Meghan Markle and Prince Harry issued a sharp rebuttal to a new royal book alleging the Duchess of Sussex "brainwashed" the prince, calling the claims part of a "deranged conspiracy" in a statement released March 15, 2026. The response comes amid preparations for the couple's upcoming trip to Australia in April, their first visit to the country since 2018, blending business, philanthropic and personal engagements.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
IBTimes US

The Sussexes' spokesperson condemned author Tom Bower's forthcoming book "Betrayal: Power, Deceit And The Fight For The Future Of The Royal Family," excerpts of which appeared in The Times. The book reportedly includes a claim that Queen Camilla told a friend Meghan had "brainwashed" Harry. "This fixation on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, filled with deranged conspiracy theories, is baseless and harmful," the statement read. "The couple continue to focus on their family, charitable work and independent projects rather than engaging with recycled falsehoods."

The book marks another chapter in ongoing tensions with the royal family, following years of public fallout since the couple stepped back from senior royal duties in 2020. Despite the criticism, Harry and Meghan have maintained a busy schedule of global appearances, including a recent trip to Jordan for refugee support initiatives and now the planned Australian engagements.

Prince Harry will deliver a keynote address at a workplace mental health summit in Melbourne, drawing on his advocacy through the Archewell Foundation. Meghan, 44, is scheduled to participate in an in-conversation event and gala dinner in Sydney as part of the "Her Best Life" retreat, a high-ticket wellness gathering priced around £1,400 (approximately $1,800 USD) per attendee. The event promotes community building and personal empowerment, though some online commentators have labeled it a "girl boss retreat grift" amid broader scrutiny of the couple's commercial ventures.

The Australia visit has sparked debate in royal circles, with commentators suggesting it represents a "quasi-royal tour" independent of Buckingham Palace. Reports indicate King Charles III has distanced himself from the couple's activities, focusing instead on domestic pressures including family controversies and public protests. Insiders describe the trip as private yet high-profile, with no official royal endorsement.

Meghan's lifestyle brand As Ever, formerly American Riviera Orchard, remains a focal point of her independent work. Launched in 2025 with Netflix's Consumer Products Group support, the line features jams, baking mixes, edible flower sprinkles, wines and home goods inspired by her love of cooking and entertaining. In early March 2026, Netflix announced it was ending its equity partnership with the brand, allowing Meghan to take full control. A Netflix spokesperson said the split was amicable: "Meghan will continue growing the brand and take it into its next chapter independently."

Recent As Ever updates include a limited-edition leather bookmark designed by Meghan herself, bundled in a "Moment to Unwind" set released in January 2026. Speculation about international expansion, particularly to Australia during the April visit, surfaced after ITV News reports suggested meetings to explore markets there over the U.K. A brand spokesperson pushed back, telling US Weekly that such claims were "speculation" with "no decisions made" on global rollout. Products remain U.S.-exclusive for now.

The Netflix separation extends to broader Archewell Productions collaborations. The couple's first-look deal with the streamer has seen challenges, including no third season renewal for Meghan's lifestyle series "With Love, Meghan" due to ratings. Projects like adaptations of "Meet Me at the Lake" and "The Wedding Date" remain in development limbo, with no director or cast attached after years in the works. A recent documentary "Cookie Queen" about Girl Scout cookies, which premiered at Sundance, has yet to secure distribution.

Despite professional shifts, Meghan has shared personal moments on social media. In January 2026, she embraced a viral "2026 is the new 2016" trend with a throwback photo of her and Harry from 2016 alongside a video filmed by their 4-year-old daughter Lilibet. On International Women's Day in March, she posted a beach photo of Lilibet taken by Harry, highlighting family time.

The couple's public life balances advocacy, business and privacy for their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 4. Meghan has described starting 2026 at a "gentler pace" after a whirlwind previous year, though recent activities suggest continued momentum.

As the Australia trip approaches, attention remains on how the Sussexes navigate their post-royal identity amid persistent media scrutiny and family rifts. Supporters praise their independence and charitable focus, while critics question motives behind high-profile events and ventures.

The Sussexes' statement on the book underscores their intent to move forward without engaging deeply in royal controversies. With philanthropic commitments and brand growth ahead, March 2026 finds Meghan Markle channeling energy into family, entrepreneurship and global outreach.