Publications
- The serialisation of royal reporters Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand's new book is revealing new secrets about the rift between the Sussexes and Cambridges.
- Finding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of a Modern Royal Family will hit shelves on 22 August.
- The book delves into the "duelling duchesses" headlines and takes a closer look at what drove William and Harry apart.
In the run-up to the release of royal reporters, Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand's book, Finding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of a Modern Royal Family, they've released excerpts, serialised by The Times and the Sunday Times.
The book, which was first announced in May, will see the Harper's Bazaar royal editor and Elle and Oprah magazine royal reporter, go "beyond the headlines to reveal unknown details of Harry and Meghan's life together, dispelling the many rumours and misconceptions that plague the couple on both sides of the pond," a press release read.
Harry and Meghan were not interviewed for the book. It is based on the account of the royal press.
The excerpts that have been released have focused much attention on the Sussexes relationship with the Cambridges. According to ITV News, one spoke of the media's obsession with the "duelling duchesses".
Despite the headlines, the authors say the two simply had nothing in common. "The truth was that Meghan and Kate just didn't know each other that well," they said.
They addressed the false rumours that Meghan made Kate cry during a bridesmaid's dress fitting for Princess Charlotte, calling it "puzzling".
But they did add that while the duchesses "were not at war with each other" they had a few "awkward moments" – and Kate didn't make much of an effort to make Meghan feel welcome.
According to People, the authors wrote: "Though it was not necessarily her responsibility, Kate did little to bridge the divide."
But still, it was more the rift between William and Harry that influenced the couple's decision to step down from their roles as senior royals.
Harry felt "unprotected" by the royal family as the couple – and Meghan specifically – was scrutinised by the press, which ultimately also led to her decision to sue the Mail on Sunday and Mail Online.
William's advice to Harry to "take as much time as you need to get to know this girl" and not to be "blindsided by lust" only made things worse.
Harry felt referring to Meghan as "this girl" was "snobbish and condescending".
And having to deal with others – such as one senior royal, allegedly referring to Meghan as "Harry's showgirl" and another saying "she comes with a lot of baggage" – was a lot.
In the book, the authors recall one senior courtier having said of Meghan: "There's just something about her I don't trust."
