William 'furious' Kate named in 'wildly inaccurate' allegations - live updates

Kate key to 'recollections may vary' Oprah interview response

The Princess of Wales played a key part in the response that "recollections may vary" over racism allegations.

Meghan Markle revealed to Oprah Winfrey in 2021 how at least one member of the royal family had engaged in "conversations" with Harry about their child's skin colour. Buckingham Palace released a statement on behalf of the late Queen at the time, saying: "The issues raised, -particularly that of race, are concerning. Whilst some -recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately."

In his book Courtiers: The Hidden Power Behind the Crown, ex-royal correspondent for The Times Valentine Low detailed alleged conversations between senior royal members and aides ahead of drafting the retort.

Mr Low wrote: "While some have attributed "recollections may vary" to [Clive] Alderton [King Charles' private secretary], more than one source has said the author was Jean-Christophe Gray, William's new private secretary. At least two senior officials in other households were against its inclusion, because they feared it would rile Harry and Meghan.

"But once the phrase had been added to the draft, it was - according to another source - the Duchess of Cambridge who pressed home the argument it should remain. It was Kate who clearly made the point, 'History will judge this statement and unless this phrase or a phrase like it is included, everything they have said will be taken as true.'"

Mr Low told The Mirror: "She thought it was a major accusation and one that should not go unanswered." And a royal source said: "It's all there [in Mr Low's book]. That's how it happened."

Arsenal put foot in it with Caicedo transfer with summer move in jeopardy

Claims in Omid Scobie's book over royal racism 'wildly inaccurate', say sources

Royal souces have hit back at "wildly inaccurate" claims in Omid Scobie's Dutch version of his newbook where two royals in a race row have been named.

The monarchy is reeling after King Charles and Kate were revealed as the two royals who voiced "concerns" over the skin tone of Harry and Meghan's son Archie.

The claims have been called "a mendacious slur" by royal sources and Buckingham Palace is understood to still be taking legal advice over them. This is despite Mr Scobie's insistence he bore no responsibility for the words that ended up in the Dutch translation. He said a full investigation was under way at the publishers, adding the English version "I wrote, the book I edited, didn't have names in it".

The Duchess of Sussex revealed to Oprah Winfrey in 2021 how at least one member of the royal family had engaged in "conversations" with Harry about their child's skin colour. Buckingham Palace released a statement on behalf of the late Queen at the time, saying: "The issues raised, -particularly that of race, are concerning. Whilst some -recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately."

William 'will be furious' Kate has been dragged into race row, says royal expert

Prince William will be "furious" Kate has been dragged into the royal race row, an expert has claimed.

Harry and Meghan Markle made bombshell claims of racism in an interview with Oprah Winfrey involving two royals. And now Kate and Charles have been named in the Dutch version of the new explosive book by royal author Omid Scobie, Endgame.

According to royal expert and editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, Ingrid Seward, William will be angry with the current situation. She told the Mirror: "There is no doubt Prince William will be furious about the latest supposed slur against his wife.

"He will be angry at the media for giving the story such massive exposure. He will be angry with Harry and Meghan regardless of whether they were involved or not. He will be angry with himself for allowing Catherine's name to be involved as he is very protective of her.

"William has a big temper, but he is also kind and sympathetic. He will use this to comfort his princess should she need it. But Catherine is not a Middleton for nothing. She is strong and has grown stronger over the years of being inside the Royal Family. She has had to. They all do. As it is an unwritten rule to ignore the unpleasant and often untrue things said about them. Otherwise, they would not be able to function."

(PA)

Harry and Meghan urged to sue Omid Scobie over naming of royals in race row

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been urged to sue Omid Scobie over his bombshell book and the naming of the royals in the race row.

As the Dutch translation is pulled from shelves, many people have been wondering how the names managed to be included. Speaking of his frustration of the scandal that has sent shockwaves through the monarchy, Mr Scobie laid the blame squarely on the publisher in the Netherlands, saying: "I never submitted a book that had those names in it."

But solicitor Mark Stephens has said that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would be well within their rights to "issue injunctive proceedings against Omid Scobie."

