Samantha Cohen, a longtime aide to the British royal family, has spoken publicly about her role during the time she worked with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, while also addressing her involvement in the internal Buckingham Palace review related to workplace conduct. The comments came during an interview with the Herald Sun, an Australian publication, and have since drawn attention from both royal observers and media outlets.

Cohen, who began working for the royal household in 2001, served under Queen Elizabeth II before being assigned to assist Meghan Markle as private secretary during her transition into royal duties. Her role lasted longer than originally anticipated due to staffing changes and challenges during a key period in the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s public engagements.

Aide Confirms Participation in Palace Internal Review

In her interview, Cohen acknowledged that she was one of several royal staff members who participated in the internal review launched by Buckingham Palace in 2021. The review followed reports of alleged workplace difficulties within the Sussex household during Meghan Markle’s time as a senior working royal.

The palace initiated the review after The Times (UK) published reports citing allegations from former staff regarding concerns about workplace conditions. While Buckingham Palace never publicly released the full details of the review’s findings, it did confirm in 2022 that the review had concluded and led to updates in internal HR policies.

“The review has been completed and recommendations on policies and procedures have been implemented,” said Sir Michael Stevens, Keeper of the Privy Purse, during an official briefing.

He added, “The Royal Household is committed to ensuring the highest standards in the workplace,” but declined to provide specific outcomes due to confidentiality and respect for those involved.

Cohen herself did not elaborate on the review’s content or her testimony, emphasizing in her Herald Sun interview that she would not discuss confidential matters.

Recalling Her Time With the Duke and Duchess of Sussex

Samantha Cohen stated that her initial assignment to assist the Duke and Duchess of Sussex was intended to last for six months but was extended to 18 months. She attributed the extension to delays in finding a suitable replacement for the demanding role.

“When we finally did find someone, we took them on a tour to Africa with Harry and Meghan to familiarize them with the role,” she recalled.

“But they also resigned while in Africa.”

The tour mentioned was the couple’s official 2019 visit to Southern Africa, which was widely covered by major media outlets including the BBC and ITV News. The trip was praised for its humanitarian focus, including initiatives supporting youth empowerment and HIV/AIDS awareness through Sentebale, a charity co-founded by Prince Harry.

Meghan and Harry’s Current Activities

In recent months, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have continued their charitable and public work outside the royal institution. In April 2024, the couple made headlines again during the Royal Salute Polo Challenge, a benefit event for Sentebale. Meghan presented the trophy to Harry’s winning team, with images of the moment widely circulated across news and social media.

Sentebale continues to support children and young people living with HIV in Lesotho and Botswana. The event reinforced the couple’s ongoing commitment to global philanthropy despite their decision to step back from formal royal duties in 2020.

Their charitable organization, the Archewell Foundation, remains active in areas such as mental health awareness, disaster relief, and gender equality. Official updates and verified initiatives can be found at archewell.com.

Context: Meghan’s Oprah Interview and the Palace’s Response

The internal review launched by Buckingham Palace followed not only reports of internal staff concerns but also a high-profile interview between Meghan and Prince Harry with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021. In the interview, which aired on CBS, Meghan spoke candidly about her mental health challenges and the pressures she faced within the royal family.

“I just didn’t want to be alive anymore,” Meghan said in the interview, highlighting the emotional toll of the public scrutiny and institutional expectations.

The royal family responded through an official statement that included the phrase:

“The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately.”

The Palace’s brief yet serious response emphasized its commitment to addressing the concerns raised, while maintaining the privacy and dignity of those involved.

Samantha Cohen’s Legacy and Service

Cohen’s career within the royal household spans over two decades. Prior to assisting the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, she held the role of Assistant Private Secretary to Queen Elizabeth II, a position of significant trust. She was also present at Harry and Meghan’s royal wedding at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in May 2018.

Her decision to speak publicly in a limited capacity has drawn attention for its professionalism and restraint. Throughout the interview, Cohen emphasized respect for confidentiality and her focus on service.

“I served the institution with integrity, and I care deeply about everyone I worked with,” she said in a previous media statement reported by The Telegraph.

Policy Reforms at Buckingham Palace

Since the internal review concluded, Buckingham Palace has confirmed that HR policies have been updated to reflect best practices in workplace culture, grievance handling, and staff welfare. These changes were implemented across all royal households and align with broader UK workplace standards.

While no individuals were publicly named in connection with the review’s findings, the Palace has reiterated its ongoing commitment to fostering a supportive working environment for all staff.

“We remain committed to creating a safe and respectful workplace,” said a senior Palace spokesperson in a statement to The Guardian.

Conclusion: A Measured Reflection on Royal Service

Samantha Cohen’s comments offer a rare glimpse into the complexities of working within the royal household, particularly during a time of significant change. Her professionalism and measured tone underscore the importance of confidentiality and dignity in public service.

Her experience, coupled with the Palace’s internal review and subsequent policy updates, reflect a royal institution that is evolving in response to modern expectations — with a renewed focus on employee well-being, transparency, and accountability.

Verified Sources Used:

• BBC News – Royal Household Review
• The Times – Buckingham Palace Bullying Review
• ITV News – Royal Tour of Africa 2019
• The Guardian – Palace Workplace Policy Changes
• The Telegraph – Royal Staff Interviews
• Oprah Interview with Harry and Meghan – CBS
• Archewell Foundation Official Website