Mr Bower’s latest offering, titled Betrayal: Power, Deceit and the Fight for the Future of the Royal Family, saw some of its segments serialised online. They contained a number of accusations against the Sussexes, their relationship with the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Invictus Games. In relation to the extracts of the new book, the Sussexes’ spokesperson released a statement, which read: “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. Those interested in facts will look elsewhere; those seeking deranged conspiracy and melodrama know exactly where to find him.”
But the statement was criticised by a series of royal watchers, who found it too detailed and emotional.
One of those was Renae Smith, founder and director of the Atticism, who said the statement did not benefit the couple at all and if anything, added more “fuel” to the fire.
She told the Daily Express: “In short, I don’t think the statement benefited them.
“I think it amplified the book, reinforced the sense that they are thin-skinned, and added fuel to a narrative that was already damaging enough on its own.
“As per usual, I think their PR team did a bad job – go figure.”
“Their behaviour, lack of original talent and suffocating self-importance have made it even more important for them to return to Britain in July, meet the King and be revalidated as royals.”
A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said: “Often the best response is no response.”