Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are furious over a bombshell new report (opens in new tab) by the Times of London. Their lawyer called it a "calculated smear campaign" and accused Buckingham Palace of "using" the paper to "peddle a completely false narrative. This is the latest and most public confrontation between Meghan and Harry and Buckingham Palace to date, and comes just days before their confessional interview with Oprah.

On March 2, The Times, not to be confused with The New York Times, published an extensive report alleging that Princess Meghan had received bullying complaints from staff while living in London. (It is worth noting: the British press is notorious for being terrible (open in new tab) to Princess Meghan, especially the tabloids, but the Times is the most respected of the British press.) These two paragraphs reported by the Times are particularly illuminating:

The couple's lawyer told the Times that the newspaper was "being used by Buckingham Palace to peddle a completely false narrative" before the interview.

However, the Times understands that the Palace is very concerned about the allegations that have been made.

The fact that the royal couple have publicly denounced Buckingham Palace's bad press and Buckingham Palace has denied any involvement represents a new level of tension between the Duke and Duchess and the royal establishment.

In a statement, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said: "This is a calculated smear campaign based on misleading and damaging misinformation. We are disappointed to see such a slanderous portrayal of the Duchess of Sussex being given credence by the media. It is no coincidence that distorted and years-old accusations aimed at undermining the Duchess are being described in the British media just before she and the Duke are supposed to speak openly and honestly about their experiences over the last few years."

They added: "The Duchess is saddened by this latest attack on her character, especially as someone who has been the target of bullying herself and is deeply committed to helping those who have experienced pain and trauma. The Duchess is determined to continue her work of building compassion around the world and will continue to strive to be an example of doing what is right and doing what is good."[13