The inside story on Harry and Meghan - 3rd August 2020

A new book, “Finding Freedom”, has been published outlining the reasons the Duke and Duchess of Sussex decided to take a step back from royal life.

Written by royal reporters Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand, the book details the tensions which grew between the couple and other members of the Royal Family. It gives particular focus to the Prince’s brother and sister-in-law, Prince William and Kate. The biography has been making the headlines in the UK after being serialised in a UK newspaper.

Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, emigrated to North America earlier this year after stepping back as senior royals. Following an attempt to settle in Vancouver, Canada, they are now based in Los Angeles.

According to the book, a central reason for the couple’s decision was their feelings over Meghan’s treatment by other members of the royal family. It includes details on how the Princes’ relationship deteriorated as William questioned Meghan’s suitability for Harry. The authors also dismiss claims that Kate and Meghan’s relationship soured. They characterise the two women as simply not having much in common.

The book also claims the Queen was “devastated” by the announcement on the Sussexes’ website of their plans to take a step back.

A spokesperson for Harry and Meghan denied they had been interviewed or contributed to the writing of this book. The statement said: “This book is based on the authors’ own experiences as members of the royal press corps and their own independent reporting.”