Betrayal: Power, Deceit and the Fight for the Future of the Royal Family - The No.1 Sunday Times Bestseller

by Tom Bower

A new biography, coming soon

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, History, Audiobook, Biography Memoir, Royalty

561 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 26, 2026

About the author

For the author of works on child development, see T.G.R. Bower

Tom Bower (born 28 September 1946) is a British writer, noted for his investigative journalism and for his unauthorized biographies.

A former Panorama reporter, his books include unauthorised biographies of Tiny Rowland, Robert Maxwell, Mohamed Al-Fayed, Geoffrey Robinson, Gordon Brown and Richard Branson.

He won the 2003 William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award for Broken Dreams, an investigation into corruption in English football. His joint biography of Conrad Black and Barbara Amiel Conrad and Lady Black: Dancing on the Edge was published in November 2006, and an unsuccessful libel case over a passing mention of Daily Express proprietor Richard Desmond in the book was heard in July 2009.

An unauthorised biography by Bower of Richard Desmond, provisionally entitled Rough Trader, awaits publication. Bowers's biography of Simon Cowell, written with Cowell's co-operation, was published on 20 April, 2012.

Bower is married to Veronica Wadley, former editor of the London Evening Standard, and has four children.

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

The real advantage of Tom Bower's book on Meghan and Harry is that he gathers many disparate sources into one cohesive timeline. I pay very close attention so there was a lot here that I already knew that perhaps most people wouldn't, but even so, there were some new revelations here as well. Clearly some pretty key sources have talked to Tom Bower, plus he went to the Invictus Games in person and reported what he saw with his own eyes. Bower draws your eye repeatedly to Meghan and Harry's hypocrisies, just by describing facts.

[Vicuña · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read a couple of Bower’s books and found his insight into the darker side of the royals fascinating. I listened to the audio version of this which is very well narrated throughout. In the last couple,e of years or so, every move made by those in the crosshairs here has been reported in. There are daily stories of Harry, Meghan and the odious Andrew so it must be difficult to find anything new and ‘explosive’ as suggested by the blurb. I’m not a monarchist and don’t follow the redtop exposés, but I believe it’s about time the monarchy recognised and addressed a toxic culture which has allowed some individuals to flourish and profit and turning a blind eye is no longer acceptable, There are indications that the next generation will have a different view and it’s clear that William and Catherine will not tolerate many of the behaviours detailed in this book.

Tom Bowers makes a good job of drawing together all the key players and events in a cohesive structure that puts everything into context. Meghan’s manipulative and arrogant nature is clear from the outset. Harry, clearly bewitched, was a staunch defender of her whims and fancies, despite knowing how much it was distressing other people, from servants to peers. There were brief moments when I felt a modicum of sympathy for this troubled individual; his distress and failure to acknowledge his mother’s death, his coloured teenage years and the loss of an enjoyable army camaraderie. But ultimately, I found him shallow and unlikeable. He has a similar sense of entitlement to Andrew and has learned to his cost that it doesn’t always work out that way. Meghan’s delusional muttering about her business forays are laughable and in a way, the two deserve one another and it’ll be interesting to see how the next few years pan out as they seek a meaningful role. The story is mainly linear, going right up to the ongoing revelations about Andrew and his eviction from his former home. Most sources are not, of course, directly attributed, but I have little doubt that the accounts are true. The days of worshiping the royals are long gone and I believe this book shows the darker side of a monarchy in crisis. It’s a fascinating insight and I’ve listened to it in almost a single sitting. Well written, entertaining and informed.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like Tom Bower and have read most of his books. I like the fact that he is a barrister and so you know that whatever is written is factual, after all the litigation happy duo have never sued him!!

This book doesn’t offer much in terms of new information, but does offer a different perspective I suppose.

I thought one of the paragraphs in the book

“…Meghan actually wants to be a celebrity without any sense of irony, given how much her own success exceed her talents…Meghan is a product of her own era, in that she has the entitlement of a celebrity but the talents of a nobody….against the odds she found her way to the Royal, the perfect pedestal for a narcissist”

Was an accurate of assessment of her.

