Queen Camilla privately told a friend that Meghan Markle had “brainwashed” Prince Harry amid the royal family’s feud, according to a bombshell new book.
Author Tom Bower claims the remark came as relations between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal clan hit boiling point shortly after their lavish nuptials at St George’s Chapel in 2018.
The glamorous wedding in Windsor was followed by a Mediterranean honeymoon, but behind palace walls, the honeymoon period was already over.
Queen Camilla allegedly told a friend Meghan Markle had “brainwashed” Prince Harry. AP
According to Bower, whose new book is serialized in The Times, things turned ugly soon after the newlyweds returned to Britain.
A tense showdown between Harry and his older brother Prince William reportedly spiraled out of control, with Markle snapping at her brother-in-law during the confrontation.
“If you don’t mind, get your finger out of my face,” the “Suits” actress allegedly shot back at William during the explosive exchange, according to Bower.
Harry and Markle stepped down as senior working royals in 2020 and moved to the US. NBAE via Getty Images
Queen Camilla then allegedly vented to a friend with a blunt verdict: Markle had “brainwashed” Harry.
William reportedly already warned his younger brother that the whirlwind romance was moving too fast, Bower reported, citing sources.
“It’s gone too quickly,” he reportedly told Harry about his relationship with Markle.
Queen Camilla and Markle at a Buckingham Palace garden party in 2018. REUTERS
Meanwhile, Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, allegedly shared the same concerns, believing Harry might be vulnerable to Markle’s influence.
Bower also claimed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex felt lingering resentment about their place in the royal pecking order — forever destined to be “spares” rather than heirs.
According to the author, Harry eventually became “possessed by seeking revenge.”
The Sussexes have continued to speak publicly about royal life since leaving the UK. AP
The simmering tensions ultimately led to the Sussexes’ dramatic royal exit.
In 2020, Harry and Markle stepped down as senior working royals and left the UK, launching what critics called an all-out media offensive against the monarchy.
From their explosive 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey to Harry’s tell-all memoir “Spare” in 2023, the couple repeatedly aired grievances about palace life.
Markle and Harry walk behind Queen Camilla and then Prince Charles at the Royal Ascot in June 2018. WireImage
The duke also stunned viewers with a headline-grabbing interview with the BBC that included more thinly veiled swipes at the royal family.
But there may finally be light at the end of the palace tunnel.
Harry could extend an olive branch by inviting his father, King Charles, to open the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham, according to The Sun.
Markle and Harry at the 75th NBA All Star Game in Inglewood, California, Feb. 15 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The father and son have had only two brief meetings in recent years, but the invite could see them standing side-by-side on stage as Harry fulfills a longtime dream of having the King launch the event.
Meanwhile, Markle is dealing with fresh headaches of her own.
Last week, Page Six exclusively revealed that Netflix ended its partnership with her lifestyle brand As Ever.
An industry insider told Page Six the collaboration no longer made sense after her planned series “With Love, Markle” failed to move forward.
Still, Markle’s team insists the brand is moving full steam ahead, saying it’s now “ready to stand on its own” with “an exciting year ahead.”
Next up for Markle? A luxury women’s retreat in Australia — where fans can pay up to $2,288 for VIP access.
The pricey getaway will coincide with Harry and Markle’s upcoming Australian tour, which is expected to include private meetings, business appearances and philanthropic events.
And if history’s any guide, the royal drama is far from over.