Queen Elizabeth II and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex on the balcony of Buckingham Palace as the Royal family attend events to mark the Centenary of the RAF on July 10, 2018 in London, England. Credit: by Chris Jackson/Getty Images.

Buckingham Palace has addressed reports by The Times which claim that during her time as a working royal, Meghan Markle “drove two personal assistants out of the household and was undermining the confidence of a third staff member.” The allegations, which were reportedly made by one of the Duchess of Sussex’s close advisors, have been staunchly denied by her team, but the Palace has announced that it will be conducting an investigation into the claims.

“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 spokesperson continued of the complaint, “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.” While the Palace advised that the Sussexes themselves won’t be part of the initial inquiry, they confirmed that the HR team will thoroughly examine each allegation and invite those involved to participate.

meghan markle bullying allegations
 Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex meets children as she attends the Commonwealth Day Service 2020 on March 09, 2020 in London, England. Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images.

A spokesperson for the Sussexes denied the claim in response to The Times, saying it was “based on misleading and harmful misinformation.” Markle’s rep added that she “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 have experienced pain and trauma.”

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II looks on during the wedding ceremony of Britain’s Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and US actress Meghan Markle in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on May 19, 2018. Credit: Jonathan Brady / AFP  via Getty Images.

The couple have cast aspersions over the timing of these allegations, saying it’s no coincidence that the report emerges just days from their anticipated sit-down interview with Oprah Winfrey.

“Let’s just call this what it is — a calculated smear campaign based on misleading and harmful misinformation,” a statement from the couple reads. “We are disappointed to see this defamatory portrayal of The Duchess of Sussex given credibility by a media outlet. It’s no coincidence that distorted several-year-old accusations aimed at undermining The Duchess are being briefed to the British media shortly before she and The Duke are due to speak openly and honestly about their experience of recent years.”

To find out when and where you can watch the much-hyped Oprah special for yourself, head here.