Jason Knauf, the former palace aide who accused Meghan Markle of bullying, gave a rare, televised interview shortly before the Duchess of Sussex launches her Netflix series.
Knauf, who worked as the communications secretary for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, was asked by “60 Minutes Australia” if it was tough to find himself in the spotlight after the allegations went public. Knauf said he had “no regrets” and “wouldn’t change anything.”
Royal experts told Fox News Digital that there’s no doubt William knew Knauf would be asked about the allegations for the sit-down, resurfacing the claims against the duchess, 43.
Jason Knauf still maintains a close relationship with Prince William. He is seen here delivering a speech during the 2021 Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony at Alexandra Palace on October 17, 2021, in London, England. (Alberto Pezzali – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
“He alluded to the fact that he stood by the bullying allegations,” said Chard. “He intimated that you have to take the rough with the smooth in any situation.”
“He sent carefully balanced good wishes to Harry and Meghan [during the interview],” royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told Fox News Digital. “However, when he says he ‘wouldn’t change anything,’ he is well aware of how this will be interpreted and the memories it will bring back.”
Jason Knauf is on the board of trustees for Prince William’s Earthshot Prize. (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
The Times reported that Knauf resigned from his job working for William and Kate in 2021. At the time, his husband had accepted a diplomatic post abroad. Still, King Charles gave him a rare honor that’s bestowed only for “exceptional service to the monarchy.” Today, he’s on the board of trustees for William’s Earthshot Prize.
Jason Knauf was made a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order by the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle on May 10, 2023. (ALAMY)
In 2022, Buckingham Palace announced it had completed a review into the handling of the bullying allegations. However, they declined to share the results of the investigation.
Fitzwilliams claimed that many felt the palace’s decision was made to further “avoid provoking the Sussexes.” But despite the couple settling in California with their young family, Fitzwilliams pointed out that bullying allegations continue to follow Meghan.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex reside in California with their two young children. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
“[Allegations have] resurfaced in both The Hollywood Reporter and Vanity Fair,” said Fitzwilliams. “Harry described them as a smear, but even the Sussexes seem to have given up on their demand that the royal family apologize for the way they treated Meghan… The fact is that the allegations have continued to greatly harm her image.”
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Jason Knauf is seen here attending the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on May 19, 2018, in Windsor, England. (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
“In the interview, Knauf gave a vivid portrait of both the problems and the rewards of working for members of the royal family when there is ferocious media pressure,” said Fitzwilliams.
“There seems little doubt that Meghan’s behavior exacerbated that pressure for some of those under her… The result has been the disintegration of trust, the royal rift and a fall in popularity for the Sussexes.”
Prince William is heir to the British throne. He is seen here with Kate Middleton. (HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP/Getty Images)
“Knauf has worked for both the Prince and Princess of Wales, whom he greatly admires, as well as the Sussexes,” Fitzwilliams shared. “He is also a trustee of William’s Earthshot Prize. He is, therefore, uniquely qualified to speak about the pressure they have been under.”
Low told Fox News Digital in 2023 that he stood by his reporting.
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“The important thing is we all know they’re quite litigious,” he said, referring to the Sussexes. “But despite getting several strongly worded letters from their lawyers before we published – after we published, we didn’t hear a word from them. So that speaks volumes, too.”
Low’s book “Courtiers” also alleged that “relations between the couple and some of their senior staff became so fractious that William’s private secretary had to step in to help keep the peace.” Low also claimed that some former staff still had difficulty discussing their experiences. Some would even refer to themselves as members of “The Sussex Survivors’ Club.”
Royal author Valentine Low wrote a book, “Courtiers,” where he further described the allegations. (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
When Low’s book was published in 2023, reps for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex didn’t immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace previously told Fox News Digital they generally do not comment “on such books.”
Prince Harry’s memoir “Spare” was published in 2023. (JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
In his 2023 memoir “Spare,” Harry described urging Knauf to denounce the “wave of abuse and harassment” directed at his then girlfriend.
“He was very smart but a tad too cool about this unfolding crisis for my liking,” Harry wrote, as quoted by The Times. “He urged me to do nothing. ‘You’re just going to feed the beast. Silence is the best option.’”
Knauf eventually issued a statement that Harry described as “strong, precise, angry, honest.”
Jason Knauf said in the broadcast that he wished the Duke and Duchess of Sussex “absolutely all the best with their lovely family.” (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
The Times notes that Knauf remains close to the Prince and Princess of Wales and wouldn’t have spoken out, even today, without their consent.
“If anyone knows where the Megxit bodies are buried, it’s a fully paid-up member of the Sussex Survivors Club: Jason Knauf,” the outlet added.
Stephanie Nolasco covers entertainment at Foxnews.com.
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