BRAVE MAG

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's spokesperson is firing back at a new royal book from Tom Bower

NEED TO KNOW

• The couple's representative criticized the writer, accusing him of pushing conspiracy theories about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex

• Betrayal: Power, Deceit and the Fight for the Future of the Royal Family makes explosive claims about the couple's marriage, finances and relationship with the royal family

Meghan MarkleandPrince Harry's spokesperson is firing back at a new royal book that makes explosive claims about the couple's marriage, finances and relationship with the royal family.

In response toThe Times' March 13 serialization of author Tom Bower's latest book,Betrayal: Power, Deceit and the Fight for the Future of the Royal Family, a spokesperson for the Duke, 41, and Duchess of Sussex, 44, sharply criticized the writer, accusing him of pushing conspiracy theories about the couple.

"Mr. Bower's commentary has long crossed the line from criticism into fixation," the spokesperson said in a statement to PEOPLE. "This is someone who has publicly stated, 'the monarchy in fact depends on actually obliterating the Sussexes from our state of life,' language that speaks for itself."

They continued: "He has made a career out of constructing ever more elaborate theories about people he does not know and has never met. Those interested in facts will look elsewhere; those seeking deranged conspiracy and melodrama know exactly where to find him."

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The statement comes afterThe Timespublished excerpts from Bower's forthcoming book about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

In the excerpt, Bower, 79, revisitstensions between the Sussexes and the royal family, and makes a number of controversial claims, including thatQueen Camillaonce told a friend Meghan had "brainwashed" Harry.

The book also alleges that Meghan's influence distanced Harry from longtime friends and family members, and it questions aspects of the couple's media ventures and finances after their major streaming deals came to an end.

Buckingham Palace declined to comment when reached by PEOPLE, as it does not respond to biographies.

Another section focuses on theInvictus Games, the international sporting competition for wounded, injured and sick service members founded by Harry in 2014.

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In the excerpt, Bower portrays the2025 Games in Canadaas being overshadowed byattention on the couple, suggesting the event had become centered on Meghan's public appearances — a characterization the Invictus Games Foundation rejected.

The passage also appeared to question the legitimacy of some competitors' injuries, including references to athletes recovering from post-traumatic stress disorder rather than visible physical wounds.

Following criticism of the Games in the excerpt, a spokesperson for the Invictus Games Foundation also pushed back.

"It is disappointing to seeThe Timesgive prominence to commentary that appears driven by a long-established agenda rather than a genuine understanding of the Invictus Games and the community it supports," the spokesperson said in a statement.

The foundation emphasized that the Games are focused on "the recovery and rehabilitation ofwounded, injured and sick service personnel and veteransfrom around the world," adding that attempts to question competitors' legitimacy or minimize conditions like PTSD are "deeply disrespectful to the men and women the Games were created for."

"The focus should remain where it belongs — on the courage, recovery and camaraderie of those who have served," the statement continued.

PEOPLE understands that the criticism of the Games in the excerpt has also drawn backlash from members of the Invictus community, including former competitors and supporters who say the portrayal misunderstands the purpose of the event, which was founded to support veterans recovering from both physical injuries and invisible wounds such as post-traumatic stress disorder.

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Bower previously wrote the 2022 bookRevenge, a critical account of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex that examined theirdeparture from royal life.

Harry and Meghan stepped back from their royal roles in 2020 andnow live in Californiawith their two children,Prince ArchieandPrincess Lilibet.

Read the original article onPeople

THE RUNDOWN

• Olivia Rodrigo seemed to tease her third studio album after wrapping her GUTS World Tour.

• During her final tour stop, she wore a red "3" shirt and handed out her signature GUTS rings, signaling the end of one era and the start of another.

• While no release date or title has been confirmed, Rodrigo told ELLE that the upcoming album will feature "new sounds" and "new stories."

After wrapping herworld tourand a packed festival run this past summer,Olivia Rodrigohas made it clear: TheGUTSchapter is officially closed, and something new is on the horizon. With subtleonstage Easter eggsanddirect messages to her fans, Rodrigo has been teasing the arrival of her third studio album, nicknamed "OR3," without revealing too much. Here's what we know so far about the pop star's next project.

When will Olivia Rodrigo's third album be released?

There's no confirmed release date just yet, and Rodrigo hasn't shared a title or tracklist. Still, several recent clues suggest that her third album may be arriving soon.

Fans seem to think something is coming next year, after Rodrigocoyly told Nylonin an October 2025 interview, "I won't say too much, but I think 2026 is going to be a busy year for me. I've been having a lot of fun dreaming things up."

