Jason Knauf Breaks Silence on Meghan Markle Bullying Allegations in Rare Interview

In a rare move for a royal staffer, Jason Knauf, the former Kensington Palace aide who first brought bullying allegations against Meghan Markle to light, has spoken publicly about the controversy. Knauf, who served as the press secretary to Meghan, Prince Harry, Prince William, and Kate Middleton in 2018, sat down for an interview with 60 Minutes Australia. The interview marks an unusual step for someone still associated with the royal family, as Knauf continues to work with Prince William on the Earthshot Prize initiative. During the conversation, he addressed the backlash he faced after his 2018 email alleging Meghan’s bullying behavior was leaked to the media.

Knauf’s email, sent to Prince William’s private secretary, expressed concerns about Meghan’s treatment of palace staff, stating that she had allegedly driven two personal assistants out of the household. When asked about the criticism he received following the leak, Knauf acknowledged the challenges but remained unapologetic. “It’s tough but it’s probably quite good,” he said. “Someone who is helping other people how to deal with the public eye… you probably have to take your own medicine sometimes.” He emphasized that no one can “choose just to take the fun stuff” in any job, a sentiment he extended to the royals themselves. “I wouldn’t change anything,” he added, standing by his actions.

The Bullying Allegations and Their Aftermath

Knauf’s accusations against Meghan were not only limited to the email. He also played a significant role in a legal battle involving the Duchess of Sussex. In 2021, Meghan filed a lawsuit against The Mail on Sunday over the publication of a private letter she had written to her father, Thomas Markle. During the proceedings, Knauf provided the Court of Appeal with private text messages and emails from Meghan. These documents revealed that she had instructed him to brief the authors of the explosive biography Finding Freedom, which chronicled her and Harry’s exit from the royal family. While Meghan initially denied cooperating with the book’s authors through her lawyers, the evidence suggested otherwise. Meghan later apologized to the court, admitting she had forgotten about instructing Knauf.

The revelations from Knauf not only damaged Meghan’s public image but also solidified his position as a polarizing figure, particularly among fans of Harry and Meghan. Supporters of the Sussexes have criticized Knauf for his role in the bullying allegations, viewing him as part of the palace machinery working against Meghan. Despite this, Knauf continues to work with Prince William, though he left his direct palace role around the time the bullying claims surfaced.

Knauf Reflects on His Relationship with the Sussexes

While Knauf’s interview inevitably focused on the controversy, he also shared some positive reflections on his time working with Meghan and Harry. He described his experience working on their 2018 wedding as “amazing” and “magical” and expressed well wishes for the couple and their family. “I’d worked really closely with the two of them, and we had lots of great times,” he said. “I wish them absolutely all the best with their lovely family.” These comments highlight the complexity of Knauf’s relationship with the Sussexes, suggesting that his decision to speak out about the bullying allegations was not made lightly.

Knauf also addressed the strained relationship between Prince Harry and Prince William, which has been a subject of intense media scrutiny. He acknowledged the challenges of family dynamics, especially when they play out in the public eye. “We have ups and downs in family,” he said. “Even when you really love someone, you can have times when you don’t want to spend that much time with them.” While he declined to speculate on whether the brothers’ relationship might improve if William becomes king, he emphasized the enduring bond between them. “They achieved a lot together, and none of that can ever be taken away,” he said. Knauf also noted the difficulty of navigating such personal matters under the glare of public attention, urging respect for the family’s privacy.

The Human Cost of the Royal Feud

The emotional toll of the bullying allegations and the broader royal feud was evident in Prince Harry’s public comments about the situation. In his 2021 mental health documentary The Me You Can’t See, Harry described how Meghan was affected by the leaked allegations. “Before the Oprah interview had aired, because of [the media’s] headlines, and that combined effort of the firm and the media to smear her, I was woken up in the middle of the night to her crying in her pillow because she doesn’t want to wake me up because I’m already carrying too much,” he said. “That’s heartbreaking. I held her, we talked, she cried, and she cried, and she cried.”

Harry also addressed the toxic work environment at Kensington Palace in his memoir, Spare. He recalled a “poisoned” atmosphere in the shared office, where tensions ran high and staff members often broke down in tears. He blamed the stress on external factors, such as the arrival of government officials in the palace, whom he accused of fostering conflict. Harry was critical of his brother William for buying into the negative narratives about Meghan, which he claimed were fueled by the media. “Willy blamed one person. Meg,” Harry wrote. “He told me so several times, and he got cross when I told him he was out of line.” Harry accused his brother of parroting press lies, suggesting that the real culprits were the palace staffers who thrived on drama.

The Broader Implications of the Royal Drama

The interview with Knauf and the ongoing drama between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family underscore the complexities of life within the monarchy. While the institution is steeped in tradition and duty, the individuals involved are undeniably human, grappling with the same emotions and challenges as everyone else. As Knauf observed, the royal family is, at its core, a family—one that has captured the imagination of millions around the world. “This may be an extraordinary family that everyone gets to talk about and write about and be interviewed and all of that stuff, but at the end of the day, it’s a family,” he said.

The situation also highlights the dual role of royal staffers like Knauf, who must navigate the delicate balance between loyalty to the monarchy and their own personal integrity. Knauf’s decision to speak out about the bullying allegations, despite knowing the potential consequences, reflects the difficult choices that often come with working in such a high-stakes environment. As he noted, “it’s probably quite good” to experience criticism firsthand, as it allows him to better advise others on handling public scrutiny.

Ultimately, the interview serves as a reminder that the drama surrounding the royal family is far from one-dimensional. It involves real people with real emotions, working in an environment that is both uniquely privileged and uniquely pressured. While the public may never have all the answers, Knauf’s willingness to share his perspective adds another layer to the ongoing narrative of the Sussexes and the monarchy. As the royal family continues to evolve, one thing is certain: the story of Meghan, Harry, William, and Kate will remain one of the most compelling in the world.