Buckingham Palace has said that it is "very concerned" about allegations of bullying aimed at the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, and is launching a full investigation.

A report in today's edition of The Times featured a leaked email from the Sussexes' former head of communications, sent in 2018, which shared concerns that Markle had 'bullied' two personal assistants out of their jobs and was making other members of his staff uncomfortable.

In response, Meghan said that she was "saddened" by the claims, describing them as the "latest attack on her character", but Buckingham Palace has now moved to take the matter seriously.

"We are clearly very concerned about allegations in The Times following claims made by former staff of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex," a statement said.

"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."

The latest drama involving the Sussexes comes just days before the broadcast of their highly-anticipated US TV interview with Oprah Winfrey.