Prince William: Heil successor gives Meghan critic top position

The British heir to the throne Prince William (42) ensured a surprising personnel: Jason Knauf, the former communication secretary of the Kensington Palast and central figure in the bullying allegations against Duchess Meghan (43), has been appointed the new managing director of the Earthshot Prize. The prestigious position at the head of William’s environmental initiative was officially announced on April 17,

The name Knauf is closely associated with one of the greatest controversy in the British royal family in recent years. In October 2018, the American native submitted a formal complaint against Meghan, in which he accused her of having pushed two personal assistants out of the household and torpedoing the self-confidence of a third employee.

The Duchess of Sussex has always decidedly rejected these allegations. At the time, a spokesman said that Meghan was “sad about this recent attack on her character, especially as someone who himself was the goal of bullying and deeply committed to supporting those who have experienced pain and trauma”. The Buckingham Palace later officially examined the allegations and, according to internal reports, improved its personnel policy without making the results public.

“While we look at the future of the price and the urgent work that is necessary to promote more inspiring solutions for the greatest challenges of the world, I look forward to working with Jason to shape the course for the next five years of Earthshot Prize and beyond,” said William in an official announcement on his personnel decision.

Knauf previously worked as a senior communication secretary for both princes and their wives before the offices were separated – shortly before Prince Harry (40) and Meghan’s megxit. Later he became CEO of the Royal Foundation, which Williams and Kate’s charity, until the end of 2021. Even after leaving the royal budget, Knauf remained board member of the Earthshot Prize.

The appointment as head of the organization takes place only a few weeks after Knauf had spoken for the first time about the distance between the brothers in the course of their ongoing alienation. “It is very difficult when such things are held in public, but [William, Anm.d.Red.] Has decided to keep his thoughts privately, and I think everyone who knows him really have to respect that we should do the same, “said Knauf back then.” But I will say: Of course it was hard and sad, especially for everyone who knows both. “

In this interview, he also spoke about William’s burden by the cancer diagnoses for both his wife, Duchess Kate (43) and his father King Charles III. (76) Last year: “It was terrible, absolutely terrible.”