Susanna Reid Clashes with Royal Author Over Meghan Markle 'Brainwashing' Claims on GMB
A heated exchange unfolded live on air during Monday's episode of Good Morning Britain, as presenter Susanna Reid firmly challenged royal author Tom Bower over his controversial assertions regarding Meghan Markle. The segment, which saw Reid and co-host Ed Balls return to screens to deliver the day's top stories, took a dramatic turn when Bower appeared to discuss his new book, Betrayal: Power, Deceit and the Fight for the Future of the Royal Family.
Fiery Debate Erupts Over Sussexes
Tom Bower's book details numerous claims about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's relationship with the Royal Family, alongside their life since stepping back from royal duties and relocating to California. The debate intensified as Bower reiterated his assertion that Prince Harry had been 'brainwashed' by his wife, prompting a swift and forceful response from Susanna Reid.
Bower initiated the confrontation by stating, "The problem is that Meghan has huge ambition. She is a very resilient, attractive woman to look at and because of the mystery but actually, there's a lack of talent. She wasn't a great actress, she's not a great television performer." He continued, "She was terrific at dishing the dirt on the Royal Family and she reached the end of the road. Now, you could say it doesn't matter but what is fascinating is it does matter…"
Reid's Firm Defence of Meghan Markle
Before Bower could conclude, Susanna Reid interjected, asserting, "All you could say, like anybody, she's entitled to do her best, isn't she?" She elaborated, "And that lifestyle series, plenty of people launch series and they don't work out." Bower responded sarcastically, "You really are always so kind to people. Should I write about?"
Reid, visibly frustrated, retorted, "Oh, I do. I have to sort of stand up for Meghan and I actually rather enjoyed her series. I think people are perfectly entitled to..." Bower interrupted, questioning, "Did you choose any of her recipes?" Reid revealed, "Yes, in fact, I made her spaghetti recipe." Bower jumped in, "Well, that dreadful one, cooked in vegetables. What did it taste like?"
Personal Touch Adds to Tension
Susanna Reid snapped back, "Yes, yes. I found it delicious. It seems an extraordinary thing to be arguing about." Co-host Ed Balls inquired, "Did you sprinkle flowers over?" Reid replied, "No, I didn't buy any of the flower sprinkles." She reiterated her stance, "But people are entitled to... to do their best." Bower conceded, "They are but she's absolutely tired but you're absolutely right but she does it at the expense of the Royal Family."
The clash comes as former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond commented on Bower's remarks, noting, "Whatever the truth behind Tom Bower’s explosive account of the continuing tensions between the Sussexes and the Windsor household, one thing is for sure: his words have hit a very raw nerve. For Harry, any attack on his wife is treason and provokes a visceral response: he will defend her to the end of the earth. And there’s nothing wrong with that."
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1 and ITVX, continuing to host discussions on pressing national and international topics, often sparking lively debates among its guests and presenters.