Meghan literally has zero talent, most people had never heard of her until she met Harry, she isn’t pretty so can’t get by on her looks, she isn’t a nice person so can’t get by on her personality and she has no talent or skill, so the only thing she has use is her title that she got from marry a man, nice touch of feminism there I see, NOT!! I would hate for my only success to be because I married a man and not even a great man at that.

As for Harry, his whole life is just one big whine fest, whine whine whine, woe is me my brother is going to be King whine whine whine, my brother is better looking, my brother has a beautiful wife and children which I don’t have, whine whine whine. We get it Harry, you’re a loser but please for the love of humanity be a loser quietly and out of the public arena.

This book highlights just how self centered, angry, spiteful and pathetic these two are. They have zero self awareness and anything they touch turns to doggy mess.

I would have liked to have see more information contradicting the lies they have told and going into more details about that, the information provided is already known and written about it would be good have every lie they have told laid out along with the truth.

[Rhona Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting.

With Tom you get facts, laid out, he said, she said, they did. The Sussexes can't sue there are no lies, as most of this is already known, he has gone into more detail regarding Sentebale and Invictus Games. He has also probably interviewed many people to get their take as well. He hasn't printed anything sensational it's just a timeline of the Sussexes marriage, how they've behaved, what they've done etc. He includes what she's wearing and how much. Ridiculous amount of money she spends unless they're bought, worn and returned which maybe why they're not tailored but would you want with dirt or grass stains on?
Well done Mr Bower.

[Taylor]

DNF. The royal tea was fascinating until Tom Bower lied about the Black Lives Matter movement.

He wrote: “Black Lives Matter supporters proposed that presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln be ‘cancelled’ because they had owned slaves. That was followed by BLM’s demand for hundreds of classic literature books to be banned as racist. ” <-- Not only is this false, it's absolutely ridiculous. How do you "cancel" a dead person? Also, book banning is a conservative policy. Bower should have either educated himself or left this out altogether. Meghan Markle has been able to weaponize racism as a way to dismiss all criticism against her and this plays right into that.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book by Tom Bower. It offers a strong, well‑sourced analysis of the events and statements involving Prince Harry and Rachel Meghan Markle over recent years. Although it was already going to be a bestseller, I’m grateful to PH and RMM for their public comments about the book, which have made sure to propel it onto the bestseller list.
The timeline format makes the narrative easy to follow and effective. I remembered many of the events, but seeing them laid out chronologically highlights how each incident seemed to outdo the last — moments where you wonder how things could deteriorate further or how there could be so little sense of respect or restraint. The structure made the motives behind the actions much clearer.
I can't wait for the next instalment by Tom Bowers as we continue to watch the duo unfold.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains a staggering 987 references in support of its content. Despite my low opinion of Harry, I did feel some sympathy towards him at times, One such point was when it was hinted that William stood in the way of a deal where Harry and Meghan would have been given £3m per annum to go off and live quietly. In hindsight, this may have prevented a lot of the subsequent events, but not all. Meghan was always going to want her pound of royal flesh. I still have no sympathy for her; she comes across as a highly avaricious person with almost no self knowledge.
Getting back to Harry though, I quickly lost all sympathy for him with the well backed up accounts of how self-pitying and totally dominated he is. Queen Camilla is said to have commented that Meghan brainwashed Harry and today I heard of a song called Meghan, Duchess of Sussex is a Narcissist. One line really struck me as summing up this book perfectly; Harry was groomed and is now doomed. Check The Royal Grift YouTube channel if you wish to hear it for yourself. How low has this branch of the family when a satirical song is created about them?

NB I would credit the singer but am not aware of who it is

[Cynthia A. Lockwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I liked it. I thought it would be 'juicier' with all the hype that has been said online, etc. I think as time as passed we/I have learned that H & M are just a couple of spoiled brats exploiting their so called victimhood. Both have rewritten their life histories to fit their narrative and it shows - they think we the people are stupid, we are not. Neither seem to realize they are not the only ones who may have had dysfunctional home life, had to deal with it and the fallout and move on. Jeez. Grow up. I am having a hard time deciding who is worse H or M, both are disgusting.

I hope the Royal Family strips them of all titles and their children as well.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuing right where he left off, Tom Bower brings the narrative of Meghan and Harry’s constant battle for relevance up-to-date in the year 2026.

