LONDON (AP) — Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, have issued a sharp rebuke to Tom Bower, the author of a forthcoming book about Britain’s royal family. The couple's statement, released on Saturday, labeled Bower's writing as "deranged conspiracy and melodrama," indicating their strong disapproval of his portrayal of them.
In the extracts published in the Times of London on Friday, Bower made several claims that have drawn the ire of Harry and Meghan. Notably, he alleged that Queen Camilla had told a friend that Meghan had "brainwashed" Prince Harry. Additionally, he suggested that Prince William and his wife, Catherine, viewed Meghan as a "threat" rather than an "ally" during the tumultuous period leading up to the Sussexes' decision to leave the United Kingdom for the United States and their eventual split from the royal family.
Harry and Meghan's statement criticized Bower’s approach, stating, "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." They accused Bower of crossing the line from criticism into obsession, claiming he had built a career on fabricating elaborate theories about individuals he does not know personally.
The couple emphasized that those interested in authentic information would seek it elsewhere, while those drawn to conspiracy theories and sensationalism would know where to find Bower's work. Their statement underscores their ongoing battle with public perception and media narratives surrounding their lives since stepping back from royal duties.
Extracts from Bower’s book also touched on various aspects of the couple's lives, including criticisms of their financial situation, charity efforts, and Prince Harry’s involvement in the Invictus Games, a sports competition he founded for wounded, injured, and sick military veterans.
This is not the first time Bower has explored the dynamics of the royal family; he previously published "Revenge: Meghan, Harry, And the War Between the Windsors" in 2022. His controversial writing style and choice of themes have kept him in the headlines, particularly regarding the Sussexes, who have repeatedly expressed their discontent with media portrayals.
The ongoing tensions between Harry and Meghan and the British royal family highlight the complexities surrounding their decision to step back from royal duties and establish their own path in the United States. The couple continues to assert their narrative against perceived media bias and its impact on their lives.