He said: "Privacy doesn't just belong to the Palace it belongs separately and severally to Meghan and Harry, presumably they have given a solemn undertaking that this should never see the light of day and given their absolute horror at invasions of privacy it is frankly astonishing that they haven't already instructed Schillings [their legal team] to issue injunctive proceedings against Omid Scobie."

Mark told Newsweek the couple "can also get the injunction against the world- and it could be the great rapprochement." He added: "You're mainly looking to prevent him or anyone else from repeating information that should have never seen the light of day."

Read more here.

How did royal names get into Omid Scobie's book amid author and translator denials?

Omid Scobie's new bombshell book Endgame has stunned royal fans after it was discovered that the Dutch translation dragged King Charles and Princess Kate into the royal race row.

The biography, entitled Final Battle in Dutch, has since been pulled from the shelves in the Netherlands, and the reasons behind the error remain a mystery. Xander, the publishers of the Dutch translation of Endgame, have now put 'temporarily' halted sales, stating: "An error occurred in the Dutch translation and is currently being rectified."

Author Mr Scobie has insisted that he was not responsible for the error, while the Dutch translator who worked on the book has insisted the titles of the King and Princess of Wales were in the manuscript she was sent. Saskia Peeters claimed she did not add the names to the Dutch version of the book.

While discussing the heated reaction to his book during an interview on This Morning on Thursday, Mr Scobie was asked how exactly the two names had made it into the Dutch version. He replied: "I had never submitted a book that had their names in it. So I can only talk about my version. I'm obviously frustrated. And I wouldn't say I'm upset about it. Because to be honest, I've been operating a bubble of no emotion for the last 10 days. But I'm frustrated about it just like how many of the other things I've seen, written or said about the book."

Saskia Peeters, who worked on the Dutch translation alongside fellow translator Nellie Keukelaar-van Rijsbergern, has stated that she did not add the names into the book, saying that they were right there 'in black and white'. Speaking from her home in Arnhem, Saskia said: "As a translator, I translate what is in front of me. The names of the royals were there in black and white. I did not add them. I just did what I was paid to do and that was translate the book from English into Dutch."

William and Kate 'are the epitome of carrying on with their work', says royal expert

Prince William and Kate are the "epitome of carrying on with their work" and not getting involved in a "public spat", said a royal expert.

Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told OK! that the Prince and Princess of Wales will not be drawn into a row over the racism allegations..

Stepping out during a turbulent royal week they put on a dignified and united display as they arrived for the Royal Variety Performance on Thursday evening, despite the many damaging tirades thrown their way in Omid Scobie's explosive book Endgame.

The couple, who were joined by Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden, smiled under the glare of the flashing cameras. "I thought Kate looked fabulous - head held high and determined - despite the furore and questions being fired at them as they got out of the car," said Ms Bond.

"William seemed a touch more protective than usual - holding her hand and guiding her in, but they are the epitome of carrying on with their work, refusing to be drawn into a public spat about such vicious allegations."

(AFP via Getty Images)

King Charles nod to grandchildren as he brushes off racism row

King Charles has made a sweet reference to his five beloved grandkids including Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet as he called for swift and effective action to take place at the COP28 summit in order to tackle the climate crisis.

Speaking at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai, the monarch said: "In 2050 our grandchildren won't be asking what we said, they will be living with the consequences of what we did or didn't do."

George, 10, Charlotte, eight and Louis, five, are the children of Prince William and Kate while Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have two kids, Prince Archie, four and Princess Lilibet, two, who live with them in Montecito, California.

During his address in Dubai, Charles told the audience that the current environmental state of the world "worries me greatly", adding that we may need to prepare for a "darker and starker future".

Charles added: "I have spent a large proportion of my life trying to warn of the existential threats facing us over global warming, climate change and biodiversity loss. Some important progress has been made, but it worries me greatly that we remain so dreadfully far off track as the Global Stocktake report demonstrates so graphically."

'Military training' helps Charles under pressure, says body language expert

Charles appeared unruffled at the climate change conference in Dubai despite the royal race row thanks to his "military training" said a body language expert.

The King made a speech warning that the world remains "dreadfully far off track" in key climate targets. The monarch began his opening address at the World Climate Action Summit by saying he hopes the gathering in Dubai will be a "critical turning point" towards "genuine transformational action".

