Tom Bower Claims Meghan Angered by Succession
Royal biographer Mr Tom Bower has claimed the Duchess of Sussex was “angry” after realising Prince William, not Prince Harry, was next in line to the throne, meaning Catherine, Princess of Wales would become queen consort. The remarks were made in a podcast discussion published on Wednesday and have reignited scrutiny of the Sussexes’ early understanding of royal hierarchy.
On the Daily Expresso podcast, Express reported that Mr Bower said Meghan did not initially grasp that the monarchy operates on a strict line of succession, rather than merit or achievement, and that she became frustrated when she understood Catherine’s future role as queen consort.
In the same exchange, host Mr JJ Anisiobi asked whether Meghan was “furious” on learning Prince Harry would not be king, to which Mr Bower replied: “No, I think not.” He went on to argue that Meghan was accustomed to “working hard, pulling the right strings and manipulating people” to “get to the top”, before encountering what he described as an institution requiring deference and obedience.
The comments arrive amid ongoing discussion about the Sussexes’ relationship with the Royal Family, including reports that Prince William is reportedly ready to remove Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s titles if given the opportunity.
Mr Bower also linked his claims to the couple’s decision to step back as working royals in 2020, suggesting Meghan’s disappointment with the hierarchy influenced their approach to royal life. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have previously said their decision was driven by a desire for a different working arrangement and greater privacy, and the Palace has not commented on the latest remarks.