Previously, in afan newslettersent on August 11, she wrote, "the GUTS world tour is officially over!! thank u 4 making each and every show so special. the end of the GUTS era feels bittersweet, but I'm sooooo excited for all that's y3t to come!!!! speaking of what's next...clear ur calendar tomorrow at 9 A.M. P.T. for something special i've been working on to celebrate all our GUTS tour memories together."

Has Olivia Rodrigo confirmed the album?

In apromo videofor American Express posted in October 2025, the pop star confirmed, "Now I'm home, and I'm working on my new album."

Prior to, Rodrigo seemed to hint thatOR3is underway. At herfinal festival performance for theGUTStourat Osheaga in Montreal, she walked onstagewearing a red T-shirt with a glittered number three on the front. After the show, shehanded outher signatureGUTSrings to fans as a symbolic farewell to her second album cycle. The moment was widely interpreted as her transition into a new creative era, withCapital Officialcommenting, "red looks good on you 👀."

She wore red frequently during that time, including during her July 2025 appearance atWimbledonand insome of her other performances. The color change has led fans tospeculatethat red may be the visual anchor for the third album.

Changes to her official website further fueled speculation. Fansnoticed the site's color palettehad shifted from purple, long associated with bothSOURandGUTS, to red.

Even herbutterfly logo, previously purple, appeared in red. The shift, though subtle, suggests an intentional rebranding ahead of a new release.

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In March 2026, a new logo started appearing around Los Angeles, leading to even more theories. Shared by Olivia Rodrigo fan account @livieshq on Instagram, the logo was painted across several walls and was comprised of the star's initials.

What has Olivia Rodrigo said about the album's sound or themes?

While Rodrigo has remained relatively tight-lipped about the album itself, she's offered glimpses into how her songwriting has evolved. In an interview withOpen House Partyin July 2023, she said she was already brainstorming concepts for her third album, even beforeGUTSwas officially out. "I've actually been thinking about it a lot," she said at the time. "I just barely finishedGUTS, so I can't get too ahead of myself, but, yeah, I definitely am ideating. The wheels are spinning."

She spoke withDaily Star U.K.in June 2025 about how her personal growth impacts her creative output. "As I just grow as a person, and I learn more about music, and I have different perspectives, it's impossible for that not to be reflected in your songwriting," she said. "Hopefully by the time I put out my next album, it'll feel more mature and like a different take on things."

She also told ELLEthat she's experimenting with "new sounds." She said in October 2025, "I'm working on new music and I'm having a lot of fun. It's nice to be home from touring, to really get to sink my teeth into new songs and new sounds and new stories. I'm having a really good time."

As for how the new material differs fromGutsandSour, Rodrigo explained, "It feelssodifferent. Just by virtue of, I guess I'm a little older now and I feel like I have more experience. I think the tour and all the festivals were really educational for me and taught me a lot about who I am and what kind of music I want to make and what music I want to play for people. I'm taking all those lessons into the studio with me."

What's the album's current status?

Rodrigo hinted she has been recording it in November 2025, including a shot of herself in the studio in a November 19 photo dump.

Her producer, Dan Nigro, revealed that he and Rodrigo were "finishing records" in a Feb. 24, 2026 Instagram post.

"The palpable stress in this photo hahahha," the pop star wrote in the comments section of the post.

This story has been updated.

Additional reporting by Starr Bowenbank.

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It's an Oscars-weekend miracle! Everyone's favorite fictional hockey players just teamed up once again, celebrating Hollywood's biggest night together in Los Angeles.

Attending the Creative Arts Agency (CAA) pre-award show party along the likes ofAnya Taylor-Joy,Kate Hudson, Adrien Brody,Jessie Buckley, and Gracie Abrams (who went with her dad, J.J. Abrams),Hudson WilliamsandConnor Storriemade the evening aHeated Rivalryreunion.

For the event, Williams wore a transparent lace shirt and a tweed vest-and-pants set, both from Tokyo-based labelViviano Studio. Next to him, the man behind his on-screen love interest went with a classic black button down, which he tucked into matching trousers. Storrie left his top halfway unbuttoned and accessorized with a silver necklace and sculptural cuff.

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The rest of the cast, includingFrançois Arnaud, skipped the festivities, which took place at Living Room in Los Angeles.

Williams has been confirmed to attend the 2026 Oscars, which will take place tomorrow, March 15,according toVariety. The source further reported that Storrie will be sitting the evening out.

Earlier in the year, the two actors made their awards-season debuts together, surprising the Golden Globesto presentthe award for Female Actor in a Supporting Role on Television to Erin Doherty for her work onAdolescence. Since then, they have switched off appearances, with Storrie attending theActor AwardsandGLAAD Media Awards(whereHeated Rivalrywas recognized with the Outstanding New TV Series honor), and Williams now prepared to take on the Oscars solo.

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