The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s spokesperson responded after excerpts from Tom Bower’s new royal book made controversial claims about the couple and the Invictus Games
Credit: Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty; Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock
NEED TO KNOW
- Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s spokesperson is firing back at a new royal book from Tom Bower
- The couple’s representative criticized the writer, accusing him of pushing conspiracy theories about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex
- Betrayal: Power, Deceit and the Fight for the Future of the Royal Family makes explosive claims about the couple’s marriage, finances and relationship with the royal family
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s spokesperson is firing back at a new royal book that makes explosive claims about the couple’s marriage, finances and relationship with the royal family.
In response to The Times’ March 13 serialization of author Tom Bower’s latest book, Betrayal: Power, Deceit and the Fight for the Future of the Royal Family, a spokesperson for the Duke, 41, and Duchess of Sussex, 44, sharply criticized the writer, accusing him of pushing conspiracy theories about the couple.
“Mr. Bower’s commentary has long crossed the line from criticism into fixation,” the spokesperson said in a statement to PEOPLE. “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 continued: “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.”
Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!
Credit: Bonnier
The statement comes after The Times published excerpts from Bower’s forthcoming book about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
In the excerpt, Bower, 79, revisits tensions between the Sussexes and the royal family, and makes a number of controversial claims, including that Queen Camilla once told a friend Meghan had “brainwashed” Harry.
The book also alleges that Meghan’s influence distanced Harry from longtime friends and family members, and it questions aspects of the couple’s media ventures and finances after their major streaming deals came to an end.
Buckingham Palace declined to comment when reached by PEOPLE, as it does not respond to biographies.
Another section focuses on the Invictus Games, the international sporting competition for wounded, injured and sick service members founded by Harry in 2014.
In the excerpt, Bower portrays the 2025 Games in Canada as being overshadowed by attention on the couple, suggesting the event had become centered on Meghan’s public appearances — a characterization the Invictus Games Foundation rejected.
The passage also appeared to question the legitimacy of some competitors’ injuries, including references to athletes recovering from post-traumatic stress disorder rather than visible physical wounds.
Credit: Samir Hussein/WireImage
Following criticism of the Games in the excerpt, a spokesperson for the Invictus Games Foundation also pushed back.
“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,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
The foundation emphasized that the Games are focused on “the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans from around the world,” adding that attempts to question competitors’ legitimacy or minimize conditions like 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,” the statement continued.
PEOPLE understands that the criticism of the Games in the excerpt has also drawn backlash from members of the Invictus community, including former competitors and supporters who say the portrayal misunderstands the purpose of the event, which was founded to support veterans recovering from both physical injuries and invisible wounds such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
Credit: Jim Poorten/NBAE via Getty
The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!
Bower previously wrote the 2022 book Revenge, a critical account of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex that examined their departure from royal life.
Harry and Meghan stepped back from their royal roles in 2020 and now live in California with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Read the full article here
