MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 05: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex clapping during the Opening Ceremony of the One Young World Summit 2022 at The Bridgewater Hall on September 05, 2022 in Manchester, England. The annual One Young World Summit brings together more than two thousand of the brightest young leaders from every country and sector, working to accelerate social impact both in-person and digitally. Meghan is a counsellor for the organisation, alongside Justin Trudeau, Sir Richard Branson, and Jamie Oliver, among others. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have firmly rejected claims made in a forthcoming royal book that alleges the Duchess of Sussex “brainwashed” the prince. In a statement released on March 15, 2026, they described these accusations as part of a “deranged conspiracy.” This response comes as the couple prepares for their upcoming trip to Australia in April, marking their first visit to the country since 2018. Their itinerary will include a mix of business, philanthropic, and personal engagements.
The couple’s spokesperson condemned the book, titled “Betrayal: Power, Deceit And The Fight For The Future Of The Royal Family,” authored by Tom Bower. Excerpts published in The Times suggest that Queen Camilla reportedly told a friend that Meghan had “brainwashed” Harry. The couple’s statement emphasized, “This fixation on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, filled with deranged conspiracy theories, is baseless and harmful.” They reiterated their commitment to focusing on family and charitable endeavors rather than engaging with “recycled falsehoods.”
As tensions with the royal family continue, this latest development underscores the ongoing fallout since the couple stepped back from their senior royal duties in 2020. Despite facing criticism, Harry and Meghan have remained active in their public engagements. Recently, they visited Jordan to support refugee initiatives, and their upcoming Australian trip is expected to include significant public appearances.
Prince Harry will deliver a keynote address at a workplace mental health summit in Melbourne, aligning with his advocacy through the Archewell Foundation. Meanwhile, Meghan Markle, 44, is set to participate in an “in-conversation” event and a gala dinner in Sydney as part of the “Her Best Life” retreat. This high-ticket wellness gathering is priced at approximately £1,400 (around $1,800 USDKing Charles III has distanced himself from the couple’s activities, concentrating on domestic issues and public protests. Insiders describe the trip as private yet high-profile, lacking any official royal endorsement.
In addition to their public engagements, Meghan’s lifestyle brand, As Ever, which was launched in 2025 with support from Netflix’s Consumer Products Group, remains a significant focus of her independent work. The brand features a variety of products inspired by her culinary interests, including jams, baking mixes, and home goods. Recently, Netflix announced it would end its equity partnership with the brand, allowing Meghan to take full control. A Netflix spokesperson confirmed the split was amicable, stating, “Meghan will continue growing the brand and take it into its next chapter independently.”
Recent updates from As Ever include a limited-edition leather bookmark designed by Meghan, part of a “Moment to Unwind” set released in January 2026. Speculation regarding international expansion, particularly to the Australian market, has emerged following reports from ITV News about potential meetings. However, a brand spokesperson clarified to US Weekly that such claims are “speculation” with “no decisions made” on global rollout, as products remain U.S.-exclusive for the time being.
The couple’s professional endeavors extend to their collaborations with Archewell Productions. Their first-look deal with Netflix has faced challenges, including the decision not to renew Meghan’s lifestyle series “With Love, Meghan” for a third season due to ratings issues. Other projects, such as adaptations of “Meet Me at the Lake” and “The Wedding Date,” remain without directors or cast members attached, while a recent documentary titled “Cookie Queen,” featuring Girl Scout cookies, has yet to secure distribution following its premiere at Sundance.
Despite these professional challenges, personal moments shared on social media reflect a more intimate side of their lives. In January 2026, Meghan participated in a viral trend celebrating the new year by posting a throwback photo from 2016 alongside a video of their four-year-old daughter, Lilibet. On International Women’s Day in March, she shared a beach photo of Lilibet taken by Harry, highlighting their family time.
As the couple prepares for their trip to Australia, they face the ongoing challenge of navigating their post-royal identity amid persistent media scrutiny and family rifts. Supporters commend their independence and focus on charitable initiatives, while critics question the motivations behind their high-profile events and business ventures. Their recent statement regarding the book emphasizes their desire to move forward without engaging in royal controversies. With a busy schedule ahead, March 2026 sees Meghan Markle channeling her energy into family, entrepreneurship, and global outreach.
