Tom Bower’s explosive book Revenge claims Prince Harry is convinced his wife, Meghan Markle, is the modern-day equivalent of his iconic mother, Princess Diana. But here’s the kicker: no one else seems to agree—not Diana’s sisters, not her friends, not even the royal family. Is Harry lost in a fantasy, or is there more to this story?
Bower’s book reveals Harry’s deep belief that Meghan mirrors Diana’s compassion, empathy, and struggles. He’s reportedly baffled and hurt that his family, including Diana’s sisters who knew her best, don’t see the same parallels. Imagine the audacity: Harry expects those closest to the “People’s Princess” to equate her with Meghan, a former actress who juggled Hollywood roles and calligraphy gigs before joining the royal fold. According to Revenge, this disconnect left Harry frustrated, clinging to a vision no one else shares.
This insistence speaks volumes. Harry’s so invested in this idea that he’s upset when Diana’s own relatives, who shared her life, reject the comparison. It’s a bold claim that’s sparked questions about whether Harry’s perception is clouded by love, grief, or something else entirely.
Let’s be clear: Princess Diana was a rare gem. Born into aristocracy, she understood the royal world from childhood yet faced immense challenges as a young bride to the future king. Despite personal turmoil, Diana’s authenticity captivated the world. Her charity work—hugging AIDS patients when others shunned them or walking through minefields to raise awareness—was selfless, done without cameras or self-promotion. She didn’t need interviews or memoirs to shine; her actions spoke louder than words.
Now, consider Meghan’s path. A seasoned 36-year-old actress when she met Harry, she entered royal life with confidence but left after just 18 months, citing unbearable pressures. Since moving to California, she and Harry have built a media empire, turning family tensions into Netflix specials and tell-all interviews. Critics argue this focus on monetizing their story contrasts sharply with Diana’s quiet dedication to service. Where Diana embodied duty, Meghan’s approach feels more like a Hollywood production.
Bower notes Harry’s claim that both women faced similar struggles, but the comparison crumbles under scrutiny. Diana was a 19-year-old navigating a loveless marriage and global fame. Meghan, backed by a devoted Harry, brought years of professional experience to the table. Diana endured a husband in love with another; Harry adores Meghan. The circumstances are worlds apart, making Harry’s narrative feel more like wishful thinking than reality.
Even more telling? Revenge quotes sources saying “no one” who knew Diana saw her in Meghan—not her sisters, not King Charles, not Prince William. Yet, in their Netflix series, Harry insisted Meghan’s warmth and empathy echo Diana’s, even claiming during their engagement that the two would’ve been “best friends.” This vision clashes with reports of Meghan’s tensions with staff or her strained relationship with her father, raising doubts about the compassion Harry champions.
Now, look at Catherine, the Princess of Wales. She’s never tried to be Diana’s double, instead forging her own royal identity with poise. Through initiatives like early childhood development and subtle tributes like wearing Diana’s jewelry, Catherine honors her predecessor without claiming her legacy. It’s a respectful approach that resonates as genuine, proving you don’t need to mimic Diana to carry her spirit forward.
Meghan, however, seems to lean into the comparisons. From outfits reminiscent of Diana’s iconic looks to photo ops echoing her moments, these choices feel deliberate, as if reinforcing Harry’s narrative. Rather than carving her own path, Meghan’s actions sometimes suggest she’s embracing the Diana parallel, which only deepens the controversy.
At the heart of this story is Harry’s loss. Losing Diana at 12 was a defining trauma, and it’s natural he’d seek her qualities in those he loves. But projecting Diana onto Meghan risks distorting both women’s stories. Diana was a complex, authentic royal who persevered through adversity. Meghan, with her own strengths, thrives in a different arena, prioritizing independence and media ventures. Forcing them into the same mold feels unfair to their unique journeys.
The royal family’s skepticism, as Bower suggests, wasn’t about rejecting Meghan but recognizing her mismatch with royal life. Their concerns seem prescient: within 18 months, the Sussexes left, embarking on a path marked by staff changes, scrapped projects, and polarizing media deals. Harry’s Diana-Meghan narrative feels like an attempt to justify their choices, casting Meghan as a victim like his mother, but the parallels don’t hold.
While Harry’s story unfolds, William and Catherine quietly uphold Diana’s values. From mental health advocacy to environmental efforts, they reflect her compassion without claiming her mantle. King Charles and Queen Camilla, despite personal challenges, embody the duty Diana respected. This is the royal family she’d likely champion—not the media-driven saga Harry and Meghan have pursued.
So, what’s the deal? Is Harry genuinely convinced Meghan is Diana’s heir, or is this a crafted narrative to elevate her image? Would Diana, who valued family unity, support their decision to step back and monetize their story? The gap between Diana’s selfless service and Meghan’s high-profile exits is glaring, making Harry’s claims tough to swallow.
