It’s the summer blockbuster that has gotten palace courtiers hot under the collar ,and this weekend excerpts from Finding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of a Modern Royal Family running in The Times finally reveal (some) of what’s in this season’s most controversial royal biography.
While palace aides have tried to downplay the authenticity of the book, inaccurate tabloid reports that it was authorized by the couple have forced the Sussexes to distance themselves from the release. Harry and Meghan have said they “did not contribute” to the manuscript, but it is the first book to tell the Sussexes’ side of the story about their bombshell exit from the royal family.
“It’s not all from Harry and Meghan’s perspective, but I do think that for the first time we do actually get to hear what’s going on in their minds,” Scobie told The Times’ Andrew Billen on Saturday.
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The book’s publishers have said Finding Freedom aims to dispel “the many rumors and misconceptions that plague the couple.” and the book reveals that it was in fact Harry’s decision to quit the Firm. While Meghan has until now been blamed for their abrupt departure in what has been billed as “Megxit” by the tabloid media, the authors claim it was in fact Harry who wanted to leave the royal family and made the life-changing decision when the family was on a sabbatical in Canada. The whole episode is played out in the book including how the royals reacted.
Some have dismissed authors Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand, who spent two years writing Finding Freedom, as mere “royal watchers” who are the couple’s “cheerleaders.” But the book is set to make an impact, revealing for the first time the drama and tensions between Harry and Meghan and the establishment and the truth about the fall out between Harry and William.
The authors claim to have had access to more than 100 sources, some of whom agreed to speak on the condition of anonymity in order to put Harry and Meghan’s side of the story across for the first time. “The Palace are worried about the book because they know what really happened behind the scenes,” a source said. “Frankly they should be breathing a sigh of relief. It could have been a lot worse.”
Vanity Fair has learned that Harry and Meghan were not shown a copy of the manuscript, nor did they ask to see one ahead of publication on August 11. While they come across as victims for the most part, particularly at the hands of the tabloid press, other senior royals come under scrutiny. While Prince Charles appears largely as a well-intentioned father who wants the best for his youngest son, William and Kate “‘come across as quite cold at times and unwelcoming,“ adds the source.
There have been claims that the book will further deepen the rift between William and Harry, who fell out around the time Harry and Meghan got engaged when William voiced concerns that the relationship was moving too quickly. At one point things were so dire between the brothers that they weren’t speaking. While it is not known if the brothers have discussed the book and its findings, William will be understandably nervous about airing their grievances in public.
“It’s going to open old wounds at a time when everyone wanted to move on,” said a family source. “I think the person who will be most upset about it all is the Queen.”