In a move that has reignited discussions about the deep-seated rifts within the British royal family, Prince William has promoted Jason Knauf, the former communications secretary who previously accused Meghan Markle of bullying staff, to the position of CEO at the Earthshot Prize. This environmental initiative, launched by William in 2020, aims to find innovative solutions to climate change. Knauf’s appointment, announced in April 2025, underscores his enduring value to the royal establishment and highlights the ongoing fallout from allegations that surfaced years ago. The decision has drawn attention not only for Knauf’s pivotal role in royal operations but also for being the figure who prompted Meghan’s rare public admission of forgetfulness during a high-profile court case.

Jason Knauf, a Texas native with a background in diplomacy and public relations, joined the royal household in 2015 as communications secretary for Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince Harry, and later Meghan Markle. His tenure spanned a period of significant transition for the monarchy, including the Sussexes’ integration into royal life and their eventual departure in 2020. Knauf’s professional trajectory has been marked by loyalty to the institution, earning him a reputation as a trusted insider. After stepping down from his joint role with the Sussexes in 2019, he continued to serve William and Kate, eventually becoming CEO of their Royal Foundation in 2022. His latest promotion to lead the Earthshot Prize—a £50 million fund awarding prizes to eco-innovators—positions him at the helm of one of William’s flagship projects, signaling the prince’s confidence in Knauf’s abilities.

The promotion comes against the backdrop of Knauf’s involvement in the bullying allegations against Meghan, which first emerged in 2018. In an email leaked to the press in 2021, Knauf detailed concerns about the Duchess of Sussex’s behavior toward staff at Kensington Palace. He claimed that Meghan had driven two personal assistants out of the household and was undermining the confidence of a third employee. The email, sent to Simon Case (then William’s private secretary), expressed fears that the situation was deteriorating and urged intervention to protect staff welfare. These accusations surfaced publicly just before Meghan and Harry’s explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021, where the couple discussed their experiences within the royal family, including claims of racism and lack of support.

Buckingham Palace responded to the bullying claims by launching an internal investigation in 2021, led by an independent law firm. However, the results were never made public, with the palace citing privacy concerns for participants. Critics argued this opacity fueled speculation, while supporters of the monarchy viewed it as a necessary measure to maintain discretion. Meghan, through her representatives, vehemently denied the allegations, describing them as a “calculated smear campaign” orchestrated by palace insiders. Her team suggested the timing of the leak was designed to undermine the Oprah interview, pointing fingers at Kensington Palace aides aligned with William.

Knauf’s role extended beyond the bullying complaint. He became a central figure in Meghan’s 2019 privacy lawsuit against Associated Newspapers, publishers of the Mail on Sunday, over the publication of excerpts from a private letter she wrote to her father, Thomas Markle. During the case, Knauf provided evidence that contradicted Meghan’s initial statements. He submitted emails showing that the duchess had authorized him to brief the authors of the biography Finding Freedom—Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand—on her behalf. This included providing background information to ensure an accurate portrayal of her life.

Meghan had previously told the court she had no involvement in the book beyond a brief meeting with one author. However, faced with Knauf’s evidence, she issued a formal apology in November 2021. In her statement, she said, “I apologise to the court for the fact that I had not remembered these exchanges at the time. I had absolutely no wish or intention to mislead the defendant or the court.” She attributed the lapse to the automatic deletion of messages for security reasons, a practice common in royal communications. This admission marked a rare moment of vulnerability for Meghan, who has maintained a staunch defense against criticisms of her character. Observers noted it as the only instance where she publicly conceded a memory failure in a legal setting, earning Knauf the distinction of being the “one who made her say sorry.”

The apology did not derail Meghan’s case; she ultimately won the lawsuit in 2021, with the Court of Appeal upholding her victory and awarding her damages. Yet, the episode amplified tensions between the Sussexes and the rest of the family. Harry later referenced the bullying probe in his memoir Spare (2023), accusing the palace of using it as leverage against them. Meanwhile, Knauf’s career flourished. His rejection of claims that he provided evidence at William’s behest further solidified his image as an independent operator committed to truth over loyalty to any single royal.

William’s decision to elevate Knauf has been interpreted in various ways. Supporters see it as a merit-based choice, rewarding a dedicated aide who has navigated complex royal dynamics with professionalism. The Earthshot Prize, which has distributed millions in grants and garnered global attention, benefits from Knauf’s expertise in media and strategy. Detractors, particularly those sympathetic to Meghan and Harry, view it as a subtle endorsement of the bullying narrative, perpetuating divisions. Social media reactions have been polarized, with some praising Knauf’s integrity and others decrying what they perceive as institutional bias against the Sussexes.

In a February 2025 interview, Knauf broke his silence on the controversies, emphasizing his focus on future royal initiatives rather than past disputes. He described his role in the bullying complaint as a duty to protect colleagues, not a personal vendetta. This stance aligns with his broader contributions to the monarchy, including crisis management during the Sussexes’ Megxit and supporting William’s environmental agenda.

As the royal family continues to evolve under King Charles III, Knauf’s ascent reflects the enduring influence of behind-the-scenes figures. While Meghan and Harry have built a new life in California, focusing on philanthropy through Archewell, the echoes of these events persist. Knauf’s promotion serves as a reminder of unresolved grievances, where loyalty, memory, and power intersect in the intricate world of the Windsors. Whether this move heals or deepens wounds remains to be seen, but it undeniably cements Knauf’s status as a linchpin in the modern monarchy.