Meghan Markle wanted spotlight over Kate Middleton at Queen’s deathbed


As of Sunday, April 5, 2026, new claims from royal biographer Tom Bower have ignited a fresh debate regarding the events surrounding the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.   In his latest book, Betrayal: Power, Deceit and the Fight for the Future of the Royal Family, Bower alleges that the Duchess of Sussex's desire to travel to Balmoral in September 2022 was partially driven by a competitive dynamic with the Princess of Wales.

The final hours of Queen Elizabeth II’s life remain a deeply personal chapter for the Royal Family. However, nearly four years later, authors continue to provide contrasting accounts of the private discussions that took place. The latest insights from Tom Bower suggest that the decision regarding who should be present at the Queen’s bedside was influenced by more than just official protocol.

Claims of a "Competitive Perspective"

In his new biography, Bower alleges that Meghan Markle felt it was essential to be part of the "historic moment" at Balmoral Castle.

  • The "Spotlight" Allegation: The author claims that the Duchess wanted to be seen as an equal to Princess Kate in terms of her standing within the family.   According to Bower, there was a concern that missing such a significant event would diminish her status in the eyes of the public and the institution.

  • The Photo Opportunity: Bower goes as far as to suggest that the desire to attend was motivated by the potential for "historic photos," claiming the Duchess wanted to solidify her place in the family’s legacy alongside the future Queen.

  • The "Ultimate Refusal": As previously reported, King Charles III ultimately intervened, informing Prince Harry that it would be "unacceptable" for Meghan to attend. To ensure the decision appeared balanced, the King noted that Princess Kate would also remain in Windsor with her children.



A Rebuttal from the Sussexes

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have not remained silent regarding these latest allegations. In a statement issued earlier this week, a representative for the couple addressed the claims in Bower’s book:

  • "Fixation" vs. Fact: The spokesperson stated that Bower’s commentary has "long crossed the line from criticism into fixation."

  • A History of Theories: The representative added that the author has made a career out of "constructing ever more elaborate theories" about individuals he does not know personally.

  • Prioritizing Family: Supporters of the Duchess have long maintained that her initial plan to travel was a sincere gesture of support for her husband during a time of grief, and that she ultimately made a "sensible decision" to stay behind to avoid intruding on the family's private moments.

The Focus on Reconciliation

Despite the resurfacing of these old tensions, the current atmosphere in 2026 is one of attempted progress. King Charles is reportedly focused on his upcoming State Visit to the United States later this month, where he is rumored to be seeking a private meeting with his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet.

Royal observers suggest that while books like Betrayal highlight past conflicts, the King’s primary goal is to foster unity and ensure that the "shadows" of the past do not define the future of the monarchy.

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