Whistleblowing laws allow Sussexes’ ex-staff to make disclosures of their own
THE Duchess of Sussex’s former staff would be free to talk about their experiences under whistleblowing rules, after she hinted she could make further revelations of her own, The Daily Telegraph understands.
The Duchess, speaking in an interview with US magazine The Cut, said she had not had to sign a non-disclosure agreement about her royal life, allowing her to freely share her version of events about her time in Britain.
She has not made any such revelations so far, but said she takes comfort in “knowing that I can say anything”.
The statement, which the interviewer wrote was delivered in a “voice full of meaning”, was interpreted as a warning to the Royal family that the Duchess may make further revelations.
In contrast, those who worked for the Sussexes have had to sign up to confidentiality clauses governing what they can say about their professional lives. Aides are asked to promise to preserve the privacy of the Royal family and institution while they are there and after they leave. Most also choose a path of discretion out of loyalty to the people they serve, with negative revelations from ex-staff very rare.
Those said to have been victims of bullying by the Duchess – allegations she denies – have not gone on the record about their experiences, with those who witnessed many of the events mentioned in the press also keeping quiet.
But, The Telegraph has learnt, those policies can be overruled for good reason, in line with employment law about whistleblowing. UK law requires whistleblowers to act in the public interest, but they are protected while raising concerns about significant incidents occurring in the past.
When the Duchess married into the Royal family, her staff worked for Kensington Palace. Most were shared with Prince Harry, with some – including the press office – originally working on behalf of the Sussexes and Cambridges.
It is understood that more senior staff, such as private secretaries, are subject to a higher level of more specific confidentiality.
The Duchess told The Cut: “It’s interesting, I’ve never had to sign anything that restricts me from talking. I can talk about my whole experience and make a choice not to.”
Asked if she could forgive the Royal family or her own family after a rift with both, she said: “I think forgiveness is really important... But it takes a lot of effort to forgive. I’ve really made an active effort, especially knowing that I can say anything.”
The Duchess also said her husband could lose his father as she had “lost” her own. A source close to the Prince of Wales said: “He loves both his sons.”
Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Kensington Palace yesterday did not respond to any elements of the interview.
Of the decision to say nothing publicly about the claims from the article, a royal source said they were now so frequent they “diminished every time”.