real-life pressures during a conversation with Briton James Corden for his “Late Late Show” last month.
“It was a really difficult environment,” said the duke. “We all know what the British press can be like … and it was destroying my mental health. I was like, ‘This is toxic’, so I did what any husband and father would do: I need to get my family out of here. . “
Harry and Meghan are mired in a long war of words and lawsuits with much of the tabloid media, fighting various lawsuits against publications and photo agencies that have published details of their private lives.
Last month, Meghan won a privacy complaint against the editors of Mail on Sunday after they published a letter she sent to her father, and sent a scathing rebuke to “dehumanizing” media organizations following the verdict, saying ” damage they did and continue to do runs deep. “