A recent development in the Buckingham Palace inquiry into allegations of bullying by the Duchess of Sussex has raised eyebrows, as it has come to light that only a small number of staff members have been interviewed so far.
This limited scope of the investigation has left many wondering about its effectiveness and potential outcomes.
The internal inquiry, initiated nine months ago, was aimed at probing claims that Meghan’s behavior led to the departure of two personal assistants and affected the confidence of a third staff member.
Reports suggested that employees were left in tears and feeling traumatized by the alleged actions.
In an unprecedented move, the Royal Household enlisted a third-party law firm to delve into the accusations, a decision privately funded by the family.
This step was anticipated to potentially strain relations between Prince Harry, Meghan, and the institution, given the sensitive nature of the matter.
Considering that the Sussexes had a fluctuating workforce of around 15 to 25 individuals during Meghan’s tenure within the Royal Family from 2017 to 2020, there are concerns that the current investigation may need to expand its scope to encompass a larger number of individuals and thus require more time for a thorough examination.
However, a shroud of secrecy surrounds the inquiry, with strict instructions from the Queen’s private secretary, Sir Edward Young, preventing any updates or information from being shared within the Palace.
The lack of transparency has left many questioning whether the investigation is still ongoing.
The Palace’s unfamiliarity with handling formal bullying complaints against a member of the Royal Family has further complicated the situation, as there are no established precedents to guide their actions.
With the inquiry’s narrow focus, doubts persist regarding its ability to yield meaningful results and address the underlying issues effectively.
Sources close to the matter have expressed reservations about the thoroughness of the investigation, noting that interviews have been conducted with only a select few individuals, falling short of providing a comprehensive overview of the situation.
Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the ongoing inquiry, emphasizing the need for privacy and patience in the process.
Meghan Markle has vehemently denied the bullying allegations, with her legal team denouncing them as a calculated smear campaign.
Despite the public denial, Meghan has refrained from directly addressing the claims herself, leaving her lawyers to handle the matter without further elaboration.
Efforts to maintain confidentiality surrounding the inquiry have been emphasized by the Palace, with a focus on ensuring the comfort and cooperation of all involved parties.
While the investigation is set to commence soon, there is no specified timeline for its completion, as stated by a royal source, indicating that it will take as long as necessary to reach a resolution.
In response to the allegations, Meghan’s spokesperson reiterated her commitment to advocating for compassion and supporting those who have faced adversity.
The Duchess remains resolute in her dedication to promoting positive change and setting an example of integrity and empathy, despite the challenges posed by the ongoing inquiry.