Samantha Cohen, a former aide to Meghan Markle, has finally shared her experience regarding the controversial bullying allegations aimed at the Duchess of Sussex, confirming her participation in Buckingham Palace’s investigation surrounding the claims.
Cohen, who served the royal family for nearly two decades and acted as Markle’s private secretary in 2021, revealed that she was among ten staff members questioned about the issue.
Initially hailing from Australia, Cohen’s tenure began in 2001 before she halted her duties in 2019.
During a recent interview with the Herald Sun, she reflected on her extended stay, which lasted a year and a half instead of the planned six months.
“We just couldn’t find someone to replace me,” she explained.
“When we finally did, we took them on a tour to Africa with Harry and Meghan.
That staffer ended up quitting while we were there.”
As the allegations surfaced, they coincided with the explosive interview Meghan and Prince Harry conducted with Oprah Winfrey.
In that conversation, Markle described her experiences within the royal family as “nearly unbearable,” which added further fuel to the media frenzy and public speculation.
The investigation itself was instigated following claims that staff members working closely with Markle reported feeling bullied, leading to at least two resignations.
Independent inquiries funded by Queen Elizabeth II commenced in March 2021 to delve deeper into these troubling allegations, which included instances of staff being brought to tears.
Though Cohen remained tight-lipped about specific details during the interview, she underscored a notable pattern: high turnover among the staff assigned to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
The Palace responded to the initial reports, stating that they were taking the claims seriously and would conduct a thorough review of human resource policies.
Markle’s law team refuted the bullying allegations back in 2021, labeling them a “calculated smear campaign” aimed at tarnishing her character.
They vehemently denied claims that Markle had mistreated assistants or cultivated a hostile work environment.
The findings of the investigation were ultimately wrapped in confidentiality, with Buckingham Palace officials asserting that the report’s details would not be released to safeguard the identities and experiences of those who participated in the inquiry.
Michael Stevens, the Queen’s treasurer, stated at the time that recommendations arising from the review had prompted changes within the Palace’s policies and procedures.
However, discussions into the specific nature of these reforms were deemed off-limits.
In her interview, Cohen praised the late Queen, emphasizing her humble nature.
She also recounted how the Queen appeared to find some levity in challenging situations, a sentiment that provides a glimpse into the royal family dynamics during tumultuous times.
Surrounding circumstances further complicated Cohen’s role, particularly during major events.
She characterized her experiences as indicative of the broader challenges faced within the royal staff environment, as she witnessed firsthand the stresses of working under high-profile scrutiny.
Many of the claims regarding Markle’s alleged behavior were brought to light just days before the much-publicized Oprah interview, hinting at both internal struggles and external perceptions that collided in the public eye.
Cohen is remembered fondly for her dedication to her work, having played a significant role in maintaining the usual decorum expected of royal aides.
She was notably present at significant royal events, including Markle’s wedding in 2018, a day that carried its own emotional weight.
Despite the challenges reported by some staff members, Cohen’s insights continue to spark conversation about the realities of working closely with the royal family.
She has contributed to the narrative surrounding the pressures faced both by royals and their aides, a dynamic that can often be fraught with tension.
Cohen’s assertion that her work could at times feel like “working for a couple of teenagers” adds yet another layer to the complexities associated with royal duties in a modern context.
The balance between personal relationships and professional roles remains a topic of substantial interest within royal circles.