According to Judi James, his body language showed he was focused on the task at hand rather than anything else. She told the Mirror: "He has been shot at on stage once in Australia with virtually no reaction and even during his marriage crisis he only managed to look vaguely bored once on a trip with Diana. His focus seems to be his appearance and his cause, which is probably why he is able to do a very adept body language 'ignore' here of any rumblings in the wake of the publication of Scobie's book.

"Here his torso bristles as he speaks but that bristling is related to his passion for his subject. His vocal intonation suggests good humour and his hand gestures are only used to emphasise the right words in his speech.

"Charles, like other Windsor men, has one huge advantage when it comes to their body language responses under pressure and that is their military training. It teaches them not just how to be blase in the face of threat but also how to retain a convincingly brave and unconcerned demeanour. It's the women of the family like Diana and Kate who are forced to learn body language self-control on the job."

(AFP via Getty Images)

Who are the two royals named in Dutch version of Endgame? Inside racism row

After the Dutch translation of Omid Scobie's new book allegedly named King Charles and Kate Middleton as the royals embroiled in a racism row, the rift between the Sussexes and the Royals has blown "into another Stratosphere".

But where did these allegations come from and what is the truth behind the Dutch translation of the book which named the two royals? And what exactly are King Charles and Kate Middleton accused of saying? The Mirror will bring you fully up to speed on everything that's been going on...

The allegations: Oprah interview 2021 It all began with the 2021 TV interview which gripped the world, when Meghan and Harry first stepped out with an expose of why they chose to distance themselves from the Royal family. Just under two years after their marriage in May 2018 the Sussexes had decided to step away from royal duties.

In a bombshell television special with Oprah on March 7, 2021, the couple alleged that an unnamed royal had questioned what the colour of their baby would be. Meghan revealed that Harry had had "conversations" with an unnamed member of the family about "how dark" their children would be. Harry said he was "never going to share more" about the alleged conversation which took place "right at the beginning".

This set in train a public debate about who in the royal family might behave in such a way. In a multicultural modern Britain such allegations against the monarchy generated debate on a matter of such public importance with Scobie's new book claiming to add to that public debate.

Omid Scobie and the Dutch translation 42-year-old Royal journalist Omid Scobie is best known for co-writing Finding Freedom, a biography about the lives of Harry and Meghan. In November 2023 his second book was released, titled Endgame, a biography investigating and criticising the current state of the British monarchy.

But this is where things become disputed, controversial, and potentially damaging both for Omid Scobie and the Royal Family. The Dutch edition of Scobie's Endgame had to be urgently pulled from the shelves after it emerged that two royals were named as having posed questions about the skin colour of Meghan's children.

The names weren't public knowledge in the UK until Piers Morgan revealed all in his Talk TV show Piers Morgan Uncensored on Wednesday evening (November 29). Exposing King Charles and Kate Middleton as the pair who were named in the book, Morgan said he didn't believe any racist comments were made.

The fallout Scobie strenuously denies that he named the two royals in his final draft of the book, and claimed that he "never submitted a book that had those names in it". On ITV 's This Morning, Scobie confirmed an investigation was underway with the publisher to understand why the names had emerged.

The author claims Fleet Street journalists have "known those names for a long time", adding that he is as "frustrated as everyone else". He said: "The reality is, though, that this is information that is not privy just to me. Journalists across Fleet Street have known those names for a long time. We've all followed a sort of code of conduct when it comes to talking about it."

The Dutch translator of the book insists the King and Princess of Wales were named in the manuscript which she was sent to translate. Saskia Peeters denies that she added the names in. "As a translator, I translate what is in front of me. The names of the royals were there in black and white. I did not add them. I just did what I was paid to do and that was (to) translate the book from English into Dutch."

King Charles 'adopts huge advantage' after being dragged into race row, says expert

King Charles adopted a "huge advantage" while making a speech today after finding himself dragged into the royal race row, a body language expert has claimed.

The monarch was seen in public at the Cop28 climate conference this morning for the first time after he and the Princess of Wales were dragged into the royal race row involving the first son of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Archie. The two senior royals were named as those concerned in the Dutch version of the new explosive book by royal author Omid Scobie, Endgame.

