Harry & Meghan hit back at royal book claims – latest updates
The ongoing rift between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and the British Royal Family continues to play out in the public eye, now fueled by the release of excerpts from Tom Bower’s new book, Betrayal: Power, Deceit and the Fight for the Future of the Royal Family. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have issued a sharp rebuke to Bower, accusing him of a long-standing “fixation” and peddling “deranged conspiracy and melodrama.”
The latest volley stems from serializations in The Times Magazine, which detail alleged tensions within the Royal Family and behind-the-scenes dynamics surrounding the Sussexes’ departure as senior royals. Bower’s reporting includes claims about Queen Camilla’s alleged belief that Meghan was “brainwashing” Prince Harry, a claim that echoes previous reports and adds another layer to the complex narrative.
The Sussexes’ spokesperson didn’t mince words in their response, stating that Bower has “publicly stated, ‘the monarchy in fact depends on actually obliterating the Sussexes from our state of life,’ language that speaks for itself.” They further characterized Bower’s work as built on “constructing ever more elaborate theories about people he does not know and has never met,” and directed those seeking factual information to look elsewhere.
Beyond the accusations of biased reporting, the excerpts also reveal details about the couple’s involvement with the Invictus Games, Prince Harry’s passion project supporting wounded veterans. Bower alleges that Meghan sought to leverage the Games as a “global stage for genuine admiration and cheering fans,” and that her presence sometimes overshadowed the veterans themselves. The book reportedly cites concerns from within the Invictus Foundation that the Games were becoming “the Harry and Meghan show,” with claims of “crowd padding” for photo opportunities.
The book also revisits a reported incident during a 2018 meeting between Harry and Meghan and Prince William and Kate Middleton. Bower claims Meghan “snapped” at William, telling him, “If you don’t mind, get your finger out of my face.” This alleged exchange, according to Bower, contributed to the breakdown in relations between the two couples, who were once dubbed the “Fab Four.”
The narrative extends to alleged frustrations within the Royal Family regarding the speed of Harry’s relationship with Meghan. Bower writes that William expressed concerns that the relationship was “gone too quickly,” questioning the suitability of “the American actress.” This echoes earlier reports of initial reservations within the Royal Family about Meghan’s background and experience.
The allegations surrounding Queen Camilla’s views on Meghan add another dimension to the already fraught relationship. Bower’s reporting suggests that Camilla confided in a friend her belief that Meghan was negatively influencing Prince Harry. While the specifics of these conversations remain unconfirmed, they contribute to the perception of a deep-seated distrust between the two women.
The response from the Sussexes underscores their continued sensitivity to media portrayals and their willingness to defend themselves against what they perceive as unfair or inaccurate reporting. Their statement highlights a pattern of pushing back against narratives they believe are damaging to their reputation and misrepresent their intentions.
The release of Betrayal is likely to further inflame tensions within the Royal Family and reignite public debate about the Sussexes’ decision to step back from their royal duties. The book’s claims, coupled with the Sussexes’ forceful response, suggest that the rift between the two families remains deep and unresolved. The timing of the release, ahead of ’s Invictus Games in Vancouver, adds another layer of complexity, potentially overshadowing the event itself with renewed scrutiny of the couple’s involvement.
Bower’s previous work, Revenge: Meghan, Harry, and the War Between the Windsors, published in , was similarly critical of the Sussexes and sparked controversy upon its release. His continued focus on the couple suggests a sustained effort to dissect their relationship with the Royal Family and their public image. The latest excerpts from Betrayal are sure to generate further discussion and debate, solidifying the ongoing fascination with the dynamics within the House of Windsor.