Meghan Markle’s Alleged Royal Ambitions: Tom Bower Claims She Believed She Deserved to Be Queen Over Kate Middleton
The British monarchy, with its centuries-old traditions of succession, duty, and hierarchy, has rarely been short of drama. Yet few revelations have stirred as much controversy as those presented in royal biographer Tom Bower’s latest book, Betrayal: Power, Deceit and the Fight for the Future of the Royal Family. In explosive claims that have reignited public fascination with the ongoing tensions between the Wales and Sussex families, Bower alleges that Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, harbored a deep conviction early in her royal life that she, rather than Princess Kate, was better suited to one day become Queen. According to the author, this belief stemmed from Meghan’s self-assessment of her own qualities — looks, intelligence, work ethic, and star power — which she reportedly felt outshone those of her sister-in-law.
These assertions have sent shockwaves through royal watchers, palace insiders, and the public alike. While the Sussexes have strongly rejected many of Bower’s characterizations as “deranged” and fixated, the book has thrust the delicate dynamics of royal ambition, sibling rivalry, and institutional hierarchy back into the spotlight. At the heart of the narrative is a fundamental clash between Meghan’s modern, media-savvy approach to public life and the traditional expectations placed upon members of “The Firm.”
The Core Claim: A Queen in Waiting?
Tom Bower, a seasoned investigative journalist known for his unflinching royal biographies, including the earlier Revenge, paints a picture of Meghan entering royal life with exceptionally high expectations. According to his sources, Meghan quickly grew frustrated with the rigid line of succession. As the wife of Prince Harry — then sixth in line to the throne — she allegedly struggled to accept her position far down the royal pecking order. Bower claims she viewed herself as superior to Kate Middleton in several key attributes and believed this merited a more prominent, even leading, role within the monarchy.
“She really thought she, rather than Kate, should be the next queen after the death of King Charles,” Bower stated in interviews promoting the book. He suggested Meghan “couldn’t understand why” someone she perceived as less dynamic should eventually take the throne alongside Prince William. This mindset, according to the author, influenced much of her behavior during her brief time as a working royal, from her approach to public engagements to her interactions with palace staff and family members.
Such claims tap into long-standing narratives about competition between the two royal couples. Kate, now Princess of Wales, has cultivated a reputation for quiet grace, dedication to duty, and seamless adaptation to royal protocol. Meghan, by contrast, brought Hollywood glamour, social media fluency, and a more outspoken personal brand. Bower suggests this contrast fueled Meghan’s alleged dissatisfaction, particularly as she and Harry found themselves increasingly sidelined in favor of the future king and queen.
Behind the Scenes: The 2018 Royal Tour and Questioning Hierarchy
The book reportedly draws on accounts from palace courtiers and insiders present during the early days of Harry and Meghan’s marriage. One particularly striking anecdote involves a 2018 royal tour, during which Meghan allegedly voiced questions about the traditional hierarchy. According to Bower’s sources, a senior courtier documented a sharp discussion in which the Duchess challenged why the established order of succession should limit her and Harry’s influence. This moment, described as revealing a fundamental misunderstanding of constitutional monarchy, allegedly highlighted Meghan’s belief that personal charisma and modern appeal should outweigh birth order.
These revelations have stunned commentators who argue that challenging the line of succession — even privately — represents a profound misunderstanding of the monarchy’s role as a symbol of stability and continuity. The British throne is not awarded based on popularity, talent, or self-perceived merit but follows strict rules of primogeniture. Bower posits that Meghan’s frustration with this system played a significant role in the couple’s decision to step back from senior royal duties in 2020 and relocate to California.
The Broader Context of Sussex Ambitions
Bower’s portrait of Meghan is one of a woman who entered the royal family with grand visions but quickly clashed with its realities. He claims she saw Harry as the more charismatic “chosen one” who should take precedence over William, and that she actively worked to elevate their profile on the global stage. This included high-profile tours, media projects, and philanthropic efforts designed to build an independent brand.
Critics of Bower argue that his accounts rely heavily on anonymous sources with potential axes to grind, and that his previous works have shown a skeptical view of the Sussexes. The couple themselves have pushed back forcefully, describing the book as crossing into “fixation” rather than fair journalism. Supporters of Meghan highlight her achievements as a biracial woman navigating an overwhelmingly traditional, white institution, pointing to the intense scrutiny and alleged institutional barriers she faced.
Nevertheless, the claims resonate with existing perceptions. Many observers noted the contrasting styles of the two couples during joint appearances before the 2020 split. Kate often embodied classic royal restraint, while Meghan’s warmth and relatability won her a massive international fanbase. Bower suggests this popularity may have reinforced Meghan’s belief that she was destined for greater things within — or beyond — the monarchy.
Impact on Family Relationships
The alleged belief in her own superiority reportedly strained relationships within the family. Bower describes growing tensions between the Sussexes and the then-Cambridges, with Meghan feeling undervalued and underutilized. This dynamic allegedly contributed to the “Fab Four” era’s collapse, as public unity gave way to private frustrations and eventual public rupture.
For Prince Harry, Bower claims the situation created a painful conflict between loyalty to his wife and his royal upbringing. The author suggests Harry’s protectiveness toward Meghan, combined with his own grievances about media treatment, made him receptive to her vision of a different path. The couple’s departure, Netflix deals, and subsequent projects like Spare are framed as extensions of this initial ambition to transcend traditional royal constraints.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla have reportedly navigated these tensions with a mix of conciliation and firmness. The book claims senior royals viewed Meghan’s approach as destabilizing, particularly amid the late Queen Elizabeth II’s final years and the transition to a new reign.
Public and Media Reactions
The release of Bower’s book has divided audiences. Royal traditionalists see validation of long-held suspicions about Meghan’s intentions. Supporters of the Sussexes dismiss it as recycled gossip designed to sell copies. Social media has erupted with debates, memes, and passionate defenses on both sides, keeping the story alive in the 24-hour news cycle.
The controversy also raises broader questions about the monarchy’s future. In an era of declining deference and rising demands for relevance, can the institution accommodate strong personalities with modern ambitions? Or does any challenge to the established hierarchy threaten its core purpose?
For Kate Middleton, who has faced her own challenges with health and public duties, the claims add an unwelcome layer of comparison. Her steadfast commitment to service stands in stark contrast to the narrative of ambition and departure painted by Bower.
Legacy and Unresolved Questions
Whether or not one accepts Bower’s portrayal, the story underscores the enduring fascination with royal psychology and power dynamics. Meghan Markle entered the monarchy as a global celebrity and left as one of its most polarizing figures. Her journey — from Suits actress to Duchess to California entrepreneur — reflects both personal agency and institutional limitations.
As the Wales children grow up and the Sussex children carve out their own identities in America, questions of legacy, inheritance, and belonging remain. The Spencer Tiara, royal titles, and public roles all become symbols in this larger narrative of who “deserves” what in the royal ecosystem.
Ultimately, Tom Bower’s explosive claims may say as much about the author’s perspective as they do about the individuals involved. The monarchy has survived far greater scandals, and the Waleses continue to represent continuity while the Sussexes pursue independence. Yet the idea that Meghan once believed she deserved the throne captures the imagination precisely because it challenges the very foundations of hereditary rule.
In the end, the British public and global audiences remain captivated by this modern royal saga. Whether viewed as audacious ambition or misunderstood potential, Meghan’s reported beliefs highlight the timeless tension between personal desire and institutional duty — a conflict that shows no signs of fading anytime soon.
