Ex-royal aide Jason Knauf speaks out on Meghan bullying accusation: ‘Wouldn’t change anything’

The former Palace staffer who accused Meghan of bullying junior employees in 2018 has addressed the fallout.

Former royal adviser Jason Knauf has opened up about his accusation that Meghan Markle bullied junior palace staff during her time as a working royal.

Knauf worked as communications secretary for Prince William and Kate, then the Duchess of Cambridge, from 2015 until 2021, including when they shared an office with Prince Harry and Meghan.

Speaking to 60 Minutes Australia on Sunday night, Knauf insisted he “wouldn’t change anything” when asked about the Meghan allegations, which were made seven years ago but only leaked in the days before Harry and Meghan’s explosive 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview.

“I think it’s tough, but it’s probably quite good,” he said about the global attention he received when his 2018 email outlining the accusations was made public.

“You know, as someone who has been helping other people through how to deal with the public eye, you probably have to take your own medicine sometimes.

“You can’t choose just to take the fun stuff in any job, and that applies to the prince and princess as well as everyone else working for them. So, I wouldn’t change anything.”

Harry and Meghan during their time as working royals in 2018. Picture: Anwar Hussein/WireImage

JKnauf has opened up about his time working closely with the royals in an interview with 60 Minutes Australia. Picture: Nine

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Knauf, who worked “really closely” with Harry and Meghan – as well as Prince William and Kate – also described planning their 2018 royal wedding as a “magical experience”.

“I wish them absolutely all the best with their lovely family,” he said.

Harry and Meghan have not publicly responded to Knauf's interview.

The bullying allegations aimed at the Duchess of Sussex have dogged her for years, and both she and Harry have always vehemently denied them.

Knauf remains close with Kate and William. Picture: Nine

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Knauf had claimed that he first became concerned about the bullying after joining the couple on a trip in 2018, and filed a complaint against her.

“I am very concerned that the Duchess was able to bully two PAs out of the household in the past year. The treatment of X was totally unacceptable,” he allegedly wrote in the email which was later leaked.

“The Duchess seems intent on always having someone in her sights. She is bullying Y and seeking to undermine her confidence. We have had report after report from people who have witnessed unacceptable behaviour towards Y.”

Jason Knauf at Harry and Meghan’s wedding in 2018. Picture: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Knauf added that he was worried “nothing will be done” about Meghan’s alleged behaviour.

Around the same time as the claims became public, The Times UK published an article revealing unnamed sources claiming Meghan had reduced staff to tears during her time at Kensington Palace, with one staff member even allegedly left “shaking” after one particularly nasty incident.

Another alleged that they had experienced “emotional cruelty and manipulation” from Meghan.

The duchess later released a statement denying the accusations and describing herself as “saddened” by the “attack on her character, particularly as someone who has been the target of bullying herself.”

Her spokesman also called it “a calculated smear campaign based on misleading and harmful misinformation.”

Knauf also spoke about the strained relationship between William and Harry, admitting it had been “very difficult” for the King’s elder son.

“We have ups and downs in family. Even when you really love someone, you know you can have times when you don’t want to spend that much time with them,” he said.

“You know, it’s very difficult to have this stuff play out in the public eye, but he’s [William] chosen to keep his thoughts on it private, and I think all of us who know him really have to respect that we should do the same.

“But I will, will say of course, it’s been hard and sad, especially for all of us who know both of them.”

Originally published as Ex-royal aide Jason Knauf speaks out on Meghan bullying accusation: ‘Wouldn’t change anything’