Tom Bower, the author of "Revenge: The Duke, Duchess, and the War Between the Windsors," is a prominent royal analyst who predicts that more details about the allegations of bullying by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, will emerge following a former staffer's public statements. In an editorial published by The Daily Mail on Tuesday, Bower suggested that the current trickle of information will soon turn into a steady stream.
Two weeks prior to Bower's commentary, Samantha Cohen, a former Palace aide, confirmed in an interview with the Australian Herald Sun that she was among 10 employees questioned about claims of bullying by the Duchess during her time in the royal family. Bower asserted, "I firmly believe Ms. Cohen became frustrated within six months or so, and The Duchess either disagreed with or failed to grasp the non-negotiable aspects of royal life."
Valentine Low, a journalist and author of "Crowns & Corders: The Hidden Power Behind the Crown," noted that Cohen, who left her position in 2018, likened her experience to working with teenagers and described harsh treatment during her tenure. According to Cohen, originally slated to stay six months, she extended her term by an additional 18 months due to challenges in finding a suitable replacement. She recounted efforts to train new staff during a tour of Africa with the Duke and Duchess, yet some recruits left midway through the trip in 2020.
Reports from The Times in 2020 indicated that Jason Knauf, then head of communications, compiled a dossier after three female employees accused the Duchess of bullying. Knauf allegedly informed the palace's HR department that Meghan had driven two personal assistants out of the household. Another anonymous employee reportedly told Knauf, "I can't stop shaking, I feel terrified," following interactions with the Duchess that left her feeling sick.
Representatives for Meghan Markle vehemently denied the allegations, labeling them as another attack on her character. When the accusations surfaced, the final report remained confidential to protect those involved. Bower emphasized the growing concern within the palace and personal friction, noting that Prince Charles reportedly found Meghan's behavior unacceptable, a sentiment echoed in his book "Revenge."
Bower highlighted a significant turnover of employees, including departures from Catherine's communications team by Katrina McKeever and Melissa Tatti, both of whom reportedly struggled with the Duchess's exacting demands. Rumors about Meghan's alleged bullying circulated just before her and Prince Harry's 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey. While residing at Kensington Palace, sources claimed Meghan reduced staff members to tears, allegedly stating, "It's not my job to coddle people." Meghan denied these accusations.
