Queen Camilla Allegedly Claimed Meghan Markle 'Brainwashed' Prince Harry

New book details escalating tensions between the Sussexes and the royal family after their 2018 wedding.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 6:20am

According to a new book by author Tom Bower, Queen Camilla privately told a friend that Meghan Markle had 'brainwashed' Prince Harry amid the royal family's feud. The book claims tensions escalated shortly after Harry and Meghan's 2018 wedding, with a confrontation between Harry and Prince William and Meghan snapping at her brother-in-law. The Sussexes ultimately stepped down as senior royals in 2020 and moved to the U.S., continuing to speak publicly about their grievances with the monarchy.

Why it matters

The alleged comments from Queen Camilla provide a rare glimpse into the private tensions within the royal family, which have played out publicly through the Sussexes' various media interviews and Harry's memoir. The ongoing feud has strained relations between the Windsors and raised questions about the monarchy's future.

The details

According to the book, a tense showdown between Harry and his brother Prince William spiraled out of control, with Meghan Markle snapping at William during the confrontation. Queen Camilla then allegedly told a friend that Markle had 'brainwashed' Harry. The book also claims William had previously warned his younger brother that the relationship was moving too fast, saying 'It's gone too quickly.' Meanwhile, Kate Middleton allegedly shared the same concerns, believing Harry might be vulnerable to Markle's influence.

  • In 2018, shortly after Harry and Meghan's lavish wedding at St George's Chapel.
  • In 2020, Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior working royals and left the UK.

The players

Queen Camilla

The wife of King Charles III and the Queen Consort of the United Kingdom.

Meghan Markle

The Duchess of Sussex, wife of Prince Harry and former actress.

Prince Harry

The Duke of Sussex, younger son of King Charles III and the late Princess Diana.

Prince William

The Prince of Wales, elder son of King Charles III and the late Princess Diana.

Kate Middleton

The Princess of Wales, wife of Prince William.

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What they’re saying

“If you don't mind, get your finger out of my face.”

— Meghan Markle (The Times)

“It's gone too quickly.”

— Prince William (The Times)

What’s next

Harry could extend an olive branch by inviting his father, King Charles, to open the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham, which could see them standing side-by-side on stage as Harry fulfills a longtime dream of having the King launch the event.

The takeaway

The ongoing feud between the Sussexes and the royal family has strained relations within the monarchy and raised questions about its future. The alleged comments from Queen Camilla provide a rare glimpse into the private tensions, which have played out publicly through the Sussexes' various media interviews and Harry's memoir.