Omid Scobie's Fictional Foray into Royal World with 'Royal Spin'
Since his attempts to distance himself from being labelled a mouthpiece for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's more contentious viewpoints, Omid Scobie has embarked on a new literary venture. The former royal correspondent, known for his sympathetic portrayals of the Sussexes, has shifted from non-fiction to fiction with his latest publication.
From Royal Reporting to Romantic Comedy
Scobie has co-authored Royal Spin with celebrated fiction writer Robin Benway, creating a 306-page workplace romance that unmistakably draws inspiration from recent royal events. The novel follows Lauren Morgan, a spirited American communications expert who leaves the White House to become head of communications at Buckingham Palace.
The book's description suggests Emily in Paris meets Red, White & Royal Blue, though critics might describe it as royal drama through a particular lens. Published this week, the novel has already attracted significant industry attention, with Universal Television securing adaptation rights after a reported bidding war involving nine studios, culminating in a seven-figure offer.
Familiar Themes and Parallel Plots
The narrative contains numerous elements that echo real-life controversies surrounding the British royal family. Early in the story, Lauren confronts a scandal involving "a highly offensive racist vase" placed at a luncheon honoring Caribbean NHS workers—a clear reference to Princess Michael of Kent's blackamoor brooch incident in 2017.
Another character is depicted telling a foreign shop assistant to "learn proper English," mirroring allegations against the same royal figure. Through these plot devices, Scobie revisits themes of institutional racism within the monarchy, a subject he has extensively covered in his previous works about the Sussexes.
Character Dynamics and Sussex Echoes
Lauren finds herself in a love triangle involving a handsome royal reporter and the Duke of Exeter, a "soulful, misunderstood maverick" with "soft eyes" who resembles "a movie star more than a blue-blooded royal." This character's complaints about palace courtiers and their "playbook" for sacrificing staff members strongly parallels Prince Harry's expressed grievances.
The prose occasionally veers into melodramatic territory, with descriptions of skies resembling "the icy blue topaz that was firmly embedded in the Queen's crown" and characters drawn together "like a moth to a flame." Scobie's co-author Benway appears to contribute the feminine perspective on fashion and workplace dynamics, while Scobie maintains his familiar narrative about racist royals, snobbish courtiers, and hostile media.
Personal Parallels and Family Dynamics
Even family relationships receive fictional treatment, with Lauren's "troublesome father" whose associations threaten to derail her happiness—a clear parallel to Thomas Markle's strained relationship with his daughter Meghan. On page 259, Lauren is warned that "the people your father chooses to associate himself with could absolutely hurt someone and his actions are about to hurt many people, mostly you."
From Non-Fiction to Fiction: A Consistent Narrative
Scobie's previous royal books—Finding Freedom in 2020 and Endgame in 2023—both presented the Sussexes' perspective on their royal departure and subsequent challenges. The first book, written with Meghan's indirect input through third-party sources, detailed their search for "a more authentic life" in America, while Endgame predicted the monarchy's potential downfall.
The Dutch edition controversy of Endgame, which allegedly named royal family members who questioned Archie's skin tone, demonstrated Scobie's continued focus on racial dynamics within the institution. Though he attributed the incident to a "translation error," the Dutch publisher disputed this explanation.
The Sussexes' Current American Chapter
Meanwhile, the real-life subjects of Scobie's inspiration continue their American journey. Prince Harry recently addressed an estate agents' conference in Toronto, while Meghan has expanded her As Ever lifestyle brand. The couple found themselves in another controversy after attending Kris Jenner's birthday party at Jeff Bezos's Hollywood mansion the night before Remembrance Sunday, with photographs sparking criticism.
More recently, Harry was filmed promoting his wife's new chocolate bars—an act of product endorsement that recalls Anthea Turner's controversial Cadbury Snowflake bar promotion at her wedding. These developments suggest that the Sussexes' "authentic life" continues to generate both commercial opportunities and public scrutiny.
Literary Reception and Cultural Impact
While Scobie's non-fiction works became international bestsellers, their historical significance remains debated. Royal Spin represents his first venture into fiction, yet maintains the same thematic concerns that have characterized his writing about the royal family. The novel's commercial success—evidenced by the television adaptation deal—suggests continued public fascination with royal narratives, particularly those reflecting the Sussex perspective.
Critics might argue that Scobie's fiction, like his non-fiction, presents a particular viewpoint on royal institutions and media dynamics. The novel's protagonist, with her American directness and progressive values, serves as a vehicle for examining British traditions through a contemporary, international lens.
As the adaptation process begins at Universal Television, Royal Spin promises to extend the cultural conversation about monarchy, media, and modernization that has surrounded the Sussexes since their departure from royal duties. Whether as social commentary, romantic entertainment, or both, Scobie's latest work continues his engagement with themes that have defined his career as a royal commentator.
