Prince William’s recent decision to appoint Jason Knauf as CEO of The Earthshot Prize has sparked renewed tensions within the royal family, with experts suggesting the move could be seen as a pointed message to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Knauf, a former senior aide to both Prince William and the Sussexes, gained notoriety for submitting a formal complaint against Meghan during her time as a working royal. Now, his return in a high-profile role under William’s leadership has raised eyebrows—and tempers.
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Speaking to Fox News Digital, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams offered insight into the significance of the appointment and what it might mean for the fractured relationship between the royal brothers.
“Prince William’s decision to make Jason Knauf, the former private secretary of the Sussexes, the CEO of his most prestigious project will infuriate Harry and Meghan,” Fitzwilliams stated.
Knauf, who had once worked closely with Harry and Meghan, is seen by the couple and their supporters as a controversial figure. He submitted a complaint in 2018 alleging Meghan had bullied staff members during her time at Kensington Palace—allegations her team has strongly denied.
Fitzwilliams didn’t mince words about the implications of the appointment. “It is impossible to avoid feeling that this is precisely what William intended,” he said, suggesting the choice may have been more than just a professional decision.
“As far as the Sussexes are concerned, [Knauf] undoubtedly has pariah status,” Fitzwilliams added, highlighting the lingering resentment over Knauf’s whistleblowing role. “William is clearly showing he doesn’t care about what his brother thinks, much less Meghan,” he continued. “The royal rift seems permanent.”
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The appointment comes as William continues to push forward with The Earthshot Prize, a global environmental initiative he launched in 2020 to encourage solutions to climate change and sustainability. Knauf previously served as an advisor to William and played a role in establishing the prize.
Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan remain largely estranged from the rest of the royal family following their high-profile departure in 2020 and subsequent interviews criticizing the monarchy.
This latest development is likely to reignite tensions, especially as both brothers pursue very different public paths. While William strengthens his leadership role within the royal family, Harry and Meghan continue their independent ventures in the U.S., but signs of reconciliation seem further away than ever.
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