Prince Charles has responded through a spokesperson to claims made in a new book that he wondered aloud about the skin tone of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s baby.
According to Page Six, journalist Christopher Andersen’s upcoming book details a conversation between Charles and Camilla that was overheard by a “well-placed source” on the day of Harry and Meghan’s engagement.
An excerpt from the book Brothers and Wives: According to Inside the Private Lives of William, Kate, Harry, and Meghan, Charles and Camilla were discussing the couple when Charles allegedly asked, “I wonder what the children will look like?”
The insider claims Camilla was “somewhat taken aback” by Charles’ comments, replying: “Well, absolutely gorgeous, I’m certain.” Charles then reportedly “lowered his voice” and said: “I mean, what do you think the children’s complexion might be?”
A spokesperson for Charles denied the claims in a statement to Page Six, calling the book “fiction” and “not worth further comment”
When Harry and Meghan met with Oprah Winfrey earlier this year for a tell-all interview, one of the biggest revelations was the couple’s claim that a senior member of the Royal Family had expressed “concerns” about Archie’s skin tone before he was born.
Meghan refused to name names because it would be “too damaging” and Andersen’s book stops short of directly linking Charles to the interview allegation.
In their interview with Oprah, the couple stated that they had direct conversations about the subject with Harry, casting further doubt on the book’s version of events.
Harry later clarified that the remarks were not made by Queen Elizabeth II or Prince Philip, and there is speculation that he will address the issue again in his memoir, which is set to be published next year.