Former royal aide Samantha Cohen, known as Samantha the Panther for her straightforward approach, has disclosed her involvement in the Buckingham Palace inquiry into bullying allegations against Meghan Markle.
Cohen, who served as Queen Elizabeth’s press secretary for nearly two decades before becoming her assistant and private secretary, left her position in 2019 following a challenging tenure as Meghan and Harry’s private secretary.
She departed after feeling mistreated and likening her role to dealing with teenagers.
Historian Valentine Lowe shed light on Cohen’s pivotal role in his book “Courtiers,” emphasizing the unseen influence within the monarchy.
In a recent interview with Australian publication The Herald Sun, Cohen confirmed being among the ten aides interviewed by the palace in response to a bullying complaint lodged by Harry and Meghan’s communications secretary, Jason North, in 2018.
North had raised concerns with the palace’s human resources department, alleging that Meghan had driven two personal assistants out of their roles within a year and had targeted other female staff members.
One insider remarked, “The institution consistently shielded Meghan.
The men in grey suits, whom she disliked, failed to intervene, leaving many unanswered questions.”
In contrast, Meghan’s legal representative and close associate, Jenny Affir, vehemently denied the accusations, asserting they contradicted her own encounters with Meghan.
Reflecting on her time with the Sussexes, Cohen expressed initial plans for a six-month tenure that extended to 18 months due to staffing challenges.
Despite her lengthy and content tenure as the Queen’s press secretary, her experience with the Sussexes was short-lived, culminating in her resignation.
The complexities of her departure hint at underlying tensions and challenges posed by working closely with Meghan.
The independent investigation commissioned by Queen Elizabeth II in March 2021, following claims of bullying by two royal employees, concluded in June 2022.
While a senior royal aide mentioned organizational adjustments resulting from the inquiry, the report’s contents remain confidential.
Speculation arises around potential unfavorable findings implicating Harry, Meghan, and the palace in mishandling employee welfare.
Notably, Harry’s contradictory stance on the allegations adds to the intrigue surrounding the investigation.
While he refuted the claims in a section of his book, he later acknowledged addressing them through a comprehensive document.
Reports of emotional distress among staff members during their tenure cast a shadow over the couple’s leadership and management style, suggesting a turbulent work environment under their supervision.
Amidst the secrecy shrouding the investigation’s outcomes, questions linger about accountability and transparency within the royal household.
The narrative painted by Cohen’s revelations and the broader context of the bullying allegations underscore the complexities and challenges faced by those working closely with the royal family.
As the repercussions of the inquiry reverberate through the palace corridors, the legacy of this tumultuous chapter in royal history remains a subject of speculation and scrutiny.