A FRIEND of Meghan Markle last night sensationally accused the Palace of racism as the Queen ordered an investigation into claims she bullied staff.

The Duchess is facing allegations of bullying just days before her ‘tell-all’ interview with Oprah Winfrey. 

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Sources alleged to The Times that Meghan drove two personal assistants out of the household and undermined the confidence of a third.

The 39-year-old is also said to have snapped "it's not my job to coddle people" after aides were allegedly left in tears and humiliated by her "difficult demands".

But a friend of the couple told Bazaar.com that Meghan was distressed at the accusations.

In an article written by journalist Omid Scobie – a friend of the Duchess and husband Prince Harry – the source hit back at Buckingham Palace, accusing them of racism towards the Duchess.

They said: “I hate to say it, but find me a woman of colour in a senior position who has not been accused of being too angry, too scary, too whatever in the workplace. 

“It’s sad that it’s happening, but I’m not surprised.

“These claims are so far from the woman I know.”

And another pal said: “Harry and Meghan knew that it would get ugly in the run up [to the Oprah special], but seeing such an obvious attempt at destroying her character was distressing and upsetting.”

Sources told Scobie that Meghan was "speechless" when she was told about the bullying claims that were going to appear in The Times.

It comes as:

• Meghan ‘had furious rows with Palace aides over freebie designer clothes’ at time of staff bullying accusations
• The Duchess' former palace staff still suffer “trauma” after a “very painful” time, royal sources have claimed
• A pal of Meghan's said "nothing will stop them from sharing their truth" amid allegations of bullying

It comes after The Times revealed that the Duchess had been the subject of bullying accusations by members of her staff – claims which she denies. 

The report claimed Meghan "humiliated" at least one ex-staffer while another said the Duchess' behaviour felt “more like emotional cruelty and manipulation…"

One royal aide, anticipating a row with the duchess, is also alleged to have told a colleague: “I can’t stop shaking.”

Last night Buckingham Palace announced they would probe the allegations, saying: “We are clearly very concerned about allegations in The Times following claims made by former staff of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

“Accordingly our HR team will look into the circumstances outlined in the article. Members of staff involved at the time, including those who have left the Household, will be invited to participate to see if lessons can be learned.

“The Royal Household has had a Dignity at Work policy in place for a number of years and does not and will not tolerate bullying or harassment in the workplace.”

'SMEAR CAMPAIGN'

A spokesman for the Duke and Duchess described the Times report as “a calculated smear campaign based on misleading and harmful misinformation”.

They added: “We are disappointed to see this defamatory portrayal of The Duchess of Sussex given credibility by a media outlet. 

“It’s no coincidence that distorted several-year-old accusations aimed at undermining The Duchess are being briefed to the British media shortly before she and The Duke are due to speak openly and honestly about their experience of recent years.”

It is understood the Palace hopes to start the investigation soon, and any changes in policies or procedures will be shared in the Palace's annual Sovereign Grant report.

It comes as The Sun revealed that Meghan clashed with aides after furious rows over freebie designer clothes sent to Kensington Palace.

The palace has launched a fresh investigation into allegations the duchess "bullied" staff when she was a working member of the royal family.

The alleged claims are believed to include rows that happened when the former actress was told by aides that keeping clothes sent by fashion labels was against royal protocol.

Sources say boxes of designer garments were sent to Kensington Palace for Meghan after she was unveiled as Harry's girlfriend.

One said: "As an actress it was perfectly acceptable to take freebie's sent by fashion chains and designer labels.

"But Meghan had to be told it was not the done thing when you are a member of the royal family."

Meghan was pictured during her time as a royal wearing designer labels including Stella McCartney, Givenchy, Prada and Chanel.

Prince Charles eventually picked up Meghan's wardrobe bill after she married Harry in May 2018.

Meghan and Harry sat down with Oprah for a tell-all interview recently, expected to reveal some "pretty shocking things" when the chat is aired.

ITV has paid a seven-figure sum to air the explosive TV event and the broadcaster pipped Sky and Discovery for the much-anticipated sit-down, their first since quitting the Royal Family last year.

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