Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has found herself back in the headlines in recent weeks. Rumors are circulating that the former actress may be working on an explosive memoir about her time in the British royal family.
As recently reported by Daily Express,While nothing has been officially confirmed, several royal experts have suggested Meghan could be penning a tell-all book. Noted biographer Tom Bower claimed in October that Meghan was “on the warpath” and planning a “no holds barred” autobiography. More recently, fellow royal author Angela Levin echoed this, saying she had heard Meghan was writing a “huge money-spinner” book.
The speculation comes on the heels of the release of another controversial royal book – “Endgame” by Omid Scobie. Scobie is known for his sympathetic coverage of Harry and Meghan, having co-authored their biography “Finding Freedom.” His latest work made headlines for its claims about Meghan’s experiences with palace aides.
According to Scobie, some royal staff were brought to tears when Meghan left her senior royal role in 2020. He alleges there was no bullying or inappropriate behavior from Meghan. This contradicts reports in 2021 that claimed Meghan mistreated and “humiliated” employees. Buckingham Palace announced it would investigate these allegations at the time.
Scobie’s reporting has put Meghan’s relationships with palace aides under the microscope again. Some critics argue Harry and Meghan should publicly address the bullying claims if they disagree with Scobie’s version of events. Their continued silence on the matter is seen by some as telling.
There is a sense Meghan and Harry are biding their time before launching their next offensive against the monarchy. A memoir from Meghan would likely see her settle old scores and offer her perspective on royal life.
As an experienced blogger and calligrapher, Meghan has writing chops. A book would allow her to take control of the narrative after years of negative media coverage in the British press. It would also tap into the public’s continued fascination with the royal family’s inner workings.
For publishers, a Meghan memoir would be a guaranteed commercial success. The Sussexes remain hugely popular figures, despite their controversial exit from royal duties. Harry’s 2021 memoir “Spare” sold over 3.2 million copies in its first week. A similar book from his wife would likely match, if not exceed, those numbers.
Some commentators argue the Sussexes have nothing left to lose in airing more royal dirty laundry. After stepping down as senior royals, being stripped of patronages and moving overseas, they are untethered from the family in a way that allows total honesty.
However, a scorched earth approach also risks a severe backlash. The British public has little appetite for royal tell-alls at a time of hardship. King Charles has made clear there is no way back into the fold for the exiled couple. Bridges would surely be burned by a vindictive or overly candid memoir from Meghan.
For now, the book remains a rumor rather than a reality. But with Harry’s own account already out there, Meghan’s version of events would make for compelling reading for supporters and critics alike. If she does put pen to paper, it will undoubtedly cause shockwaves on both sides of the Atlantic.
