A spokesman last year, for example, said they “did not collaborate with the authors on the book, nor were they interviewed for it.” However Knauf in his witness statement released today said that Meghan and Harry “authorised specific cooperation in writing in December 2018.”
Knauf added that he advised against putting the authors in touch with friends of the duchess, telling Harry “this was not a good idea” and that “being able to say hand on heart that we did not facilitate access will be important.”
However Meghan said in her response statement that when she suggested sending a blanket email to her friends asking them actively not to cooperate, Knauf had advised her to not do so.
Knauf emailed Harry that he would meet the authors to help with “factual accuracy and context.”
Harry replied saying: “I totally agree that we have to be able to say we didn’t have anything to do with it. Equally, you giving the right context and background to them would help get some truths out there. The truth is v much needed and would be appreciated, especially around the Markle/wedding stuff but at the same time we can’t put them directly in touch with her friends.”
Knauf then contacted Meghan, emailing her a list of questions from the authors.
Knauf wrote: “If you’re happy I will see them later this week to set out the factual background and to provide more recent context.”
Meghan replied that evening, saying: “Thank you very much for the info below - for when you sit down with them it may be helpful to have some background reminders so I’ve included them below just in case. I know you are better versed at this than most but assisting where I can. I appreciate your support—please let me know if you need me to fill in any other blanks.”
Knauf then listed “the briefing points she wanted me to share with the authors in my meeting.”
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Knauf then received an email from Prince Harry that said: “Also, are u planning on giving them a rough idea of what she’s been through over the last 2yrs? Media onslaught, cyber bullying on a different scale, puppeteering Thomas Markle etc etc etc. Even if they choose not to use it, they should hear what it was like from someone who was in the thick of it. So if you aren’t planning on telling them, can I ?!”
Knauf said he replied saying “Of course—I’ve never stopped!”
Knauf said Harry replied: “Oh how I hope they report on it properly. Good luck!”
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