Although the first few chapters are a retelling of the latter half of his first book, once the timeline reaches the Queen’s funeral, the victimhood and self-aggrandizement of the Sussexes continues at full throttle with plenty of new revelations regarding the failures and corruption at Harry’s charities, the failings of Megans pivot to becoming a lifestyle guru à la Martha Stewart or Gwyneth Paltrow, and the disdain in which Prince William holds his younger brother for the terrible treatment given to his wife and family.

Just like Revenge, Betryal is fairly written with a reliance on anonymous sources but considering what we know about this couple, this all seems extremely plausible and very likely
very true. The couple continue to rely on professional victimhood and continue to be utterly unlikable people. Bower has dived deep into the murk and shadows of the lives of Harry and Meghan and has surfaced with shocking revelations.

Throughout this second book however, it is becoming clearer that Harry is totally adrift from his family, his home in the UK and his sense of purpose as a royal Megan shows little interest in his causes and seeks only to capitalise on the status that being the wife of a prince and a duchess entails. Meanwhile, Prince William comes across as one of the few members of the royal family left with a solid head on his shoulders and an actual focus as to what the monarchy should be like in the 21st-century.

As the story reaches its finale with the arrest and stripping of titles from the former Prince Andrew, it’s clear that the sorry tale of Megan and Harry has not yet ended.

[Magic Harry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well I never! Well actually I did… This is the 8th book by Tom Bower that I’ve read, and the second on Harry and Meghan, and it’s exactly what I expected.

It’s thorough, has nearly a thousand source references, and in my view more compelling than Revenge, his first H&M tome.

This said, many of Bower’s sources are anonymous, so, given that H&M are relentlessly accused of rewriting history and making up the present, Bower probably needs to work a little harder to demonstrate that he’s not doing the same.

This said, the book bounces along, and is nicely written. If you quite like H&M though, it is definitely not for you. It starts with them pretty much in the gutter in 2022, and over the next four years shines a light on the ever-deeper depths they seem to willingly crawl to.

[Penelope Schoeffel · Rating 1 out of 5]

poisonous but deserved

Why did I read this book? Most of it is tedious if meticulously argued. I read it because I’m fascinated at how this trivial stupid self-obsessed woman has tried to cash in on her marriage, beleiving herself to be the person of interest. I agree with Tina Brown that the couple might have been a royal asset, had only Meghan been a woman of character, like Catherine. I think the only reason to readi is schadefreud.

[Verity W · Rating 2 out of 5]

Last holiday I read Andrew Lownie’s Entitled, so this holiday I bought this year’s “big” royal book and to be honest it was a bit of a disappointment. I get that Meghan and Harry are a couple that seem to inspire strong reactions and so perhaps the writers just cater to one side or the other but that’s not what I want. I want something that feels at least like it’s trying to be even handed and came to a conclusion after doing the research (rather than finding the data that backs the author’s hypothesis up) but maybe I’ve just read Gaudy Night and it’s discussion about sound and unsound scholarship too much and this is popular non fiction.

That said, the Lownie felt more rigorous than this for sure and it’s a similar market. But perhaps the principals on both sides of this are so entrenched that as an author your sources are either one side or the other and that’s it. I remain convinced that at some point there will be a good book about this whole saga though.

[Johannes · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a second installment in the Suss-ex's saga towards oblivion, I must say it is less interesting than "Revenge". His first book was a great introduction to Meghan Markle as a character, and her social climbing towards selling herself as a future duchess and princess. What followed shouldn't have surprised anyone at the Court of St. James had any of them done their due diligence, which they didn't. A royal mess ensued.

This book's main problem is its lack of substance, except this is not Bower's fault since that description would rightly fit his subjects; they are a broken record with little to give, they can simply rehash all grievances while gasping for lost chances, all the same they are fast speeding towards bankruptcy. They have little in storage but a very public, and scandalous divorce, something all of us royal have been saying for a while. I simply want to state once more I was one of the ones who called it back in 2019, ok?

This couple is a perfect example of the old saying: "you reap what you sow".

[Kel-El · Rating 5 out of 5]

A juicy, easy read that revisits much of what’s already been in the media, along with claims presented as having some truth.

