The announcement that Jason Knauf, the former communications secretary who accused Meghan Markle of bullying, has been appointed CEO of Prince William’s Earthshot Prize is more than a tone-deaf PR move. It is a calculated power play—one that underscores how the monarchy continues to reward loyalty to the institution over integrity, accountability, or the public interest.

Let’s be clear: Knauf is not just any former staffer. He was the architect of the infamous October 2018 complaint alleging Meghan “drove two personal assistants out of the household.” The complaint became the foundation for one of the most weaponized media narratives in recent royal history. But Buckingham Palace never released its investigation results. Instead, it quietly “updated HR policies” behind closed doors, effectively sealing away the evidence while leaving Meghan to face a global press smear campaign.

Knauf’s reward? A promotion to CEO of a global environmental prize—conveniently housed within Prince William’s orbit. This matters, not just because it speaks to the systemic protection of insiders, but because it coincides with renewed efforts to control the public narrative around the Sussexes.

Critics have noticed the timing: Knauf’s reappearance is happening alongside a noticeable uptick in social media disinformation campaigns. Allegations now stretch to absurd levels—like framing Prince Harry as a bully of African villagers through his work with Sentebale. And where is the scrutiny around Jason Knauf’s role in that charity’s turmoil? The removal of Dr. Sophie Chandauka, a Black female chair who had pushed for greater governance transparency, has been buried beneath press-friendly talking points.

This reappointment is not just about environmentalism—it’s reputational laundering.

To the public, it may seem jarring that someone whose past includes a damaging and disputed allegation now leads one of the most prestigious prizes in global climate philanthropy. But to insiders, it’s classic monarchy strategy: maintain control of the inner circle, and ensure that loyalists with compromising knowledge are always brought back into the fold.

Knauf’s own quote in 60 Minutes Australia should raise eyebrows. Describing the rift between William and Harry, he said: “It’s hard and sad, especially for all of us who know both of them.” A man who inserted himself into the most volatile family fallout in decades now claims neutrality. But his actions say otherwise.

For Meghan, who has publicly spoken about surviving suicidal ideation during her time as a working royal, this is more than a rehash of old wounds. It’s a reminder that institutional memory still functions on protectionism, not justice.

We must ask: What kind of message does this send to whistleblowers? To women of color in public service? To young professionals in philanthropy? That loyalty to power—not truth—is the best way to rise?

Knauf’s re-entry into public life should spark scrutiny, not celebration.

This appointment is not neutral. It comes amid a well-timed media cycle designed to reignite the so-called “bullying scandal” and crowd out coverage of Harry and Meghan’s continuing global work—especially in the lead-up to major Archewell initiatives in Africa and Latin America. It’s no coincidence that false and racially charged narratives have been recirculating online, claiming Harry bullied African villagers, or that Meghan is orchestrating a “woke infiltration” of Muslim women’s groups.

What’s worse, media outlets like The New York Post are not simply reporting on Knauf’s appointment—they are reframing his discredited claims as “firmly established fact,” despite no court ruling, no transparent investigation, and no right of reply for Meghan. The Post calls Knauf’s 2018 complaint “sensational,” but fails to include Meghan’s documented response at the time: that she was “deeply saddened by this latest attack on her character.” Instead, the article and its comments section serve as a coordinated hatefest of misogyny, racism, and misinformation.

The comments are telling—and terrifying. The majority of the 90+ top comments under the Post article are personal attacks on Meghan, questioning her parenting, her race, her marriage, and even implying she abuses children. They praise Knauf for “bravely” calling her out, despite him never testifying against her in any official proceeding. One commenter boasts that Meghan never sued for defamation—as if failing to litigate against every tabloid lie proves guilt. This isn’t legal logic. It’s weaponized misogyny.

Knauf’s return isn’t about healing or progress. It’s about locking the gates of Earthshot to Harry and Meghan forever. It’s retaliation dressed as recognition. It’s power maintaining itself by reviving a narrative that was already debunked by its own silence.

If the monarchy truly cared about modernization, transparency, or global goodwill, Knauf would not be the face of the future. He is the face of the old guard—polished, smiling, and weaponized.