Royal aide Jason Knauf breaks silence on Meghan Markle's bullying allegations, says he has no regrets
Courtesy: AFP
A former senior aide to the Sussexes, who accused Meghan Markle of bullying staff out of the royal household, has stated he has "no regrets" and wouldn't change anything, despite the backlash, in his first TV interview.
Jason Knauf stood by his complaint about the alleged “totally unacceptable” behavior of the Duchess of Sussex, which was leaked just before the couple’s Oprah interview in 2021.
'The Duchess seems intent on always having someone in her sights', he had written in a 2018 email, accusing Meghan of 'bullying' and damaging the confidence of two staff members.
Mr. Knauf, originally from New Zealand, served as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s press secretary and appeared in a new 60 Minutes Australia documentary, *Where There’s A Will*.
Asked whether it was difficult having the attention on him after his emails alleging bullying by Meghan were leaked, he responded: "I wouldn't change anything."
Jason cryptically mentioned the need to "take your own medicine sometimes," reflecting on his personal journey since leaving royal service after advising both the Sussexes and the Waleses on the press.
In 2018, he sent an internal email raising concerns about Meghan’s alleged mistreatment of staff within the royal family, which was later leaked after Megxit.
'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.'
Four years after leaving royal service, Jason has broken his silence in a documentary, where he also praised Harry’s brother, William, calling working with him and his wife "the honour of a lifetime."
He also commented on the strained relationship between Prince Harry and Prince William, calling it "hard and sad," but emphasized that William has chosen to remain "private" about it.
In 2023, Jason was awarded a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order by Prince William at Windsor Castle, indicating that their relationship remains strong.
The Duchess of Sussex, 43, has consistently denied the bullying allegations, calling them part of an orchestrated smear campaign against her.
Harry and Meghan’s spokesperson had responded at the time by stating, "Let's just call this what it is-a calculated smear campaign based on misleading and harmful misinformation."
There was also a public statement calling the bullying claims defamatory.
Jason Knauf told 60 Minutes Australia, he 'wouldn't change anything' and has 'no regrets'.
'I think it's tough, but it's probably quite good', he said.
'You know someone who has been helping other people through how to deal with the public eye. You probably had 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 too. So, I wouldn't change anything'.