THE Queen has reached into her own pocket to pay for the investigation into claims of bullying by Meghan Markle.
The palace launched a probe this year amid claims the Duchess of Sussex bullied two senior members of staff when she was a senior royal.
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But there was no mention of the bullying investigation in yesterday’s annual palace report which sources say is “ongoing”.
A royal source said: “There is no Sovereign Grant money spent on this review. It’s private. It is met privately. It’s not public money.”
The couple’s former communications chief, Jason Knauf, reportedly submitted an email alleging unacceptable behaviour by the Duchess in 2018.
He compiled a dossier outlining allegations, which was sent to the Duke of Cambridge’s private secretary.
Meghan allegedly snapped “it’s not my job to coddle people” after aides were left in tears and humiliated by her “difficult demands”.
Mr Kauf claimed Meghan’s alleged treatment of staff was “totally unacceptable”, adding that she “seems intent on always having someone in her sights”.
One courtier also claimed that the duchess “governed by fear” while it was also reported there was a “febrile” atmosphere.
Another ex-employee alleged they had been personally “humiliated” by Meghan, whose behaviour felt “more like emotional cruelty and manipulation, which I guess could also be called bullying”.
The former actress fiercely denies the claims – and her spokesperson said she’s the victim of a “calculated smear campaign”.
It comes after Harry and Meghan blasted the Royal Family in their bombshell Oprah Winfrey interview when they claimed there was a lack of support for Meghan’s mental health.
Harry also said he had been financially cut off – despite yesterday’s palace report suggesting otherwise – and claimed this year his wife felt suicidal.
The palace yesterday described the importance of mental health support pointing out care for staff.
The palace source said: “For many years, an independent counselling service and employee assistance programme [has been available], and it’s something that we’ve also reminded our people is that it there if they really need the additional support.
“And I do think that that work is continuing.”
