MEGHAN Markle is heading for a “brutal showdown” with Buckingham Palace over claims she bullied staff during her time as a royal, it has been reported.
The Duchess of Sussex, 39, will reportedly issue a “point by point” rebuttal of the allegations by demanding the Palace hands over a detailed breakdown of the claims.
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Meghan is yet to be formally interviewed over claims she created a “toxic” work environment while at Kensington Palace, sources told The Mirror.
Those close to Meghan have suggested the two sides are heading for a “brutal showdown”, after two senior members of staff claimed they were bullied by Meghan during her time at the Palace.
And according to The Mirror, “at least 10” former palace staffers are “queuing up” to assist an independent inquiry looking into the claims.
The “review” of working practices is being conducted by an independent law firm and was set up in March.
Its final report was due to be released in the annual Sovereign Grant this week – but it could be delayed until 2022.
A source close to the inquiry told The Mirror: “The feeling is this is heading for a brutal showdown between the Duchess of Sussex who is understood to be disputing all allegations labelled against her.
“The Palace is taking each and every allegation very seriously and wants to get to the truth of the matter and ensure those speaking up deserve to be heard.
“But Meghan is adamant the staff were not up to their job and could not deal with the pressure of working for her and understanding how she wanted things to run.”
It comes after royal author Robert Lacey wrote in his book Battle of Brothers that Prince William “threw Harry out” in a blistering row over the bullying claims.
The row was sparked after Jason Knauf, who worked in comms for both the Cambridges and the Sussexes, submitted an official email in October 2018 detailing allegations of bullying.
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 the duchess’s alleged treatment of staff was “totally unacceptable”, adding that she “seems intent on always having someone in her sights”.
One courtier claimed that the duchess “governed by fear” while it was also reported there was a “febrile” atmosphere.
And 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”.
The Palace said at the time that it was “very concerned by the allegations” and it would “not tolerate bullying and harassment”.
It originally sought to investigate the matter internally, but later opted to pay for an external law firm.
A Palace spokesman said: “Our commitment to look into the circumstances around the allegations from former staff of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex is being taken forward but we will not be providing a public commentary on it.”
