Charles kept bullying inquiry outcome private to 'keep the peace' with Harry and Meghan
One royal author claims that was behind the Palace's decision
Since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped away from royal duties and settled in the US, they have spoken openly about their fractured relationships with members of the monarchy.
Harry detailed the breakdown of his relationships with his brother Prince William and his father King Charles in his memoir Spare, and the Sussexes shared their side of the story in the Netflix docu-series Harry & Meghan.
Now, in an updated version of his biography Courtiers: The Hidden Power Behind The Crown, royal correspondent Valentine Low has elaborated on a number of key moments within the monarchy's modern history, including the Palace's reaction to Harry and Meghan's interview with Oprah in 2021 and how Kate was the driving force behind the famous line in their response.
But Low has also claimed in the extract released in The Times that Charles and the Palace kept the outcome of the controversial bullying inquiry private in order to 'keep the peace' with the Sussexes.
Back in 2021, the publication ran a story claiming that bullying allegations had been made against the Duchess of Sussex in 2018. While a spokesperson for Harry and Meghan called the story a 'smear campaign', the Palace declined to comment - something Low called 'wise'.
Following the news, a statement was released from the royal household stating that they would be investigating the allegations.
According to reports, the Palace then enlisted the help of a third party to conduct the inquiry, but later declined to share the outcome publicly.
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
Low has claimed that in doing so, the now-King and the Palace were attempting to diffuse tensions between themselves and the Sussexes.
He writes: "The palace said it would not be releasing the outcome of the inquiry, or even revealing what lessons had been learnt, on the grounds of confidentiality.
"But most people suspected that the real reason they were burying the report was to try to keep the peace with Harry and Meghan."
The Palace has not commented on the story.
Valentine Low's Courtiers: The Hidden Power Behind The Crown is available to buy now.
Jadie Troy-Pryde is News Editor, covering celebrity and entertainment, royal, lifestyle and viral news. Before joining the team in 2018 as the Lifestyle and Social Media Editor, she worked at a number of women’s fashion and lifestyle titles including Grazia, Women’s Health and Stylist, and now heads the Marie Claire UK news desk.
-
Courteney Cox opens up about fiancé Johnny McDaid dumping her 'one minute into therapy'
They've since got back together
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Billie Eilish has opened up about feeling 'outed' on the red carpet
'The whole world suddenly decided who I was, and I didn’t get to say anything or control any of it.'
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Charlotte has a very impressive secret talent that makes Kate 'very happy'
The 8-year-old has so many talents!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
William and Kate are 'acutely aware of problems' Charlotte and Louis face in the future
They want to ensure that their youngest children find paths that are 'meaningful and appropriate'
By Jadie Troy-Pryde
-
Prince William is no longer considered the public's 'favourite royal'
According to a new YouGov survey, he's been dethroned
By Jadie Troy-Pryde
-
Charles has a plan to 'step in' and ease tensions between William and Harry
The King wants to 'play peacemaker'
By Jadie Troy-Pryde
-
Charles is 'extremely concerned' about Kate following cancer diagnosis
"He's always had a huge regard for his daughter-in-law."
By Jadie Troy-Pryde
-
Getty explains why they have flagged Kate's video confirming cancer diagnosis
They said the clip 'may not adhere to their editorial policy'
By Jadie Troy-Pryde
-
Queen Camilla has given an update about Princess Kate
She also accepted gifts for the Princess
By Jadie Troy-Pryde
-
The royal family's Easter plans have changed following Kate's latest health update
The event will look very different this year.
By Jadie Troy-Pryde
-
Princess Kate's medical privacy 'breached by staff' at The London Clinic
It's a 'major security' issue
By Jadie Troy-Pryde