Meghan Markle has emerged victorious in a defamation case brought by her half-sister, Samantha Markle, over alleged false and malicious comments made by the Duchess of Sussex. A federal judge dismissed the case, stating that Samantha Markle failed to identify any statements that could support a claim for defamation. Meanwhile, Prince Harry continues to face legal battles, including a dispute over his security status in the UK, while also being awarded "substantial" damages in a phone hacking case against the Daily Mirror.
A Florida judge has dismissed Samantha Markle's defamation suit against half-sister Meghan Markle, ruling that she failed to provide evidence of defamatory remarks. The suit, which sought $75,000 in damages, was based on comments Meghan made during a 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview. The judge determined that the statements provided as evidence of defamation were either protected as opinion, substantially true, or did not meet the standard of malice necessary for a statement to be considered defamatory.
Omid Scobie criticizes Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, for their reaction to Harry and Meghan's Oprah interview, calling it a "royal screw up." Scobie accuses the couple of being ignorant and casually bigoted, and claims they have struggled to gain media attention. He also takes aim at Sophie for allegedly ignoring Meghan at the late Queen's state funeral. In his new book, Scobie further attacks Kate, calling her "cold" and criticizing her workload. Royal experts have criticized Scobie's character assassination and sensationalism.
According to a new book, Kate Middleton insisted on including the phrase "recollections may vary" in Buckingham Palace's response to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Oprah interview. Kate and Prince William wanted the statement to be "toughened up" to show that the institution did not accept everything that had been said. Kate's subtle influence and long-term perspective were praised, as she is mindful of her future role as Queen. The line was ultimately written by Prince William's secretary or possibly King Charles's private secretary.
Prince William and King Charles III reportedly met after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Oprah interview to come up with a strategy to handle Harry. As a result, the royals decided to no longer treat Harry as a "trusted" member of the firm. The upcoming coronation may provide an opportunity for Harry, Charles, and William to reconcile.
