Cover-up claims over delay on investigation
The first medic at school tragedy on shooting ordeal
Buckingham Palace chiefs were last night facing growing questions over whether they “covered up” allegations of bullying to protect Meghan.
MPs and employment law experts described the 18-month delay in launching a probe into allegations of mistreatment by the Duchess of Sussex could be seen as “suspicious”.
More than 10 aides are already lined up to give evidence over allegations two senior members of staff were bullied by the duchess.
Palace chiefs have vowed to see if “lessons can be learned” from the handling of the alleged complaints.
It comes as Princess
Diana’s former solicitor revealed staff reduced to tears by alleged abuse could bring personal injury claims against the royal household.
Suzanne McKie QC, who represented Diana in 1996 when she paid an undisclosed sum to a sacked maid, said any staff who suffered psychological trauma could launch legal claims.
Mrs McKie said: “The staff are past the tribunal limitation period but there can be extensions. They could bring a personal injury claim if they suffered psychiatric injuries as a consequence of the bullying. They may be entitled to that.
“There’s a duty of care to act upon concerns being raised with employers and that compounds the personal injury.”
Last week it emerged that ex-communications chief Jason
HISTORY
Knauf emailed Prince William’s private secretary Simon Case – now head of the civil service – in October 2018. Case forwarded it on to Samantha Carruthers, then head of HR for Prince William and Prince Charles.
In an email, Knauf said Carruthers “agreed with me on all counts that the situation was very serious” but added, “I remain concerned nothing will be done.”
Harry is reportedly said to have “pleaded” with Knauf not to pursue the allegations – but lawyers for Harry and Meghan have denied this.
There has been no known case against a royal played out in courts but a number of workers in royal palaces have brought cases against colleagues.
Insiders claimed Diana concerns were raised
but not acted upon. Former Home Office minister Norman Baker said: “It’s highly suspicious these allegations should come out now. Both parties are behaving badly, Meghan and Harry on the one hand and the Palace on the other.”
The Lib Dem MP is still on the Privy Council advising the Queen and is author of ...and What Do You Do: What the Royal Family Don’t Want You to Know.
He added: “This whole episode is doing immense damage to the Royal Family. In this civil war, no one comes out with clean hands.”
Jennifer Hyland
The medic who was first at the scene of the Dunblane tragedy has told how he will be haunted by the school shooting until he dies.
Les Haire revealed the harrowing moment he entered the gym hall where 16 children and their teacher Gwen Mayor were shot dead.
Thomas Hamilton killed himself after the massacre on March 13, 1996.
In an ITV documentary, presented by Lorraine Kelly to mark the 25th anniversary, ambulance technician Les describes the horrific scene. He said: “It was quiet, really quiet. Al l I heard was a wee bit of whimpering. The children were spread around the gym and I star ted going around to see who was alive and who was dead.
“On the right side was Gwen Mayor, the teacher, who had obviously passed away a nd two children by her side.
“To me, she looked like a mother hen trying to protect her chicks. The ones who were injured, they just lay there scared. The fear that was in the faces of the ones that had passed away will haunt me until I go.”
Gwen’s daughter Debbie tells of her pride that her mother struggled with the gunman in a bid to protect her Primary One class.
She said: “My mum went to her work as a teacher and never came home. Her lipstick was still on her coffee cup.
“There was evidence she had been punched. One of the children said she had struggled with him and her defensive wounds showed that.
“She was standing in front of a man who had weapons and enough ammunition to kill a whole school and she put up a fight and I just think that says everything about her.
“I do think that she went with the children for a reason and that’s the only way I can get comfort from it.”
In the film, Lorraine also speaksp to Lynne McMaster, whose f ive- year- old daughter Victoria Clydesdale was killed.
She told how she still feels guilt over sending her to Dunblane Primary School on the day. She had noticed a rash on her skin but Victoria insisted on going to school.
Lynne said: “I relive that day over and over and over. Because she had
gym that day, she wanted to go, so I’ve got the guilt of giving in to her.”
Colin McKinnon, whose six-yearold son Brett died, tells how he attempted suicide after the tragedy.
He said: “To go to the mortuary and have to identify your wee boy with bullet holes in his face, that’s going to change people forever. Something like that never leaves you.
“Eventually I just had a complete breakdown and I tried to take my life. Luckily it wasn’t successful and I’m here today.”
Return To Dunblane with Lorraine Kelly is on ITV at 9pm on Thursday.
JONATHAN WATSON
J
Two Tw Doors Down & Only An Excuse actor Annie An Griffin, a TV director who has directed di me in a number of shows, most notably the early episodes of Bob Bo Servant Independent. Elaine C Smith Sm and I were at drama school together, to then came through the ranks ra with 7:84 theatre, Naked Radio, Ra Naked Video, City Lights and an Two Doors Down. Recently,
I’ve I’v been fortunate to work with Jemima Je Levick and Frances
Poet, Po the director and writer of a play I did called Fibres.
All Al these ladies and jobs have been be game-changers for me. My agent ag Manon Palmer is responsible for fo making my work diverse.