What stands out is how Meghan and Harry are portrayed -wanting privacy while staying in the spotlight, and publicly airing family grievances while presenting themselves as victims. That contradiction makes them hard to sympathize with.

Overall, interesting, but even as characters, they don’t come across as particularly likeable and authentic.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very clear look at two people that refuse to stop

After reading Mr Bower’s book, I believe Harry is a very devious individual in desperate need of Real therapy. Harry and Meghan need intense counseling and surrounding themselves with yes people and no real friends, they will continue to cause pain and anguish to those that loved them. The real tragedy is the two children being raised by a couple that are extremely mentally ill.

[Maurene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am sure that Tom Bower has the measure of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. I am also certain his book is backed up by genuine sources and facts .... many many facts ! in fact (😂)... I found there were rather to many fact-based revelations that I could have easily have left out.
Its possible we have been so overloaded with the behaviour of these narcissistic couple in social media and the mainline which is the reason I found Tom Bowers "one book too far".
Having said all that, the book is naturally well written and the author remains fair in his treatment of both Meghan and Harry.... at least I thought so.

[Tiffanni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! Tom Bower writes so eloquently, he is factual and his research is impeccable. I thoroughly devoured every chapter! I was already familiar with the antics of Rachel & Henry, I found myself nodding along with Mr. Bowers observations and laughing out loud! A second, successful publication of the never ending Monteshitshow saga! I look forward to the next release… perhaps it could be called Released… the final volume in the Monteshitshow Trilogy… H&M released from all royal titles, all social media accounts, red carpets, speeches and paid appearances! Oh how we can dream!

[Lori Gruell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harry and Meghan - two grifters who I love to hate! 🤩

[KT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!!
The funniest for me was the 'power of yet '
Featured on Sesame Street eleven years earlier!
😂

[Marta]

Damn.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first quarter of the book does largely feel like a retelling of Revenge. That said, Bower does a strong job of compiling the full spectrum of Sussex drama, weaving together the couple’s own words and actions with those of critics, supporters, and wider speculation to build a clear picture of both them and their public reputation.

Importantly, he doesn’t present rumour as fact, but uses conspiracy theories and internet rumours to give context, showing how these (combined with the couple’s own missteps) have contributed to Sussexes declining public image and failures. Bower isn’t overtly hostile, but there is a clear sense of bemusement at how a couple who once had everything have fallen so far in global opinion, while still acknowledging the occasional success or moment they get right.

He presents them as a partnership that should have been formidable, yet instead bring out the worst in each other. Harry’s fixation on avenging his mother’s treatment by the media feels all consuming, while Meghan is portrayed as ambitious but inauthentic, frequently shifting her persona to fit with her latest project and struggling to deal with any hint of criticism (justified or not).

The book is well written and well sourced, though slightly disjointed at the start, with a thematic structure that gradually settles into a more cohesive flow. It can feel repetitive at times, with certain quotes and points revisited more than necessary. That said, it remains engaging, largely because it brings everything together in one place, with a few intriguing details added in - such as the reported donation to Joe Biden’s daughter’s charity during Harry’s visa issues, palace staff accounts of “Tiaragate,” and claims about Harry’s personal relationship with Daily Mail journalist Charlotte Griffiths, who is said to have published stories based on Sussex staff “leaks” despite his well known disdain for the paper.

Overall, a solid 4 star read, it is especially good for newcomers as a starter’s guide, and still a worthwhile read for those familiar with the story.

