Harry and Meghan’s Former PR Chief Receives Royal Honor Amid Controversy

In a surprising twist, Jason North, the former public relations chief for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, has been honored in the New Year Honours list.

North, who previously held the position of joint head of communications for both the Sussexes and the Cambridges, made headlines when he accused Meghan of bullying junior staff before resigning from his role.

After stepping down, North took on the role of special advisor to Prince William and Catherine, eventually becoming the chief executive of the Royal Foundation, which oversees their charitable endeavors.

His tenure included pivotal projects like the Earthshot Environmental Awards and the Heads Together mental health initiative, along with 36 international trips alongside the royal couple.

Last year, he left the foundation to pursue opportunities abroad.

Given his seven years of dedicated service, it's not surprising that North received recognition from the Sovereign.

He has been appointed a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order, a prestigious honor awarded for exceptional contributions to the monarchy or its members.

This title allows him to use the initials LVO after his name, and he will receive this accolade at either Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle.

Expressing his gratitude, North stated that working for the Prince and Princess of Wales was a lifetime honor.

He added that receiving such recognition is profoundly meaningful to him.

However, this news may not be welcomed by the Sussexes, who have openly criticized North in the past.

Meghan has consistently denied the bullying allegations, labeling them as part of a coordinated smear campaign against her.

Tensions escalated further when North testified during a High Court case involving the Mail on Sunday, where he provided evidence that contradicted Meghan's claims about her communications team's involvement with the authors of “Finding Freedom,” a biography about her and Harry.

During the court proceedings, North presented emails demonstrating that he had shared information with the book's writers, with Meghan's knowledge.

Following this revelation, Meghan was compelled to apologize to the court, although she maintained that there was no intention to mislead and that she simply did not recall the exchanges.

The Sussexes' Netflix documentary series reiterated their animosity towards North, with Meghan's lawyer insinuating that Prince William must have authorized North's testimony.

In response, North asserted that he acted as a neutral witness and did not seek permission from the royal household prior to his statements.

Critics of the Sussexes argue that they have attempted to manipulate the media narrative surrounding them.

Reports have surfaced indicating that they provided information to journalists about drone activity over their estate, showcasing their efforts to control their public image.

Furthermore, the couple has reportedly engaged a public relations firm to help generate favorable coverage.

This approach has raised eyebrows among royal watchers, given the strained relationship the royal family has maintained with the press for decades.

Traditionally, the palace has favored a more reserved strategy when dealing with the media, often believing that silence is the best response, particularly regarding tabloid outlets.

Yet, Meghan's apparent desire to address every report about her and Harry suggests a different tactic altogether.

In a world where media narratives can shape public perception, the dynamics between the Sussexes and their former PR chief underscore the complexities of royal life in the public eye.

As Jason North steps into his new role with a significant honor, the contrasting paths of the Sussexes and the royal family continue to unfold, leaving many to wonder what lies ahead.