Tom Bower’s explosive take on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s departure from the royal family challenges the notion that their story was a modern fairy tale.
Instead, Bower suggests their relationship was a calculated power move that ultimately led to their downfall. His book Revenge: Meghan, Harry, and the War Between the Windsors presents a narrative of ambition, manipulation, and betrayal, contradicting the widely held belief that Meghan was a victim of royal cruelty. The real question remains: was Harry a willing participant in their dramatic exit, or was he subtly guided by Meghan into an irreversible decision?
When Meghan Markle first joined the royal family, the world was captivated. An American actress, a humanitarian, and a woman of mixed-race heritage, her presence seemed to herald a new, inclusive era for the monarchy. However, Bower claims her entry into royal life was not simply a love story but a carefully orchestrated plan. According to his sources, Meghan identified Harry’s emotional vulnerabilities—his struggles with his past and his longing for a purpose outside royal expectations—and used them to her advantage. Their relationship progressed rapidly, and within months, Meghan had transformed from a television actress into a duchess. Yet, behind the glamour of their wedding, tensions were already surfacing.
Reports of conflict between Meghan and other royals soon emerged, with the most significant friction occurring between her and Prince William and Kate Middleton. Bower alleges that Meghan sought to outshine the Cambridges in every possible way—whether through her fashion choices, charitable work, or media presence. She was determined to be the center of attention and unwilling to share the spotlight. This led to resentment and division within the royal family. Disputes reportedly escalated behind closed doors, with Meghan clashing with Kate over staff treatment, protocol, and even the infamous bridesmaid dress incident, a version of which Meghan later discussed in her Oprah interview. However, Bower’s book contradicts her portrayal of events.
By early 2020, Harry and Meghan announced their decision to step back from royal duties, shocking the world. According to Bower, this was not a mutual decision but a strategic move orchestrated by Meghan. He argues that she convinced Harry their happiness depended on leaving the monarchy, making him feel like an outsider within his own family. Exploiting his childhood trauma, his complicated relationships with his father and brother, and his desire for independence, she positioned herself as his only true ally. Once in North America, the couple pursued financial independence, securing multimillion-dollar deals with Netflix, Spotify, and various publishers. But was their departure truly about freedom, or was it a calculated move for power and profit?
Leaving the royal family not only meant relinquishing duties but also severing family ties. Prince William and Harry’s once-close bond deteriorated rapidly, with William reportedly feeling betrayed by his brother’s choices. King Charles, then Prince of Wales, was blindsided by Harry’s public criticisms, and Queen Elizabeth, though publicly diplomatic, was said to be deeply hurt by the turmoil their exit caused. According to Bower, Harry was completely devoted to Meghan, willing to sacrifice his family relationships to ensure her happiness. The larger question remains: was Meghan truly the mastermind behind their departure, or was she navigating an institution that never fully accepted her?
Bower’s book has sparked widespread debate. Some view it as confirmation that Meghan orchestrated their royal exit for her own benefit, while others believe it is yet another attempt to discredit a woman who never fit the royal mold. Even former supporters of the Sussexes are beginning to question their motives—did they genuinely seek privacy, or were they merely seeking a different form of fame where they could control their own narrative? Royal commentator Penny Junor describes Revenge as a game-changer, forcing the public to reconsider the image of Meghan as a victim. Though Harry and Meghan have dismissed Bower’s claims as baseless rumors, the damage to their reputation may already be done.
As tensions mount and rumors of marital strain circulate, speculation about a possible divorce is growing. Their lucrative Netflix and Spotify deals have met mixed success, and public perception of Meghan has shifted from admiration to skepticism. Harry, once fiercely protective of his wife, now appears to be re-evaluating past decisions. Could the next twist in this royal saga be a separation between Harry and Meghan? If Bower’s allegations hold any truth, their story is far from over. Whether Meghan’s influence over Harry remains strong or whether cracks start to appear in their once-united front is yet to be seen.
The saga of Harry and Meghan is among the most compelling modern royal dramas. Whether Meghan is seen as a master strategist or a misunderstood outsider, her impact on the monarchy is undeniable. The larger question is whether Harry will ever find his way back to the family he left behind. Was Meghan truly the architect of their royal exit, or was she simply maneuvering through an impossible situation? The conversation continues, and the world watches to see what happens next.
With Revenge reigniting scrutiny, the Sussexes face an uncertain future. Can they navigate the storm, or has Bower exposed irreversible fractures in their carefully curated public image? Their fate hinges on several key factors: the state of their marriage, their relationship with the royal family, their business ventures, and, most importantly, how the public perceives them.
Rumors of trouble in their marriage have circulated for months. Previously inseparable, Meghan and Harry have increasingly made separate public appearances. Meghan notably skipped key royal events, and Harry attended King Charles’s coronation alone—a stark contrast to their previously united front. Reports suggest they also disagree on their professional trajectory, with Meghan leaning toward Hollywood and lifestyle branding while Harry remains focused on philanthropy and mental health advocacy. Body language experts have noted shifts in their interactions, with Harry appearing distant and Meghan maintaining her signature composed demeanor. Some insiders believe these are signs of an impending split, with one source claiming Harry is beginning to see the cracks in their relationship. If their marriage collapses, the repercussions will be both personal and financial.
When the couple left the royal family, they aimed for financial independence, but success has been inconsistent. Their Netflix docuseries was a hit, and Harry’s memoir Spare broke records as the fastest-selling nonfiction book in history. However, their Spotify deal fell through, and interest in their brand appears to be fading. With fewer major deals, declining social engagement, and growing public skepticism, Bower argues that their star power is tied to their royal status. Without that connection, they risk becoming just another celebrity couple. If their relevance continues to decline, will Harry regret leaving the monarchy?
One of the most heartbreaking aspects of this saga is Harry’s estrangement from his family. His once-close bond with William is fractured, and sources suggest William remains furious over Harry’s bombshell revelations. While King Charles has shown willingness to reconcile, the damage to their relationship runs deep. Meghan’s tensions with Kate are well-documented, but some believe Kate could play a role in bridging the divide if circumstances change. A royal homecoming for Harry is not entirely out of the question—some experts speculate that if his marriage fails, he may attempt to mend ties with his family. Whether the royal family would welcome him back is another matter entirely.
Public sentiment toward Meghan and Harry has shifted dramatically. Initially, they were perceived as courageous truth-tellers challenging royal tradition, but now they are increasingly viewed as opportunists. Polls indicate a sharp decline in their popularity, particularly in the UK. While they still have a dedicated fan base in the U.S., interest in their ongoing drama appears to be waning. If they lose public favor entirely, their brand—and their multimillion-dollar deals—could collapse.
With their fairy tale image now under scrutiny, what lies ahead? Three potential outcomes emerge: a successful rebranding and redemption arc (unlikely, given their current trajectory), a retreat from public life in favor of a quieter existence (somewhat possible but improbable), or a highly publicized separation with Harry potentially returning to the royal fold (increasingly likely, according to speculation).
Tom Bower’s Revenge has reignited debate over the Sussexes’ true motives, Meghan’s ambition, and Harry’s emotional vulnerability. Their next steps remain uncertain, but one thing is clear—their story is far from over.
