Meghan Markle was accused of bullying staff members during her time in the royal family – and one source has claimed the Duchess of Sussex had a cutting response to the claims

Meghan Markle shot down allegations she bullied royal family staff members with a rather blunt response, according to a source.

Royal biographer Robert Lacey alleged in his book Battle of the Brothers the Duchess of Sussex had a tendency to shout at her staff. One courtier was quoted in the book as saying: “Meghan governed by fear. So many people said it. Nothing was ever good enough for her.”

They claimed the former Suits actress “humiliated staff in meetings.” However, another source suggested Meghan had a defiant message when confronted over the allegations, telling Lacey Meghan said: “It’s not my job to coddle people.”

Jason Knauf, former communications secretary for the Cambridges and Sussexes, sent a bombshell email in October 2018 levelling bullying claims against Meghan. However, the Sussexes vehemently denied the allegations.

A spokesperson for Meghan and Harry responded: “Let’s just call this what it is – a calculated smear campaign based on misleading and harmful misinformation. We are disappointed to see this defamatory portrayal of the Duchess of Sussex given credibility by a media outlet.”

The spokesperson claimed: “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.”

Friends of Meghan have also come to her defense amid the allegations, asserting that such claims are inconsistent with the “kind” woman they know. A friend told Bazaar.com: “I hate to say it, but find me a woman of color in a senior position who has not been accused of being too angry, too scary… in the workplace.”

Jessica Mulroney, a close friend of Meghan’s, also defended her, saying the Duchess of Sussex is “kind, empathetic, and loving”. Mulroney expressed her support on social media, saying: “I don’t know that anyone has ever had to deal with the pressure, the politics and the press like this woman. In the face of it all, I have never seen her waver from kindness, empathy, and love.”