Ahead of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey, which is set to air this weekend, allegations of bullying have emerged.

In a story published by The Times, a 2018 email from Jason Knauf – who was previously the communications secretary for the pair – was referenced which was sent to a senior royal official allegedly stating that he was “very concerned that the duchess was able to bully two PAs of the household in the past year.”

The Duchess of Sussex addressed the claims issuing a statement stating she was “saddened” by the attack, pointing out that she has been the target of bullying herself.

“The Duchess is saddened by this latest attack on her character, particularly as someone who has been the target of bullying herself and is deeply committed to supporting those who experience pain and trauma,” the statement said.

“She is determined to continue her work building compassion around the world and will keep striving to set an example for doing what is right and doing what is good.”

Meanwhile, Buckingham Palace also made a statement of their own sharing “concern” over the allegations.

“We are clearly very concerned about allegations in The Times following claims made by former staff of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex,” the palace said in a statement. “Accordingly our HR team will look into the circumstances outlined in the article.

“Members of staff involved at the time, including those who have left the Household, will be invited to participate to see if lessons can be learned.

“The Royal Household has had a Dignity at Work policy in place for a number of years and does not and will not tolerate bullying or harassment in the workplace.”

Harry and Meghan’s interview with Oprah

The first trailer for the interview was released on Sunday, with the Duchess of Sussex first appearing with Winfrey solo.

“I just want to make it clear to everybody there is no subject that’s off-limits,” the famous talk show host says in the preview. She later directly asks Meghan, “Were you silent or were you silenced?”

Prince Harry then joins his pregnant wife for the interview. He candidly says, “My biggest concern was history repeating itself.”

It’s set to be an explosive 90-minute interview with the couple at their new home in Montecito, California.

Winfrey even says at the end of the first 30-second preview, “You’ve said some pretty shocking things here.”

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Images/Media: CBS