Future king appointees Meghan’s former aide amid deepening family feud
Tensions between the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex have reportedly reached a new peak, following Prince Harry’s unexpected visit to Ukraine—a move said to have left Prince William “absolutely infuriated.”
In what many see as a strategic response, William has appointed Jason Knauf—the former palace aide who once accused Meghan Markle of bullying—as the new CEO of The Earthshot Prize. The announcement, made by the organization this week, is already being viewed as a clear message to the Sussexes.
Knauf became a central figure in one of Meghan’s most damaging royal controversies after he sent an internal email in 2018 raising concerns about her alleged treatment of staff. He claimed she drove two personal assistants from the household and undermined the confidence of another. Meghan has strongly denied the allegations, calling them part of a “calculated smear campaign.”
Knauf’s return to a prominent royal role under William’s leadership comes at a particularly tense time. According to GB News, William was left frustrated after being advised not to travel to Ukraine for security reasons—while Harry reportedly faced no such obstacles.
“That’s the kind of thing that would absolutely infuriate William,” said Mail on Sunday Editor-at-Large Charlotte Griffiths. “Harry does get away with things William simply can’t. And I’m sure Harry plans these things… it feels intentional.”
With the brothers increasingly at odds and public moves growing more pointed, William’s latest decision suggests the divide within the royal family is far from healing.
