Meghan Markle didn't want to stop serving the Queen - because she'd given up her life for the monarchy, new book claims
Meghan Markle did not want to stop serving the Queen because she had given up her life for the monarchy, according to a new book which has been touted as being their side of the story over the shock exit from their senior royal roles.
Finding Freedom is said to have been written “with the participation of those closest to the couple” and there are reports its publication has caused concern with palace courtiers.
One of the claims it makes is that it was the lack of support Prince Harry felt from within the family that drove the couple to quit their working roles - not Meghan’s ambitions.
The book, out next month, has been serialised in The Times, and spokesperson for the couple, currently living in Los Angeles, confirmed they were not interviewed themselves, as had been reported.
A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex told Yahoo UK: “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were not interviewed and did not contribute to ‘Finding Freedom’.
“This book is based on the authors’ own experiences as members of the royal press corps and their own independent reporting.”
Read more: This year's must-read royal biographies, from Harry and Meghan's 'real story' to feuding princes
However nothing was denied as the first extract was released in The Times.
Among the book’s claims are that Kate and Meghan’s relationship never progressed from “distant politeness” and that William left his staff to represent him during the talks with Harry about the future for the Sussexes.
But the relationship between Kate and Meghan was “an offshoot” of the real issue - that Harry did not feel supported by his family.
While some courtiers blame Meghan for the decision the couple took to leave their senior roles, the book quotes her speaking to a friend, who she told: “I gave up my entire life for this family. I was willing to do whatever it takes. But here we are. It’s very sad.”
The authors add that Harry long wanted distance, saying: “It’s why he gravitated toward the military, had always avoided the pomp as much as he could, and didn’t give his child a title. He long craved a life away from the prying eyes of the media. Meghan simply emboldened him to make the change.”
The book is written by Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand, both royal reporters based in the UK. Scobie is former presenter on Yahoo’s Royal Story, and is the royal editor for Harper’s Bazaar. Durand is a contributor for Elle and Oprah Magazine.
Scobie covered Meghan’s final engagement as a senior royal, and said the couple was “crushed” by having to step back.
Harry and Meghan moved to Los Angeles at the end of March, keen to get there from Canada before the border between the two countries closed.
They have been volunteering and working with community leaders as they prepare to launch a non-profit foundation, Archewell.
On Friday, they filed legal papers against unknown paparazzi who have been using drones and long lens cameras to take photographs of their son, Archie, in the home they are staying in.
