Omid Scobie’s book could not have come at a worse time for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, with the couple trying to build a stronger relationship with King Charles.
Multiple reports suggested the couple were on the cusp of an invite to Sandringham this Christmas, with tensions warming since King Charles’s 75th birthday celebrations.
But the release of Scobie’s tell all book may have pushed relations between the Sussexes and the Royal Family to an all new low.
A string of bombshell allegations directed at multiple members of the Royal Family in the book, which included claims that Prince William attempted to upstage his father, and referred to Princess Kate as a “part-time working royal”, calling her “cold” in her approach to Meghan Markle.
Scobie also claims that King Charles referred to Prince Harry as “that fool” following the release of his Netflix documentary.
Relations have clearly been damaged by the release of this book, with experts saying the book couldn’t come at a worse time for Harry, who has been looking at softening his tone with The Firm.
Royal expert Duncan Larcombe claims the book has ruined the chance of a reconciliation.
“It has put them right back to square one,” he said to OK!. “There’s now pressure being put on Harry to come out and distance himself from the book, and I think that will be very tempting for him to do because it seems he has been trying to soften his tone towards the royals.
“There were some green shoots that he might be trying to end the feud from his side. So the timing of the book couldn’t be worse for Harry. I think it’s his worst nightmare.”
Omid Scobie insists that he was not briefed by Harry and Meghan, though Duncan believes suspicion will always follow Meghan. The Duchess had previously denied being involved with Scobie’s 2020 book, but later apologised after forgetting she authorised an aide to provide information to Scobie and the books co-author Carolyb Durand.
He said: “It doesn’t matter what Meghan says as, frankly, I don’t think everyone will believe her. In my opinion people will always conclude that she’s played some kind of indirect role in some of the information that Scobie has revealed.
“There will also be suspicions in the Palace that this has Meghan’s fingerprints over it. There are some astonishing claims in it.”
He goes on to add that the couple will be finding it hard to trust people, after Scobie revealed he did not speak to the Sussexes for the book, adding that there’s enough people within their circle that know the ins and outs.
“Harry has always found it hard to trust people,” he said. “Since moving to California, they’ve kept a very small circle of friends.”
Duncan adds that Meghan in particular will feel wary of others, following her experiences with her father Thomas Markle and sister Samantha.
“Meghan keeps her guard very carefully up at all times,” Duncan says. “I’m not sure you can have her level of fame without always thinking, ‘Who am I talking to? What am I saying? And what might happen as a result?’”
The fallout from the book may have hindered any hopes Prince Harry may have had for any future hopes of a return to The Firm, but as Duncan pointed out, there may still be hope.
“I think you can never say never,” Duncan says. “Camilla went from being one of the most hated people in Britain to becoming our Queen. If she can pull that off, I don’t think you can ever say there’s no chance for Harry.”
“But this book has made it less likely. And it seems that at this moment, there is no hope whatsoever.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle still haven’t commented publicly on Scobie’s book, and the revelations it included, but the fallout continues. Buckingham Palace is said to be “considering all options”.
Meanwhile, Hugh Grosvenor, Duke of Westminster, has left Harry and Meghan off his wedding guestlist in what must be a crushing blow for Harry, who regards him a close family friend, and the godfather to Prince Archie.
Relations have clearly been damaged by the release of this book, with experts saying the book couldn’t come at a worse time for Harry, who has been looking at softening his tone with The Firm.
Royal expert Duncan Larcombe claims the book has ruined the chance of a reconciliation.
“It has put them right back to square one,” he said to OK!. “There’s now pressure being put on Harry to come out and distance himself from the book, and I think that will be very tempting for him to do because it seems he has been trying to soften his tone towards the royals.
“There were some green shoots that he might be trying to end the feud from his side. So the timing of the book couldn’t be worse for Harry. I think it’s his worst nightmare.”
Omid Scobie insists that he was not briefed by Harry and Meghan, though Duncan believes suspicion will always follow Meghan. Meghan had previously denied being involved with Scobie’s 2020 book, but later apologised after forgetting she authorised an aide to provide information to Scobie and the books co-author Carolyb Durand.
