Royal Family Accused of ‘Double Standards’ Over Bullying Investigation

The co-author of Harry and Meghan’s biography Finding Freedom has accused the Royal Family of having ‘double standards’ over its investigation into bullying claims against the Duchess of Sussex.

The co-author, Carolyn Durand, questioned why the palace had ordered a full investigation into the duchess but had failed to do so with Prince Andrew. The Queen’s son was close friends with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and has been accused by at least one woman of sexual abuse himself.

Andrew has always categorically denied the claims and said he was completely in the dark in regard to Epstein’s criminal activities at the time.

Durand told Sky News: “There’s been a lot of double standards that we’re talking about.

“Why is there an investigation into this bullying but there’s not been an investigation into Prince Andrew and the allegations surrounding Jeffrey Epstein and the women who have made allegations?

“Why hasn’t he been urged to cooperate with US authorities? Why were Prince Harry’s military honors stripped [after he stepped down as a working royal] but Prince Andrew’s haven’t been?”

She added the “double standards” were something Meghan had “really struggled with” and “her friends were concerned about her”.

It was revealed this week that Buckingham Palace would be investigating allegations of bullying against Markle during her time as a working royal, after claims were revealed in the Times newspaper detailing how she had ‘destroyed’ one member of staff and another was left in tears because of her actions.

Durand’s biography is advertised as Harry and Meghan’s side of the story over the last few years despite the couple’s spokesperson continuing to insist they were not spoken to for it. The authors instead said they had used multiple sources very close to the couple for the book.

Describing Meghan’s experience with the UK media, Ms. Durand said: “It was devastating to her to be attacked in many respects, and also with her mother being attacked.”

She also referenced a Daily Mail headline that had described Meghan as “(almost) Straight Outta Compton”, commenting: “We can’t overstate how much that must have been hurtful to her.”

Ms. Durand also highlighted how there were “genuine concerns” over information about the couple being leaked regularly to the media from within the institution, including the news they would be stepping back from their roles.

The couple have repeatedly claimed that they are the victims of a calculated smear campaign, backed up by their lawyer who said the accusations against Meghan are based on ‘misleading and harmful misinformation’.

Tensions have been especially high between Harry and Meghan and the rest of the Royal Family ever since it was revealed that the couple would be giving a wide-ranging interview to Oprah Winfrey, an act contrary to the family’s normal mantra of ‘never complain, never explain’.

Teaser tips of the interview show the duchess saying she could not just be expected to be silent if the Royal Family is playing an ‘active role in perpetuating falsehoods’ about her.

Similarly, Harry revealed his own fears of ‘history repeating itself’, seemingly in reference to how his mother Princess Diana was treated by the press as well as the Royal Family itself.

“We are clearly very concerned about allegations in ‘The Times’ following claims made by former staff of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex,” a Royal Family statement in response to the bullying allegations said.

“Accordingly our HR team will look into the circumstances outlined in the article. Members of staff involved at the time, including those who have left the Household, will be invited to participate to see if lessons can be learned,” it continued.

“The Royal Household has had a Dignity at Work policy in place for a number of years and does not and will not tolerate bullying or harassment in the workplace.”

“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have confirmed to Her Majesty The Queen that they will not be returning as working members of The Royal Family,” the Royal Family statement detailing confirmation of the couple’s departure from the family a couple weeks ago said.

“Following The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s decision to step away last year as working members of The Royal Family, a 12-month review was agreed.

“A decision has now been made after conversations between The Duke of Sussex and Members of The Royal Family. 

“Following conversations with The Duke, The Queen has written confirming that in stepping away from the work of The Royal Family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service. The honorary military appointments and Royal patronages held by The Duke and Duchess will therefore be returned to Her Majesty, before being redistributed among working members of The Royal Family.

“While all are saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family.”