The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have issued a firm rebuttal to claims made in Tom Bower’s latest publication, **Betrayal: Power, Deceit and the Fight for the Future of the Royal Family**. Following the book’s excerpts published in *The Times*, a spokesperson for the couple sharply condemned Bower’s assertions, labelling them as unfounded conspiracy theories.
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Harry, aged 41, and Meghan Markle, 44, are facing renewed scrutiny as Bower’s book delves into various aspects of their personal and financial lives, as well as their strained relationship with the British royal family. In a statement provided to *People*, their representative expressed strong disapproval of Bower’s writing style and perspective, noting that his commentary “has long crossed the line from criticism into fixation.”
The spokesperson further highlighted Bower’s claims that the monarchy seeks to “obliterate” Harry and Meghan from public consciousness, critiquing the author for a pattern of inventing “ever more elaborate theories about people he does not know and has never met.” They advised readers seeking accuracy to look elsewhere, suggesting Bower’s work caters to those who favour sensationalism over factual reporting.
In the controversial excerpts, Bower suggests a range of serious accusations, including a claim that Queen Camilla once expressed to a friend that Meghan had “brainwashed” Harry. The author points to Meghan’s perceived influence as a factor that has caused a rift between Harry and his long-time friends and family members. In addition, Bower scrutinises the couple’s financial dealings, particularly concerning their media projects following the conclusion of significant streaming deals.
One section of the book centres around the Invictus Games, the international sporting event established by Harry in 2014 for injured service personnel. Bower contends that the attention surrounding the 2025 Games, which took place in Canada, was overly focused on Meghan’s appearances, detracting from the event’s intended purpose. This viewpoint has been met with strong disapproval from the Invictus Games Foundation, which disputes Bower’s characterisation of the event.
A representative from the Invictus Games Foundation expressed disappointment with the prominence given to Bower’s criticisms, emphasising a commitment to understanding the event’s significance and the community it supports. The foundation reiterated that the Games are designed to aid in the recovery of injured and sick service personnel and veterans, firmly rejecting any insinuation that undermines competitors’ experiences and challenges.
The spokesperson highlighted the importance of keeping the spotlight on the values underpinning the Games—namely, showcasing the courage and camaraderie of those who have served in the armed forces. Criticism of the portrayal of competitors, particularly regarding conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), was described as “deeply disrespectful,” emphasising the need for respect towards all participants.
This response also resonated within the Invictus community, which has rallied around the core mission of the Games. Former competitors and supporters have voiced their concerns, insisting that the portrayal of the event does not accurately reflect its foundational purpose—supporting veterans in their journey of recovery from both visible and invisible injuries.
Bower previously authored another contentious book, **Revenge**, published in 2022, which analysed Harry and Meghan’s exit from royal duties. Since stepping back from their royal roles in 2020, the couple has relocated to California, where they are raising their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
As discussions surrounding Bower’s latest work continue, public interest remains piqued about the ongoing narrative of the Duke and Duchess and their evolving relationship with the royal family and wider British culture. The Sussexes’ spokesperson has certainly set the tone for what appears to be a continuing dialogue regarding their story, amid an ever-watchful public eye.