Aftermath of Exposure... UK Royal Family Launches Independent Investigation into Markle's 'Power Abuse Allegations'

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The British royal family has hired an external law firm to investigate allegations that Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, bullied royal staff.

On the 15th (local time), CNN reported, "The British royal family has decided to conduct a full investigation into local media reports that Markle bullied royal staff," adding that the identity of the law firm hired has not been disclosed.

A royal spokesperson said on the same day, "An investigation is currently underway regarding the allegations that the Duchess of Sussex bullied staff," and added, "We will not make any public comments on this matter."

Earlier, on the 3rd, the British newspaper The Times reported that around October 2018, when Markle was residing at Kensington Palace in London, she frequently lost her temper with staff and made insulting remarks.

It was reported that some staff members experienced severe trauma from the bullying, to the extent that they trembled or broke into tears before meetings. It is also explained that the resignation of two of the Duchess's personal secretaries is closely related to this issue.

It is highly unusual for the royal family to conduct an independent investigation through an external law firm. CNN pointed out, "Even when Prince Andrew was accused of having sexual relations with underage girls procured by American billionaire Jeffrey Epstein, the royal family did not initiate an independent investigation."

The hiring of an external law firm contrasts with the royal family's statement on the 9th, in which they said they would "deal with the interview of Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex privately within the family." CNN described this as "an aggressive plan to investigate using an external law firm and prepare a report," and noted that it "stands in stark contrast to the previous stance."

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