Duke and Duchess of Sussex Respond to ‘Deranged’ Claims in Fresh Book

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have issued a strong rebuke to author Tom Bower, whose forthcoming book, Betrayal: Power, Deceit and the Fight for the Future of the Royal Family, contains claims the couple deems “deranged.” The response, released Saturday, March 14, 2026, criticizes Bower’s “fixation” on the Sussexes and defends their character against allegations detailed in excerpts published by The Times.

Claims in Betrayal and the Sussexes’ Response

Bower’s book alleges that Queen Camilla once told a friend that Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, had “brainwashed” Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex. It as well claims that the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine, viewed Meghan as a threat as tensions escalated leading up to the couple’s departure from royal duties.

In a statement, the Sussexes’ spokesperson described Bower’s work as crossing the line from criticism into “fixation.” They highlighted Bower’s previous statement that “the monarchy in fact depends on actually obliterating the Sussexes from our state of life,” calling the language “self-explanatory.”

The statement continued, asserting that Bower has built a career on “constructing ever more elaborate theories about people he does not know and has never met.” The couple advised those seeking factual information to look elsewhere, suggesting that Bower’s work caters to those interested in “deranged conspiracy and melodrama.”

Further Allegations in the Book

Betrayal also makes claims regarding the Invictus Games, suggesting that the event became overly focused on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, overshadowing the competitors and their stories. The book alleges concerns about poor event attendance and attempts to “pad” crowds for photographic purposes. It further claims that organizers found the couple to be “pushy,” insisting on being addressed as “Ma’am and Sir.”

Bower alleges a tense exchange between Meghan and Prince William during a 2018 meeting aimed at reconciliation following the couple’s honeymoon, where Meghan reportedly told William, “If you don’t mind, get your finger out of my face.” The book also recounts William’s initial reservations about the speed of Harry’s relationship with Meghan, stating he felt it had “gone too quickly.”

Background on Tom Bower and Betrayal

Tom Bower is known for his controversial biographies of public figures. Betrayal: Power, Deceit and the Fight for the Future of the Royal Family is set for release in March 2026 and has already generated significant media attention due to its explosive claims. Excerpts have been published in The Guardian, Hello! Magazine, and People.

Key Takeaways

• The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have strongly refuted claims made in Tom Bower’s new book, Betrayal.
• The book alleges Queen Camilla believed Meghan “brainwashed” Prince Harry and that William and Catherine viewed Meghan as a threat.
• The Sussexes criticize Bower’s “fixation” and accuse him of constructing unfounded theories.
• Betrayal also contains allegations regarding the Invictus Games and a tense exchange between Meghan and Prince William.