Queen Camilla Claims Meghan 'Brainwashed' Prince Harry, New Book Alleges

Upcoming royal biography by Tom Bower makes controversial allegations about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's departure from royal life.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 4:03pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

According to excerpts from an upcoming royal biography by Tom Bower, Queen Camilla privately told a friend that Meghan Markle had 'brainwashed' Prince Harry before the couple's departure from royal duties in 2020. The book, titled 'Betrayal: Power, Deceit and the Fight for the Future of the Royal Family,' also claims that Prince William and the Princess of Wales saw Meghan as a 'threat' rather than an ally.

Why it matters

The book's claims about Meghan's influence over Harry and the royal family's reaction to the couple's departure add to the ongoing public fascination and debate surrounding the Sussexes' relationship with the monarchy. The allegations, if true, could further strain relations between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family.

The details

According to the book, Camilla allegedly told a friend that 'Meghan's brainwashed Harry,' as the Duke of Sussex's behavior and personality reportedly changed after marrying the Duchess of Sussex. The book also claims that Prince William and the Princess of Wales 'lamented Harry's unlikely chances of one day being king, just as Camilla regretted the possibility that she would never be the Queen.' The Sussexes' spokesperson has issued a rebuttal, calling Bower's commentary 'fixation' and 'deranged conspiracy and melodrama'.

  • The book 'Betrayal: Power, Deceit and the Fight for the Future of the Royal Family' by Tom Bower is set to be released on March 26, 2026.
  • The excerpts from the book were serialized in The Times this week ahead of the official release.

The players

Queen Camilla

The current Queen Consort of the United Kingdom, who is alleged to have privately told a friend that Meghan Markle 'brainwashed' Prince Harry.

Meghan Markle

The Duchess of Sussex, who is accused in the book of 'brainwashing' Prince Harry and being a 'divisive agent' within the royal family.

Prince Harry

The Duke of Sussex, who is claimed to have undergone a stark behavioral change after marrying Meghan Markle, according to the book.

Prince William

The Prince of Wales, who is said to have seen Meghan Markle as a 'threat rather than an ally' within the royal family.

Tom Bower

The author of the upcoming royal biography 'Betrayal: Power, Deceit and the Fight for the Future of the Royal Family', which makes the controversial claims about the Sussexes.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Meghan's brainwashed Harry”

— Queen Camilla

“Mr Bower's commentary has long crossed the line from criticism into fixation. 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.”

— Spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex

What’s next

The book 'Betrayal: Power, Deceit and the Fight for the Future of the Royal Family' by Tom Bower is set to be released on March 26, 2026, providing further details and context around the claims made in the excerpts.

The takeaway

The allegations made in the upcoming book about Meghan Markle's influence over Prince Harry and the royal family's reaction to the couple's departure from royal life underscore the ongoing public fascination and debate surrounding the Sussexes' relationship with the monarchy. The claims, if true, could further strain relations between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family.