Prince Harry reacts after book alleges Queen Camilla said he was “brainwashed” by Meghan Markle. (Photo by Getty Images)
Prince Harry is pushing back after a new royal book revived a controversial claim involving Queen Camilla and Meghan Markle. The allegation appears in excerpts from author Tom Bower’s latest book and has quickly stirred debate about the long strained relationship between Harry and the royal family.
According to excerpts from former BBC journalist Tom Bower’s book Betrayal Power Deceit and the Fight for the Future of the Royal Family, which were serialized by London’s The Times on Friday, March 13, Queen Camilla allegedly told a friend she believed Harry had been “brainwashed” by Meghan Markle.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex did not let the claim go unanswered. A spokesperson for the couple strongly criticized Bower’s comments in a statement to People.
A spokesperson for the Sussexes criticized Tom Bower’s remarks in a statement to People on Saturday, March 14. “Mr. Bower’s commentary has long crossed the line from criticism into fixation. 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.’
The spokesperson continued to challenge Bower’s credibility and motives.
“[Bower] has made a career out of constructing ever more elaborate theories about people he does not know and has never met,” a Sussex spokesperson insisted. “Those interested in facts will look elsewhere; those seeking deranged conspiracy and melodrama know exactly where to find him.”
Us Weekly has reached out to representatives for the Sussexes and Buckingham Palace for comment.
In addition to the claims about Queen Camilla, the book also alleges that Prince Harry, now 41, gradually distanced himself from members of the royal family and longtime friends after beginning his relationship with Markle, 44. The couple married in May 2018 and are now parents to two children Prince Archie Harrison Mountbatten Windsor, 6, and Princess Lilibet “Lili” Diana Mountbatten Windsor, 4.
Bower’s book also touches on criticism surrounding the 2025 Invictus Games held in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada. The international sporting event, founded by Harry, brings together wounded injured and sick military personnel and veterans.
According to the book, some critics claimed the event focused too heavily on the public appearances of Harry and Markle rather than the athletes themselves. The book also mentions alleged complaints about competitors living with post traumatic stress disorder competing alongside athletes with physical injuries.
An Invictus Games spokesperson rejected those claims in a statement to Us.
“It is disappointing to see The Times give prominence to commentary that appears driven by a long established agenda rather than a genuine understanding of the Invictus Games and the community it supports,” an Invictus Games spokesperson told Us via a written statement on Saturday.
“The Foundation exists to support the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans from around the world,” the spokesperson continued. “Attempts to question the legitimacy of competitors or diminish the experiences of those living with both physical injuries and invisible wounds such as PTSD are deeply disrespectful to the men and women the Games were created for. The focus should remain where it belongs — on the courage, recovery and camaraderie of those who have served.”
Prince Harry founded the Invictus Games in partnership with Britain’s Ministry of Defence in 2014 after serving ten years in the British Army. The next Invictus Games are scheduled to take place in Birmingham, England, in 2027.
Harry and Markle stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and moved to North America. After initially relocating to Canada, the couple later settled in Montecito, California.
