Prominent royal author Richard Fitzwilliams is questioning Omid Scobie's motives with his new book, "Endgame", suggesting that the author is seeking to monetize the ongoing discord between Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and the Royal Family. Scobie, well-known for his earlier book "Finding Freedom" about the Sussexes' royal departure, is often considered a spokesperson for the couple.
Scobie's latest endeavor, which he calls a "deep exploration into the future of the Royal Family" and their struggle for relevance, has been pushed back from its initial August release to November 21. Speaking with the Daily Mail, Scobie explained the decision, citing the desire to include developments from and beyond King Charles III's coronation.
The book is likely to touch upon Prince Harry's solitary journey to London for the coronation, where he occupied the third row in Westminster Abbey. Following the ceremony, the 36-year-old prince promptly returned to California to celebrate his son, Prince Archie's, fourth birthday on May 6.
Harper Collins, the publisher of "Endgame", offered a sneak peek into the book's contents last year. The statement noted the September 2022 demise of Queen Elizabeth II and its subsequent implications on the monarchy's future.
"With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the protective barrier around the globe's most illustrious family began to crumble, igniting a deep-rooted crisis in the British monarchy. Through exclusive insights, unparalleled access, and shocking revelations, journalist Omid Scobie takes a look behind the veil of a tumultuous institution, revealing a family in chaos, distrust, and archaic customs that threaten its existence. This is the monarchy's endgame. Can they rescue it?"
Fitzwilliams, however, views the delayed release of "Endgame" with suspicion, suggesting that Scobie may be capitalizing on the ongoing rift between Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and the royal family. Fitzwilliams questioned the credibility of the sources, stating to the Daily Mail, "No reputable royal source would talk to Omid Scobie."
The royal author referred back to "Finding Freedom," a book Scobie co-authored with Carolyn Durand, saying it was poorly crafted and woefully insufficient. Fitzwilliams insinuated that the title "Endgame" could be hinting at the present state of the Sussexes' affairs, reminding readers of their rumored four-book deal with Random House.
The author further alleged that Scobie's latest piece would likely contain controversial statements and that much of the information "is not likely to be taken seriously," suggesting a sensationalized approach to exploiting the Sussexes' feud with the Royal Family.
Fitzwilliams added, "Ironically, it seems to be the Sussexes who, to quote Endgame's blurb 'fight for survival' not the royal family."
Scobie has been a steadfast advocate for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, having provided witness testimony in Prince Harry's privacy case against Mirror Groups Newspapers for alleged phone hacking. His previous experience at the Daily Mirror in 2002, where he reportedly overheard then-editor Piers Morgan confirming a Kylie Minogue story via voicemail, was used as evidence.
