Royal biographer Tom Bower has launched a scathing attack on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex ahead of their planned return to the UK in July, accusing them of being motivated solely by self-interest. In an exclusive interview with the Express, Bower dismissed any notion that the couple's visit is driven by affection for King Charles or love for Britain.
Bower: 'They're Coming Back Because They Love Themselves'
Bower, whose book Betrayal: Power, Deceit and the Fight for the Future of the Royal Family was published earlier this year, said: "They're not coming back because they love the King. They're not coming back because they love Britain. They're coming back because they love themselves." He added: "They feel sorry for themselves, and they're just looking for something to help themselves, and it'd be a terrible mistake for the King to play their game."
The couple, along with their children Archie and Lilibet, are expected to travel from California to attend the One Year to Go event for the Invictus Games in Birmingham. Reports have suggested they have been offered a stay at a royal residence and may meet with King Charles during their visit.
Emotional Blackmail Accusation
Bower accused Harry and Meghan of using their children as leverage. The King has not seen his two youngest grandchildren in four years, and Bower described the decision to bring them along as a form of "emotional blackmail." He said: "I think it is emotional blackmail, and I think that Harry needs the King in Birmingham to give himself and the games credibility, and I think that it will be very divisive."
He further warned that the King would make a "great mistake" to go along with Harry's plans, noting that the Sussexes have consistently demanded a public apology from the Royal Family and Prince William. "There is not going to be an apology," Bower asserted. "It's they who should apologise for all the lies and terrible damage they've done."
Queen Camilla to 'Stay Clear'
While some royals may be open to seeing Harry and Meghan, Queen Camilla is reportedly planning to avoid them. According to The Times, Camilla is "staying well clear" and is "unlikely to get involved" with any discussions involving the Sussexes. She is expected to remain at her private residence, Ray Mill in Wiltshire, during their visit.
This comes after Harry's controversial memoir, Spare, which portrayed Camilla in a negative light. The Queen Consort has been described as wanting to distance herself from any potential drama surrounding the couple's return.
