Ex-royal aide ‘given permission’ by Prince William to speak out on Meghan Markle bullying row in move that ‘speaks volumes’
Former royal aide Jason Knauf’s recent television appearance was likely approved by Prince William, according to GB News Royal Correspondent Cameron Walker.
“I suspect Jason would not have talked to the press had William not given his express permission,” Cameron said on GB News.
He noted that while Knauf is no longer employed by the Prince of Wales, he remains a “trusted confidante” of William.
The comments came after Knauf appeared in a new 60 Minutes Australia documentary, where he discussed the strained relationship between the royal brothers.
“It speaks volumes that he spoke out on camera with, I think, Prince William’s permission,” Cameron added.
In the documentary, Knauf described the relationship between Prince William and Prince Harry as “hard and sad,” while emphasising William’s choice to remain private about the matter.
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“He has chosen to keep his thoughts private and all of us who know him should do the same,” Knauf stated during the interview.
Knauf, who previously served as joint communications secretary for both princes and their wives, also discussed the future of the monarchy.
“Every generation of the royal family has to reinvent the role for the generation that they serve,” he said, speaking about William’s future approach to kingship.
Knauf played a significant role in the tensions between the royal brothers, particularly regarding allegations about Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
In 2018, he sent an email raising concerns about Meghan’s alleged mistreatment of staff within the royal household, claiming she had bullied two personal assistants.
The Duchess strongly denied these allegations, with her team calling them “a calculated smear campaign.”
Knauf later provided evidence in Meghan’s privacy lawsuit against Associated Newspapers, revealing she had consulted him about a letter to her father.
This revelation was addressed in Harry and Meghan’s Netflix documentary, where they expressed shock over what they viewed as betrayal.
Despite the controversies, Knauf’s relationship with Prince William appears to remain strong, evidenced by his being awarded a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order at Windsor Castle in 2023.
In his recent television appearance, Knauf described working with William and Catherine as “the honour of a lifetime.”
Reflecting on his time in royal service, Knauf maintained he has “no regrets” about his actions.
“You can’t choose just to take the fun stuff in any job, and that applies to the prince and princess too. So, I wouldn’t change anything,” he told 60 Minutes Australia.