Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Respond to Controversial New Royal Book

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have pushed back strongly against claims made in a new royal biography that examines their relationship with the monarchy and their life after stepping back from royal duties.

The couple’s spokesperson criticised author Tom Bower following excerpts from his upcoming book Betrayal: Power, Deceit and the Fight for the Future of the Royal Family, which were recently published by The Times.

In a statement responding to the extracts, the Sussexes’ representative accused Bower of promoting conspiracy theories about the couple and suggested the author had become overly focused on them.

The spokesperson said Bower’s commentary had moved beyond criticism, adding that readers looking for factual reporting would need to look elsewhere.

The excerpts from the book revisit tensions between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the Royal Family. Among the claims highlighted is an allegation that Queen Camilla once remarked to a friend that Meghan had “brainwashed” Harry — a claim that has drawn attention and debate.

The book also raises questions about the couple’s media ventures and their relationship with former friends and royal relatives after relocating to the United States. Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the biography, maintaining its long-standing policy of not responding to royal books.

Another section focuses on the Invictus Games, the international sporting event founded by Harry in 2014 for wounded and injured service members. The book suggests that the 2025 Games in Canada were overshadowed by attention surrounding the couple.

However, the Invictus Games Foundation rejected that characterization, emphasising that the competition exists to support the recovery and rehabilitation of veterans and service personnel.

The organisation also criticised suggestions questioning the legitimacy of participants’ injuries, noting that conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder are part of the challenges many competitors face.

Bower previously authored the 2022 book Revenge, which was also critical of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and now live in California with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.