Prince Harry and Meghan slam author of new book on royals for ‘deranged conspiracy’

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have issued a blistering response to author Tom Bower following the publication of excerpts from his latest book on the British royal family, calling his work “deranged conspiracy and melodrama.”

In a strongly worded statement released Saturday, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex accused Bower of having “long crossed the line from criticism into fixation” with his portrayal of the couple and their relationship with other members of the royal family.

The controversy stems from excerpts published in the Times of London on Friday, in which Bower makes several contentious claims about internal royal dynamics. Among the most explosive allegations, the author suggests Queen Camilla told a friend that Meghan had “brainwashed” Prince Harry. Bower also claims that Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, viewed Meghan as “a threat rather than an ally” during the period of escalating tensions that preceded the Sussexes’ departure from the United Kingdom.

“This is someone who has publicly stated, ‘the monarchy in fact depends on actually obliterating the Sussexes from our state of life,’ language that speaks for itself,” Harry and Meghan’s statement continued, referencing Bower’s previous comments about the couple. “He has made a career out of constructing ever more elaborate theories about people he does not know and has never met. Those interested in facts will look elsewhere; those seeking deranged conspiracy and melodrama know exactly where to find him.”

The latest book also reportedly criticizes the couple’s financial situation, their charitable endeavors, and Harry’s Invictus Games, the international sporting competition established in 2014 for wounded, injured, and sick military personnel and veterans.

This is not Bower’s first foray into royal commentary focused on the Sussexes. In 2022, he published “Revenge: Meghan, Harry, And the War Between the Windsors,” which similarly drew criticism for its portrayal of tensions within the royal family.

The ongoing public discord between the Sussexes and various royal commentators highlights the continuing fascination with—and polarization around—Harry and Meghan since their dramatic departure from royal duties in 2020, commonly referred to as “Megxit.” Their subsequent move to California and high-profile interviews, including their controversial sit-down with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, have kept them firmly in the public eye despite their stated desire for greater privacy.

Royal analysts note that the relationship between Harry, Meghan, and the rest of the royal family remains strained. Harry’s memoir “Spare,” published in January 2023, further complicated matters with its candid revelations about conflicts with his brother Prince William and reflections on his life within the institution.

The market for royal-focused books continues to thrive, with publishers capitalizing on public interest in behind-the-scenes accounts of the British monarchy. However, critics have raised concerns about the veracity of claims made in some of these works, particularly when they rely on unnamed sources or speculate about private conversations.

Buckingham Palace has maintained its traditional “never complain, never explain” approach, declining to comment on Bower’s latest allegations or the Sussexes’ response.

Media experts suggest that the Sussexes’ direct and forceful statement against Bower represents a departure from their previous strategy of ignoring unauthorized accounts, perhaps indicating a more assertive approach to managing their public image as they continue to establish their post-royal careers and foundation work in the United States.

As the royal family navigates an era of unprecedented scrutiny and public interest, the tension between privacy and public fascination shows no signs of abating, particularly when it comes to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.