Queen Camilla allegedly expressed to a friend that Meghan Markle had 'brainwashed' Prince Harry during a time of rising tensions within the British royal family, according to claims made in a new publication by author Tom Bower.
Bower states that the comment came shortly after the wedding of Harry and Meghan in 2018 at St George’s Chapel in Windsor. While the wedding and subsequent honeymoon seemed full of joy, the author asserts that underlying tensions began to surface soon after.
The book outlines that relationships within the family began to deteriorate right after the couple's Mediterranean honeymoon. It is claimed that a tense confrontation occurred between Harry and his brother, Prince William, which intensified during a family disagreement. Markle reportedly reacted sharply towards William amid the escalating tensions.
She is cited as having said, 'If you don’t mind, get your finger out of my face.' Following this dispute, Bower claims Queen Camilla privately shared her concern about the unfolding situation, suggesting to a friend that Markle had 'brainwashed' Harry.
Furthermore, it is alleged that Prince William had cautioned his younger brother about proceeding too swiftly in his relationship, with William reportedly telling Harry, 'It’s gone too quickly.'
Bower also indicates that Catherine, Princess of Wales, voiced her worries about the rapid pace of the relationship, feeling that Harry might be particularly susceptible to Meghan’s influence. The book also suggests that both Harry and Meghan were frustrated by their standing within the royal hierarchy, feeling they would remain overshadowed by the direct heirs to the throne.
These tensions ultimately led to the couple’s decision to step back from their royal duties in 2020. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex then moved to the United States, where they began to voice their experiences within the monarchy. Their critiques have included a highly-publicized interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021 and Harry's memoir, Spare, published in 2023.
Despite the protracted strains in their relationships, sources indicate there might still be avenues for reconciliation. One possibility mentioned is Harry inviting his father, King Charles III, to inaugurate the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham.
Meanwhile, Markle is pursuing new business opportunities after the conclusion of her collaboration with the streaming platform Netflix for her lifestyle brand, As Ever. Her team has announced that the brand will continue to operate independently and is planning new projects and events.

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