Samantha Cohen, a former aide of Meghan Markle, has affirmed her participation in Buckingham Palace’s investigation into allegations of bullying against the Duchess. Cohen, among 10 royal staffers interviewed, sheds light on the tumultuous environment within Kensington Palace, where complaints of toxicity emerged years ago.
Allegations surfaced that Meghan had compelled two personal assistants to depart Kensington Palace in 2018, with internal correspondence leaked to UK broadcaster The Times. Despite the accusations, Meghan has vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
Cohen, an Australian, disclosed her extended tenure within the royal household and offered insights into the challenges faced by staff members. Reflecting on her experience, she highlighted the difficulties in finding a suitable replacement and recounted accompanying a new recruit on a tour to Africa with Prince Harry and Meghan, only for them to resign during the trip.
Jason Knauf, former communications secretary of Kensington Palace, raised concerns about Meghan’s treatment of staff in a 2018 email to Prince William’s private secretary, Simon Case. Knauf expressed distress over alleged bullying behavior towards staff members, emphasizing the Duchess’s purported pattern of undermining confidence and creating a hostile work environment.
Cohen’s departure from Kensington Palace in 2018 coincided with public scrutiny surrounding the bullying allegations, fueling speculations about Meghan’s leadership style. The headline-grabbing saga, characterized by media portrayals of a “Duchess Difficult,” underscored the challenges faced by staff members and highlighted the demands of working within the royal household.
