Royal HR policies changed following claims

An investigation into the handling of bullying allegations made against the Duchess of Sussex has seen HR policies improved for royal staff – but the changes have not been made public.

A senior palace source cited the confidentiality of those who took part in the independent review as the reason why details were not released, after current and former workers were invited to speak about their experiences of working for Meghan.

Members of the royal family have been made aware of the changes to policies and procedures of the royal household’s HR (Human Resources) department, as have staff, said the source.

The issue was raised during a briefing about the Sovereign Grant which showed the monarchy cost the taxpayer £102.4 million during 2021-22 – an increase of £14.9m, or 17%, on the previous financial year.

Royal activity, curtailed by the pandemic, was beginning to pick up during the period and a number of expenditure areas have increased, with travel rising by £1.3m to £4.5m, and property maintenance soaring by £14.4m to £63.9m, as the project to renovate Buckingham Palace continued.

The Sovereign Grant increased marginally by £400,000 to £86.3m during 2021-22. A core element of £51.8m funds the Queen’s official duties and her household, and an additional £34.5m pays for ongoing reservicing costs for the palace.

The palace launched the investigation in March 2021 and invited past and present employees to speak in confidence about their experiences of working for Meghan, after it was alleged she drove out two personal assistants and staff were “humiliated”.