Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Should Have ‘Made It Clear’ That They Weren’t Involved in ‘Poisonous’ Claims About Royal Family, Expert Says

From their 2018 marriage, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have struggled with maintaining the British public's approval. The rift between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the rest of the monarchy persists. A book that explores the royal family added fuel by accusing Kate Middleton and King Charles of expressing concern about the skin tone of Archie, Harry and Meghan's first-born, during Meghan's pregnancy in 2018 and 2019. The Sussexes have not refuted these rumours prompting a royal expert to suggest that this could irrevocably tarnish their image.

Neither Harry and Meghan nor the royals, known for their "never complain, never explain" mantra, addressed the book's revelations that claim Kate and Charles were the royals Meghan hinted at during her 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey.

Omid Scobie penned the exposé, "Endgame," in November 2023 exposing royal secrets. Meghan and Harry's apparent acquaintance with Scobie raised eyebrows and a royal expert opined that they should have disassociated from the book - any attempt now might be, however, futile.

Michael Cole, a royal expert, suggested that it would have been prudent if Harry had clarified that neither he nor Meghan endorsed the book's content nor were they its sources, emphasising that they should distance from all accusations against his family. Calling the allegations "toxic," Cole expressed that a delayed statement may not be well-received by the British public or the royal family.

Before the book was published, there were speculations about Harry and Charles amending their relationship. Harry apparently communicated more with his father, even had his children Lilibet and Archie send Charles a video on his birthday, and came back to the UK to attend Charles and Camilla's coronation ceremony in May 2023.

However, the book may have reversed any progress Harry and Charles were making. The exact impact of the book on Harry's familial relations is indeterminable, but it is unlikely to have fostered reconciliation. As Kate was part of the controversy, it may have further distanced Harry and Prince William.