Home / Latest News / Queen Elizabeth II

Royal Family's 'Cash for Leaks Scam': Meghan Markle Was Used by Palace to Deflect Negative Attention From King Charles

Those close to the British royal family, with assistance from journalist Dan Wootton, allegedly took part in a 'scam' to ensure Meghan Markle received negative press attention.

meghan markle
Source: MEGA

Dan Wootton's "cash for leaks" scandal has found its way to the British royal family, and Meghan Markle is emerging as a victim from the explosive reports.

"The greater truth is that Harry and Meghan make better headlines than the King and Camilla or William and Kate," a source close to the scandal revealed.

meghan markle

"The idea of them still being in public service but abroad, and out of the control of the institution, and dominating the media narrative just couldn't happen," they added.

One of the most explosive details in the scam concerns Prince William, whose aide's partner was allegedly paid four thousand pounds by Wootton for "stories about Megxit" and Prince Archie in 2020. This does not implicate the then-Duke of Cambridge as being involved in the so-called "leaked stories" but is a "bad look" for his household and those advising him, according to experts.

The most contentious bit of this detail is that William and Prince Charles apparently demanded the aide's name be struck from legal papers Prince Harry had drafted against the British media due to harassment of himself and his family. Furthermore, Charles III, while Prince of Wales, reportedly pulled roughly 700,000 pounds in funding that was supposed to provide security for Harry and Meghan when they moved to Canada.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex apparently had every intention of remaining working royals, albeit as Queen Elizabeth II's representatives in her role as the Queen of Canada, which Her late Majesty was all for. The "Sandringham Summit" fell apart once Charles canceled this revenue from the deal after Harry refused to strike the aide's name from the documents.

meghan markle

This also seems to support Harry's claim that the late Queen played little to no role in the Sandringham Summit except to set the terms. Charles allegedly ran the meeting and ultimately decided to "cast them [Harry and Meghan] away as comprehensively as possible in order to reduce the threat of them eclipsing the rest of the family," the source continued.

All of this was seemingly to cast the Duke and Duchess of Sussex out of the royal nest and expose them to the worst of the media once their lack of security exposed their locations in Canada. The monarchy was reportedly not expecting the future Montecito residents to sign exclusive deals and be rescued by Tyler Perry, who allowed the exiled royals to live in his California home until they landed on their feet.

meghan markle

The leaks and Wootton's actions were also said to have made senior members of the monarchy "nervous" since Harry's insistence on suing British tabloids could possibly expose more palace staff.

Buckingham Palace has not commented on any aspect of this report and is not expected to.

meghan markle

Powered by RedCircle

Byline Times reported on the "cash for leaks scam."

GET BREAKING ROYAL NEWS
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

More Stories

While Andrew has recently been in the news for all the wrong reasons, his encounter with an alleged stalker has left everyone scared.
By Medha Sengupta · AUG 7, 2026
Kate Middleton's latest Wimbledon outfit wasn't all-new—and that's exactly what caught fashion fans' attention!
By Mehak Walia · JUL 13, 2026
Getting invited to the Swift-Kelce wedding became a race, a status symbol, as numerous high-profile individuals lobbied to get an inside pass.
By Mary Anthony · JUL 6, 2026
Prince William joked about Travis Kelce’s most memorable moment being outside his football career.
By Mary Anthony · JUL 3, 2026
Princess Anne stepped out in this iconic dress from 1984 and royal fans are impressed!
By Hrishita Das · JUN 27, 2026
Kate Middleton and Melinda Gates reportedly came together at Windsor Castle over a shared passion for a cause they both support.
By Ira Deokule · JUN 25, 2026
Prince William and Robert Irwin's appearance at a climate event was meant to inspire change, but fans quickly focused on something else.
By Mary Anthony · JUN 24, 2026
Royal watchers may have spotted a subtle shift in the monarchy during Trooping the Colour 2026, and it's closely aligned with Prince William's long-term plans for the institution.
By Mary Anthony · JUN 13, 2026
As King Charles celebrates Trooping the Colour, actress Helen Mirren has been awarded one of Britain's rarest honors.
By Hrishita Das · JUN 13, 2026
Meghan Markle treats fans to a new family photo carousel featuring Prince Harry, Prince Lilibet, and a sweet nod to pop icon Beyoncé.
By Ira Deokule · JUN 10, 2026