Representatives for Prince Harry have issued a sharp rebuke to author Tom Bower following explosive allegations in his forthcoming book regarding the Duke of Sussex's relationship with the royal family. The controversy centers on claims that Queen Camilla privately expressed concern that Prince Harry had been manipulated by Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex.
A spokesperson for the Sussexes responded on Saturday, March 14, characterizing Bower's work as crossing boundaries of acceptable commentary. The representative stated that Bower's approach has evolved from criticism into fixation, citing the author's previous public statement that the monarchy depends on obliterating the Sussexes from public life.
The allegations stem from excerpts of Bower's book, titled "Betrayal: Power, Deceit and the Fight for the Future of the Royal Family," which were serialized in London's The Times on Friday, March 13. The former BBC journalist's work includes claims that Queen Camilla, Prince Harry's stepmother, confided to associates her belief that the prince had been influenced against his family members.
The book further alleges that Prince Harry, 41, distanced himself from longstanding friendships and family connections following the commencement of his relationship with Markle, 44. The couple married in May 2018 and are parents to two children: Prince Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, 6, and Princess Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, 4.
In a strongly worded statement, the Sussex spokesperson challenged Bower's methodology and credibility. The representative asserted that the author has built a career constructing elaborate theories about individuals he has neither met nor personally knows, directing those seeking factual information to look elsewhere while characterizing Bower's work as deranged conspiracy and melodrama.
The book also addresses the Invictus Games, the athletic competition founded by Prince Harry in partnership with Britain's Ministry of Defence in 2014. Bower references purported criticism of the 2025 Games held in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada, suggesting some observers felt the event emphasized the Duke and Duchess's public appearances over the athletes themselves.
Additional claims in the book question the inclusion of athletes with post-traumatic stress disorder or mental health conditions competing alongside those with physical injuries. An Invictus Games spokesperson responded on Saturday, expressing disappointment that a publication would provide prominence to commentary appearing driven by agenda rather than genuine understanding of the Games' mission.
The Invictus Games Foundation exists to support recovery and rehabilitation of wounded, injured, and sick service personnel and veterans globally. The spokesperson characterized attempts to question competitor legitimacy or diminish experiences of those living with invisible wounds such as PTSD as deeply disrespectful to the men and women for whom the Games were created.
Prince Harry served in the British Army for ten years before establishing the Invictus Games, which are held biennially to showcase the enduring spirit of military personnel injured in combat. The next Games are scheduled for Birmingham, England, in 2027.
In 2020, Prince Harry and Markle announced their decision to step back from royal duties and relocate to North America. After a brief period in Canada in early 2020, the couple established residence in Montecito, California, later that year. Buckingham Palace has not issued a statement regarding the book's allegations.