Prince Harry Allegedly 'Risked Assassination' During UK Visit with Meghan Markle
In a startling revelation from royal author Tom Bower's upcoming book, Betrayal: Power, Deceit and the Fight for the Future of the Royal Family, Prince Harry is said to have complained bitterly about being 'abandoned' by authorities before travelling to the United Kingdom with his wife, Meghan Markle, in September 2022. According to Bower, Harry expressed deep concerns over his security, claiming he had to 'risk assassination' to accompany Meghan on a trip aimed at sustaining her public brand.
Security Fears and Alleged Complaints
The extract, serialised in The Times, details that just days before the journey, Harry was stressed about their protection after being informed that the Home Office refused to provide armed security in both Manchester and London. Despite these warnings, Bower asserts that Harry decided to proceed with the trip, driven by Meghan's insistence that her appearance at the One Young World charity conference was essential for her brand's sustainability. During the event, Meghan delivered a speech while Harry, reportedly wearing a 'perma-scowl', clapped from the audience.
Bower further claims that logistical measures were taken to mitigate risks, including reserving an entire rail carriage for their travel from London to Manchester, with the public barred from access. However, Harry later complained about the dangers he faced due to his proximity to the public, highlighting ongoing tensions over his security arrangements.
Broader Context and Royal Dynamics
The book also touches on Harry's subsequent visit to the UK in September 2025, where he allegedly planned to promote himself as a smiling, generous royal by donating £1.1 million to Children in Need and publicly advertising the gift. Bower suggests this was seen by some as 'mitigation money', with Harry's only gripe remaining the absence of police protection, leading him to urge the Home Secretary to reconsider.
At the time, Harry was embroiled in a legal battle to secure armed protection during his UK visits, underscoring the persistent security concerns that have plagued his post-royal life. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have responded to previous excerpts from Bower's book with a scathing statement, criticising his commentary as crossing from criticism into fixation and accusing him of constructing elaborate theories without firsthand knowledge.
Response and Publication Details
A representative for Harry and Meghan stated: "Mr Bower’s commentary has long crossed the line from criticism into fixation. This is someone who has publicly stated, 'the monarchy in fact depends on actually obliterating the Sussexes from our state of life,' language that speaks for itself. He has made a career out of constructing ever more elaborate theories about people he does not know and has never met." The Mirror has reached out to their representatives for further comment.
Betrayal: Power, Deceit and the Fight for the Future of the Royal Family by Tom Bower is scheduled for release on March 26, promising more insights into the ongoing saga surrounding the Sussexes and their relationship with the royal institution.
