The publisher of the new royal book “Endgame” by Omid Scobie is scrambling to recall copies after a translation error named a second member of the royal family as a “royal racist.”
According to a report by Express, the book, which purportedly takes an inside look at the royal family in the aftermath of Megxit and the death of Queen Elizabeth II, was released in English on Tuesday. However, the Dutch translation contained an additional paragraph that named a senior royal accused of questioning the skin color of Prince Harry and Meghan’s son Archie before he was born.
Meghan first made this allegation during her explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021. At the time, she claimed an unnamed royal had concerns over how dark Archie’s skin would be. This sparked intense speculation over who made the comment, with fingers pointed at various senior royals.
Scobie’s book originally did not name names, with the author claiming U.K. libel laws prevented him from identifying the two individuals involved. However, the Dutch translation directly named Prince William as one of the royals who discussed Archie’s skin tone.
The publisher was alerted to the error after copies had already been printed and shipped to bookstores across the Netherlands. They quickly issued a recall and temporarily halted sales of the book.
In a statement, the publisher Xander said, “An error occurred in the Dutch translation and is currently being rectified.” Scobie also denied responsibility, telling Dutch media, “I wrote and edited the English version. There’s never been a version that I’ve produced that has names in it.”
Royal experts have questioned how such a significant error could have happened, with some speculating the “accidental” reveal was a publicity stunt. Scobie and the publisher maintain it was simply a translation mistake.
Regardless of intent, the scramble to recall copies has only heightened interest in the book’s most salacious claims about racism within the royal institution. It has brought the damaging allegations back into the media spotlight at a time when the new Prince and Princess of Wales are trying to rehabilitate the monarchy’s reputation.
While the English version does not name names, it provides new details about the exchange. Scobie writes that Meghan sent a letter to King Charles after the Oprah interview expressing concerns about “unconscious bias” within the family. The letter apparently reveals the identities of the two royals who questioned Archie’s skin tone, but Scobie says U.K. laws prevent him from disclosing this.
The mixed messages – denying responsibility while teasing more details – has led to accusations that Scobie is deliberately stirring up drama for publicity. A royal insider told The Daily Beast, “This has all the hallmarks of a pre-planned stunt to maximize publicity and sales. The publisher surely knew the names were in the Dutch version but are now playing dumb.”
Scobie is already facing criticism for rehashing old grievances at a time when the Windsors are trying to unite and move forward under King Charles III. There is a sense the author is deliberately trying to undermine the new Prince and Princess of Wales as they transition into their roles.
A royal source told The Telegraph, “This book is doing exactly what Harry and Meghan want it to do – it’s creating drama and distraction. It’s stirring up stuff that should have been left firmly in the past.”
The book contains several other controversial claims about senior royals including allegations that William has a “hot temper” and tried to actively undermine his brother. It also accuses Kate Middleton of being “cold” and unwelcoming to Meghan.
While the palace has refused to comment directly, Prince William is said to be frustrated by what he considers false narratives peddled in the book. A source close to William told Us Weekly the future king considers it a “spiteful portrayal” full of “cruel narratives.”
As the publisher works urgently to recall the Dutch edition, it remains to be seen whether Scobie will face legal action for the apparent accidental reveal. But the scramble has ensured his book secures maximum publicity – whether that was the author’s intention all along remains uncertain.
