New Book Alleges Meghan Markle Accused Victoria Beckham of Leaking Stories to the Press
This apparently led to a tense phone call between Prince Harry and David Beckham.
Tom Bower’s new book Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the War Between the Windsors is heavy on the (alleged) bombshells—with one in particular involving another of the world’s most famous couples: David and Victoria Beckham.
The Beckhams were just two of the celebrity guests at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s star-studded 2018 wedding, but apparently had a falling out after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex accused the Beckhams of leaking stories about them to the press, Bower alleges in his new book, released this week.
Bower claims that the Sussexes became “addicted” to reading about themselves in the media, and worried that their secrets were getting out to the British press through their famous friends, per Us—and obsessively tried to figure out who the mole might be amongst their inner circle.
“Harry and Meghan were shackled,” Bower writes. “Every night they scoured the internet to read the newspaper reports and the trolls’ postings on social media. Irrationally, they grouped the two together and fed each other’s frenzy about the media. Convinced that as champions of goodness they were being persecuted by mendacity and racism, they felt victimized by the mildest criticism.”
Meghan allegedly “suspected Victoria Beckham of indiscretion,” Bower writes, the author also noting that “Harry’s instability fed Meghan’s fears that friends were leaking stories to the media,” The Mirror reports. Meghan’s reported accusation of Victoria led to a tense phone call between Harry and David, the book claims.
“Harry called David Beckham to repeat the accusation,” Bower writes. “Outraged, Beckham’s truthful denials damaged their relationship.”
While it’s unclear exactly when this tense phone call took place, The Sun reported in 2020 that David “quickly put Harry right, and the two men agreed to move on—but it certainly made things awkward for a while.” Awkwardness that apparently continues to the present day: The Mirror reports that the two men had an “awkward encounter” during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee last month.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Rachel Burchfield is a writer, editor, and podcaster whose primary interests are fashion and beauty, society and culture, and, most especially, the British Royal Family and other royal families around the world. She serves as Marie Claire’s Senior Celebrity and Royals Editor and has also contributed to publications like Allure, Cosmopolitan, Elle, Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle, People, Vanity Fair, Vogue, and W, among others. Before taking on her current role with Marie Claire, Rachel served as its Weekend Editor and later Royals Editor. She is the cohost of Podcast Royal, a show that was named a top five royal podcast by The New York Times. A voracious reader and lover of books, Rachel also hosts I’d Rather Be Reading, which spotlights the best current nonfiction books hitting the market and interviews the authors of them. Rachel frequently appears as a media commentator, and she or her work has appeared on outlets like NBC’s Today Show, ABC’s Good Morning America, CNN, and more.
-
Billy Ray Cyrus Calls Out CMAs for Snubbing Beyoncé's "Brilliant" Album
He's calling for more inclusivity.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Katie Holmes Accessorizes Her Boyfriend Button-Up With a Birkin Look-alike
Her colorful wardrobe basics came with a new signature bag.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Netflix's New Christmas Movie 'Hot Frosty' Has Fans Wishing For Their Own Holiday Romance in Hope Springs
Here's everything we know about the winter wonderland the rom-com was shot in.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Prince Harry Just Sent Out Invites to an Intimate Christmas Party He's Hosting Solo
"He appreciates that the festive season can be hard."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Harry Gets a Bad Tattoo by Jelly Roll in Hilarious New Invictus Games Video: 'Oh, Sh*t!'
"You wouldn't want nobody else doing this but me."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince Harry Makes Surprise Appearance at Major Sporting Event—And Shares What Position He'd Play in Football
The Duke of Sussex promoted his upcoming Invictus Games.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Meghan Markle's $6,050 Pendant Pays Tribute to Her "Angels" Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet
The engraved necklace features an adorable reference to the Duchess of Sussex's children.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle's 5 Best Royal Re-Wears
The Duchess of Sussex knows what works.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Meghan Markle Proves the Little Black Corset Should Be a Holiday Party Staple While Supporting Her Friend's New Haircare Line
The Duchess of Sussex is an investor in Highbrow Hippie haircare.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
King Charles Might Change Some of Queen Elizabeth's Christmas Rituals as He's Less Traditional
"I don't think Charles will exactly rip up the rule book, but there's a strong chance he'll loosen some of the rules."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Harry Spends Time With Pat Tillman's Widow During Surprise Appearance at Tillman Honors Gala
The Duke of Sussex was honored with the Pat Tillman Award For Service at the ESPYs earlier this year.
By Danielle Campoamor Last updated