Post by Admin on Mar 7, 2021 21:11:39 GMT
Jason Knauf, former communications secretary to The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
He was the communications secretary to the Dukes and Duchesses of Cambridge and Sussex, when the couples were part of the same royal household. That’s when, in emails revealed in The Times of London, Knauf alleged Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, was bullying staff.
Those emails were made public this week, ahead of a highly anticipated interview with Meghan, Prince Harry and Oprah.
Knauf was working for the Sussexes at the time of the complaint, which he reportedly made to the Duke of Cambridge’s former private secretary, Simon Case. He was concerned aides were facing undue pressure from Meghan. The Times reported that two personal assistants left the household because of Meghan's behaviour, while at least one other reported difficulties.
Before joining The Royal Household, Knauf worked for the UK Treasury and the Bank of Scotland.
He started at the Treasury after completing his Masters in Political Communication at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
His move to the UK followed jobs in the Beehive, with Helen Clark’s Labour Government.
Upon graduating from Victoria University, with a Bachelor of Arts in Politics in 2004, Knauf got a job as media advisor to Social Development Minister Steve Maharey.
He then worked in the Prime Minister's Office as a speech-writer and was her press secretary for two years, starting in 2006. He had also worked with Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen and Health Minister Pete Hodgson.
After starting his job with the royal family, he told a Victoria University magazine his career highlight had been working in politics.
“I feel incredibly lucky to have started my career alongside great political leaders. One highlight was working with Michael Cullen as he transformed the Treaty of Waitangi settlements process and made historic decisions such as buying back the railways.”
Knauf is currently chief executive of The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The foundation is a charitable organisation which focuses on mental health and conservation initiatives.
After Harry and Meghan left Kensington Palace in 2019, Knauf moved to become an advisor to Prince William. He has not publicly commented about the unearthed allegations against Meghan.
A spokesperson for the couple said the publication of those allegations were “a calculated smear campaign” ahead of the Oprah interview, which will screen here on Three on Tuesday night.
At the time, no action was taken to progress his complaint. However, since The Times report, Buckingham Palace announced it would investigate accusations of bullying.