Explosive Book Makes Incendiary Claim Prince Charles and Prince William Plotted Harry’s Exit
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stunned the world in January when they revealed plans to step back as senior royals.
An explosive new book has made the outrageous claim Prince Charles and Prince William’s aides saw Prince Andrew’s Newsnight interview as an opportunity to oust Prince Harry. In his new book Prince Andrew, Epstein and the Palace, royal author Nigel Cawthorne claims the Duke of York’s television appearance in November marked the “starting shot” in Charles and William’s bid to “prune” the monarchy.
In a scandalous attack on the first and second in line to the throne, he accuses Charles and William of using the interview to launch a secret plot against Harry.
Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the incendiary remarks but Express.co.uk understands the claims are vehemently disputed.
The claims
The book claims rumours of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s plans to step back from royal life started around the time of the interview and a “well-timed leak” led to Harry, as well as Andrew, ending royal duties.
Mr Cawthorne said: “The CharlesWilliam faction at the palace is in seemingly unstoppable ascendancy. “The two heirs found common cause that the unwieldy monarchy has to be pruned, starting with their independently-minded brothers Andrew and Harry.
“The starting shot was Andrew’s
BBC Newsnight interview.
“The Charles faction at the palace clearly saw that it created the opportunity of removing not only
Andrew, but also Harry from royal engagements.
“The first rumours of Harry ‘quitting’ the royal family started circulating around the day of the interview, even before the backlash to Prince Andrew’s performance. “Harry and Meghan had been discussing their leaving the UK for months in secrecy, but the well-timed leak on the day of the interview would remove two senior princes from The Firm in one move as the headlines forced the palace to respond.
“Harry’s retirement is irrevocable and it is unclear when Prince Andrew will return from his sabbatical.
“In the modern history of Buckingham Palace it was probably one of the most stunning silent coups.”
Prince Harry and Meghan
Meghan, 38, and Harry, 35, quit the Royal Family earlier this year for a new life in the US.
They have set up home in Los Angeles with their one-year-old son Archie.
The Sussexes stunned the world in January when they revealed plans to step back as senior royals. The announcement sparked discussions over their future roles. The couple had hoped to continue supporting the Queen while earning their own money. But the idea was deemed unworkable amid fears they would be accused of cashing in on their royal status.
The Sussexes officially ended royal duties on March 31.