Meghan Markle Responds to Palace Staff Bullying Claims

Meghan Markle has released an official statement responding to a former royal aide's claims that the Duchess bullied her staff. A representative for Markle, who has been the subject of undue scrutiny and criticism ever since her introduction to the royal family, called the accusations a "calculated smear campaign based on misleading and harmful misinformation."

The former aide's allegations come just days before Oprah's anticipated tell-all interview with Markle and Prince Harry is scheduled to air. The sit-down will address the couple's decision to step away from the royal family, as well as the animosity Markle has faced since becoming a royal. "It’s no coincidence that distorted several-year-old accusations aimed at undermining The Duchess are being briefed to the British media shortly before she and The Duke are due to speak openly and honestly about their experience of recent years," her communications team added.

Seemingly responding to the controversy, CBS teased a new clip from Markle's upcoming Oprah interview. When asked to elaborate on how she feels about the Palace hearing her "speak her truth," the Duchess responded, "I don’t know how they could expect that after all of this time, we would still just be silent if there was an active role that the [Palace workplace] is playing in perpetuating falsehoods about us. And if that comes with risk of losing things, I mean -- there’s a lot that’s been lost already."

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Oprah interview airs on CBS on March 7 at 8 p.m. EST.

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