Meghan Markle's former "sweetheart" is defending the Duchess of Sussex against allegations she bullied staff when she was a working royal.
Joshua Silverstein, Markle's childhood sweetheart, said she couldn't be nasty to others and the allegations of bullying likely stemmed from Markle "not falling in line" with royal family expectations.
Silverstein said Markle spoke up for herself, as a woman of color, and might be seen as negative. Silverstein said the Markle he knew had no problems "co-existing" - except she was probably not in a welcoming environment to begin with.
In March The Times published claims from incidents in 2018 involving Markle and three of her former staff. Buckingham Palace released a statement saying it had asked an independent legal panel to investigate the allegations.
The Royal Household has a "dignity at work" policy which doesn't tolerate harassment and bullying. The palace said it may hire a diversity chief to oversee the policy to ensure the status of its workers, regardless of race or color, improves.
A Markle representative said she was saddened by the allegations she made staff members cry or undermined the confidence of her private secretaries. The representative claimed this was an attack on her character as it was made public days before her TV interview with Oprah Winfrey.
Silverstein met Markle at a summer drama and spirituality camp when they were both aged 13. He said it was a "summer romance."
The ex-boyfriend, now a married dad of two, said he and Markle bonded because they were both of mixed race.
He knew Markle's father Thomas and described the father-daughter relationship as "complicated."
Silverstein believes Markle has the right to create boundaries: even if it means cutting off her own father.
Silverstein said Markle was a sweet, authentic and charming 13 year old. She had a determined streak and always impressed on the stage.
They saw each other about four times at church after their summer camp ended but lost touch in high school.
Silverstein regularly saw Markle's mother Doria Ragland at church and got updates about his former childhood sweetheart.
