MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry’s ex-staffers are ALREADY figuring out how to protect themselves amid fears his memoir will try to “settle scores”, according to a report.
Royal courtiers are reportedly braced for a string of bombshell allegations in the Duke of Sussex’s book, which is due to be published next year.
Harry last week announced he would be releasing a memoir next year – as Her Majesty celebrates 70 years of service – in which he will recount “experiences, adventures, losses, and life lessons”.
But a small band of staffers who worked for the Duke and Duchess are now said to be concerned that the book could paint a false picture of the couple’s life in the Palace, MailOnline reports.
A royal insider told the website: “Harry and Meghan’s former staff members are convinced that this book is being written to settle scores and will likely include a lot of detail about their time within the Royal Family.
“Based on the Oprah Winfrey interview, some of these ex-workers simply do not trust that a full and accurate picture will be presented.
“Conversations have already started about what steps they might be able to take to protect their own reputation and that of the monarchy post-publication.”
‘SETTLING SCORES’
And the revelations made in the book could prompt ex-Palace staffers to respond to the claims publicly – though they are bound by strict confidentiality laws.
The source added: “There may be a provision given to staff members to respond to any claims that they consider to be inaccurate.
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“Maybe a blind eye could be turned if staff members used friends or family members to correct the record on their behalf.”
Legal remedies could also be available if the book “smears any individual staff members unfairly”, the source claimed.
BULLYING ROW
It follows allegations that Meghan Markle bullied royal staff during her time at the Palace, which are still being investigated more than four months after they were initially reported.
The Palace launched the investigation after the Duchess of Sussex was accused of bullying two senior staff members. Meghan said the bullying allegations were part of a “calculated smear campaign”.
Jason Knauf, who worked in comms for both the Cambridges and the Sussexes, submitted an official email in October 2018.
Meghan allegedly snapped “it’s not my job to coddle people” after aides were left in tears and humiliated by her “difficult demands”.
BUMPER BOOK DEAL
Meanwhile, Harry is reported to have led negotiations with publishing houses to secure the book deal – with bidding for the memoir beginning at £18 million and rising as high as £29 million.
Two publishers reportedly flew out from London to Harry’s home in California and took part in an ‘auction’ for the rights to his book.
It comes as part of a lucrative four-book deal with publisher Random House, which includes the memoir, a title to be published after the Queen’s death and a “wellness” guide penned by Harry’s wife Meghan Markle.
The author and subject of the fourth title is not yet known.
For his memoir, Harry is collaborating with celebrated ghostwriter JR Moehringer, who has written memoirs for tennis legend Andre Agassi and Nike co-founder Phil Knight.
It has been described as the “definitive account of the experiences, adventures, losses, and life lessons that have helped shape him”.
Buckingham Palace has allegedly been warned they “should be afraid” of what’s to come from it.
