MEGHAN Markle’s best friend Jessica Mulroney has praised her “kindness, empathy and love” as pals rallied around the Duchess after bullying claims.
The Canadian fashion stylist posted a photo of her and Meghan at a restaurant on Instagram after reports were published claiming that the Duchess of Sussex had “bullied” several former staff members at Kensington Palace.
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Several friends – including Suits co-star Patrick Adams, producer Silver tree and CBS anchor Gayle Kind – have spoken out in support of Meghan after a source told The Times that the Duchess of Sussex drove two personal assistants out of the household and undermined the confidence of a third.
The Queen launched a probe into the allegations of bullying, with the Palace releasing a statement saying they were “very concerned” at the claims.
Jessica, 41, who met the Duchess of Sussex while filming Suits in Toronto, posted a photo of her and Meghan – both dressed in white – at a restaurant, with the caption: “I don’t know that anyone has ever had to deal with the pressure, the politics and the press like this woman.
“In the face of it all, I have never seen her waver from kindness, empathy and love.”
Last year, the two friends were said to have fallen out after a racism row in June.
Meghan’s pal was fired from two TV jobs following a row with Sasha Exeter who accused Jessica of using her “wealth and privilege” to shut her up.
Jessica apologised for her behaviour amid an outcry as followers branded her a “bully” and a “racist”.
She also denied any falling out between her and Meghan and said her friend was like “family” in an Instagram post that was later deleted.
Another friend who spoke out to show support for Meghan after the bullying claims was Silver Tree, who worked as a producer on Suits.
She posted some photos of her and Meghan, writing on Twitter: “This is Meg. A real person – not a cover story. She is one of my very nearest and dearest. Like all her friends I love her madly.
“She is the friend who insists on always hearing the details of your life, your day, your kids life, your kids day, before hers. Always before hers.”
Meghan’s Suits co-star Patrick Adams also defended the Duchess and accused the Palace of “tormenting” her as he described the monarchy as “archaic and toxic” in a series of tweets.
Patrick, who starred as Meghan’s on-screen love interest during her time on Suits, criticised the Palace for “promoting and amplifying” the bullying accusations.
He said Meghan was forced to “flee the UK” to protect her family and her mental health.
He added: “It’s OBSCENE that the Royal Family, whose newest member is currently GROWING INSIDE OF HER, is promoting and amplifying accusations of ‘bullying’ against a woman who herself was basically forced to flea the UK in order protect her family and her own mental health.
“IMO, this newest chapter and it’s timing is just another stunning example of the shamelessness of a institution that has outlived its relevance, is way overdrawn on credibility and apparently bankrupt of decency.
“Find someone else to admonish, berate and torment. My friend Meghan is way out of your league.”
CBS anchor Gayle King, 66, spoke in support of the Duchess as she and her fellow presenters discussed a new teaser clip for the couple’s highly anticipated Oprah interview.
Gayle, who is a close friend of Meghan, claimed that Meghan had been “vilified” and hinted that there were questions in the Oprah interview that the royals did not answer.
King, who is also friends with Oprah, added: “Vilified is the word for what has happened to Harry and Meghan. Meghan in particular.
“When I heard Oprah say it’s the best interview she’d ever done and I asked her what do you mean by that she said: ‘It wasn’t just me, it was to have people at that level who are going through it, so to speak’.
“They answered every question – 99.999. And any questions that they didn’t answer they explained why they didn’t answer, so you got a sense of that.
“There wasn’t any Jiu Jitsu, bobbing and weaving and trying to decide.”
‘LATEST ATTACK’
It followed a report in The Times this week which claimed the Duchess is facing allegations that she bullied staff during her time at Kensington Palace.
After the investigation was launched, one of the sources who revealed the complaint told The Times: “We will finally be able to tell the truth. It’s not going to be easy, but this is very welcome and long overdue.
“We don’t have to be silent any more.”
The investigation was the result of lengthy conversations between Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace and Clarence House, according to The Times.
The allegations came just days before Harry and Meghan’s bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey, which is will be aired on CBS in the US on Sunday night, and then in the UK on ITV on Monday.
However, a spokesman for the Sussexes denied allegations of bullying, saying that Meghan is committed to supporting people who have experienced trauma and works to “build compassion around the world”.
Meghan’s spokesman said: “The Duchess is saddened by this latest attack on her character, particularly as someone who has been the target of bullying herself and is deeply committed to supporting those who have experienced pain and trauma.
“She is determined to continue her work building compassion around the world and will keep striving to set an example for doing what is right and doing what is good.”
