Harry and Meghan Respond to Claims in Modern Tom Bower Book

Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, have issued a strong rebuke to claims made in a new book by author Tom Bower, calling it a “deranged conspiracy.” The response comes after excerpts from Bower’s biography, Betrayal: Power, Deceit and the Fight for the Future of the Royal Family, were published in The Times, alleging Meghan “brainwashed” Prince Harry.

According to Bower, Queen Camilla reportedly told a friend that Meghan had “brainwashed” Harry. The book also suggests that Prince William and Kate Middleton were concerned about Meghan’s influence over Harry. Bower wrote that both William and Kate “evidently saw Meghan as a threat rather than an ally.”

A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex released a statement criticizing Bower’s work, stating that his commentary has “long crossed the line from criticism into fixation.” They accused Bower of having “publicly stated, ‘the monarchy in fact depends on actually obliterating the Sussexes from our state of life,’” and of building a career on “constructing ever more elaborate theories about people he does not recognize and has never met.” The statement concluded by directing those seeking facts to look elsewhere, suggesting that Bower caters to those interested in “deranged conspiracy and melodrama.” People Magazine reported on the statement.

Bower has previously written biographies about members of the royal family. He discussed his views on Harry and Meghan in a recent appearance on YouTube, describing the couple as “more desperate than I anticipated.” YouTube

Buckingham Palace has declined to comment on the allegations, and representatives for the Prince and Princess of Wales have not yet issued a statement. The Telegraph reported on the lack of comment from Buckingham Palace.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex married in May 2018 and stepped down as senior working royals in 2020, subsequently relocating to California with their two children, six-year-old Archie and four-year-old Lilibet.

Tom Bower’s Previous Work and Commentary

Tom Bower’s new book follows previous biographies focusing on the British Royal Family. Another YouTube appearance features Bower discussing his latest work and the motivations behind it.