[Adrienne Cullen-Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the start this book is a character assassination of Megan Markle - that much is clear. Tom Bower sees things in black and white only with no shades of grey anywhere throughout the manuscript. Reading about the power the courtiers have within the Royal Family is like reading about the kings and queens in medieval times. Why is the Royal Family still living so far back in the past? Clearly there was a clash of cultures when Megan joined the Royal Family but nobody is all bad as she is depicted in this book. The author clearly doesn't like Megan and feels that Harry was simply a puppet in her hands. One family member who remained nameless in the book stated that the Royals were still living in the times of Queen Mary, a woman know for her austerity and devotion to duty. Queen Mary took little interest in her own son John who suffered from epilepsy only visiting him once or twice a year. He was raised until the age of 14, when he died, by a nurse well away from his family. The only sibling who seemed to care about him was his eldest brother Edward VIII who went to visit him regularly. The late Queen lived her life very much like Queen Mary. The stiff upper lip, devotion to duty, listening to the courtiers who the Late Princess Diana called "the men in grey suits". Nobody with any connection to the modern world could live with the restrictions imposed on the Royals but these medieval courtiers. The Royals simply cannot pick up a phone and call each other without the help of these courtiers. Is does make one wonder if the Royal Family is relevant today's world. I don't think the book is particularly well written as the author makes his own feelings towards particular Royals very clear. It is not an impartial view of the Royal Family. It is a good read but there are much better books written about the Royals.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tom Bower, with the precision and skill of a surgeon, completely exposes Harry and Meghan for their hypocrisy, lies and failures. He brings all the receipts and lays out everything so expertly that even if you have been following them closely- your jaw will still be on the floor for their audacity.

As someone who woke up ridiculously early to watch their wedding and was SO happy for Harry wha so excited for the Fab Four— I have been so incredibly disappointed and disgusted by what this pair has turned out to be. I do lay a mountain of blame on MM, who has severe personality issues, but Harry is a whiny, spoiled, entitled, jealous, lazy brat and if his mom was here she would be so embarrassed by him.

May everyone read this and stop giving MM any of the attention- good or bad that she so desperately craves.

[James Beebe Hawes II · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must Read

Fascinating and wonderful insight into a sad chapter of a noble institution: the British Monarchy. Brilliantly researched , his insights into the dysfunctional Sussexes provide a balanced perspective of the challenges King Charles , and in particular his son and heir William, face. It is a sad commentary on the selfish , delusional, and self focused lives of two people who really are beyond redemption. The depth of their lies, their deceit, is brilliantly unmasked by Tom Bower with all the skill of a talented surgeon. Well done and a “Must Read” for anyone even mildly curious about the drama facing the Monarchy.

[Ann Roam · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are even slightly interested in the saga of Harry and Meghan, this is a great resource. Tom Bower presents facts almost dispassionately and lets you draw your own conclusions. At times he seems to almost admire Meghan’s audacity when she falls down again and again, but seems to get back up swinging. But you know that the end of the story will be a crash and burn for Meghan and Harry in America, and will end in a possible reinstatement of Harry as a bit player in the British monarchy. Maybe.

[melmoth · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. ‘Betrayal’ offers a great factual timeline of events, but it fails to pack a punch. For example, Meghan Markle's heinous act of taking a camera crew to Uvalde to pose at the children’s graves for PR is skimmed over.

Overall, 'Betrayal’ is extremely well-researched, fair and balanced. Aside from meticulously documenting the Sussexes' many lies, inconsistencies, hypocrisies and failures, it points out the Royal family’s own shortcomings (palaces not being on the same page, the family failing to manage Harry and direct him down a meaningful path, Prince William not being ready for the crown, King Charles being surrounded by yes-men, etc.)

[Susan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm definitely not a fan of H&M and the way they have treated his family. And looking at all the stories over the years they are not truthful. But this book was a real slog. It got tiring reading page after page of the author trashing H&M, he definitely has a strong bias against them. The writing was strange to me. Twice he wrote "the eve of Christmas." It sounded clunky and awkward. I skimmed through the last third of the book wanting to move onto something more interesting.

[Jacque]

Incredible book that sheds SOOO much light on all of the gossip that has come out of and surrounded harry & megan since they left the BRF in 2020. It was great to hear all of this background info to the surface level reporting we heard so much of over the years. I got the audiobook version of this and the bitchy tone the narrator had was so funny to me. Really awesome book. Going to have to go back and delve into Revenge now.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! Easily TB’s best to date! I couldn’t put it down and am hoping he writes a third on the same subjects. In this book, he really emphasized how spoiled and entitled Prince Harry is. Most writings tend to center on Megan’s flaws while this book showcases what a train wreck Harry is as well.

[Sandi Skender · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ended too soon!

I was surprised it ended so soon! Tom Bauer is an excellent writer! Looking forward to his next book on the lives of the royal family & what MM will continue to do to further herself as "Royal". What will PH do if he is exiled?? Will we ever known the truth about the children??