According to body language expert Judi James, his body language showed he was focused on the task at hand rather than anything else. She told the Mirror: "Charles isn't always good at hiding his inner feelings and emotions but only when there are minor irritants involved, like leaky pens.

"A real crisis always brings out his armadillo body language displays, where he is able to continue doing what he does in the way that he has always done it just as though nothing has happened."

(Getty Images)

'Full investigation' into how names appeared in Dutch version of book launched, says author

During an appearance on BBC's Newsnight, Endgame author Omid Scobie said a "full investigation" was being carried out into how the names appeared in the Dutch edition of his book.

When asked if the "buck stops" with him he replied: "It doesn't stop with me because there are irresponsible people in this country that have broken the law and repeated names that should never have been repeated, should never be named. The book I wrote, the book I edited, the book I signed off on did not have names.

"So I'm as frustrated as everyone else."

Allegations 'can't be helpful in any shape or form' for monarchy, claims expert

The row has overshadowed the King's address to Cop28, the UN Climate Change summit hosted by Dubai, where he warned global leaders the world remains "dreadfully far off track" in key climate targets and called for meaningful change.

Joe Little of Majesty magazine said: "The allegations, true or untrue, will clearly put doubt in the minds of people who are aware of the individuals who have been named. That can't be helpful in any shape or form. But mud sticks, once the shadow of doubt is there it never really goes away, and it's got to impact not only on the individuals but also the institution as a whole - it's a long-lasting reputational damage."

It is understood all options are being considered by Buckingham Palace following the publication of the two names.

Omid Scobie denied naming 'racist' royals for a second time

Endgame author Omid Scobie has today claimed for a second time that he never named the two allegedly "racist" royals in his book.

He told This Morning: "I had never submitted a book that had their names in it. I'm frustrated but not upset about it."

''Mud sticks...it's a long lasting reputational damage'

The race row has caused “long-lasting reputational damage” to the Royal Family, according to an expert.

The furore has caused the Royal Family to consider taking legal action. Meanwhile Joe Little of Majesty magazine said: "The allegations, true or untrue, will clearly put doubt in the minds of people who are aware of the individuals who have been named. That can't be helpful in any shape or form.

"But mud sticks, once the shadow of doubt is there it never really goes away, and it's got to impact not only on the individuals but also the institution as a whole - it's a long-lasting reputational damage."

Kate and William remained tight lipped over race row allegations

The Prince and Princess of Wales were the first members of the royal family to face public questions about the race row, when a member of the press shouted out to them when they arrived at the Royal Variety Performance on Thursday night.

William was asked: "Your royal highness, have you got a comment about Omid Scobie's book?". Another question was directed at the couple: "Did you watch the Piers Morgan show last night, your royal highnesses?".

The couple did not respond to either question.

'Dealing with Kensington Palace same as Kim Kardashian'

Later in the same episode Scobie compared dealing with Kensington Palace with Kim Kardashian.

He told the show: “I remember those emails where there was an aide who would send us responses to all the questions and in red it was what you could use for sourced quotes and then in another colour it was just guidance."

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Omid Scobie admits to having 'long-term friendships' with sources in new interview

Author Omid Scobie has admitted to having close long term relationships with his celebrity interviewees.

The Endgame writer was talking to James O’Brien on the Full Disclosure podcast when he spoke about some of his celebrity pals, including Kim Kardashian.

When O'Brien asked the author how he started getting scoops, he said: "I like to cultivate a long-term friendship, or relationship I should say. For me I'm always thinking what story do I want in six months time, in twelve months time, how do I get there? So it lands you in positions where you end up that Kim Kardashian is your source and you're emailing her directly and she's helping out stories for US Weekly.”

More here

Omid Scobie has been defending himself on air, claiming he did not send a manuscript including the names (BBC)

Prince Harry 'needs to let it go' as things 'may never be the same'

A PR strategist has told how Prince Harry should "let go" of any hopes of reconciliation as tensions with the Royal Family continue to simmer.

Speaking exclusivfely to the Mirror, PR strategist Laura Perkes warned the Duke how things "may never be the same" should there be a reconciliation. She said: "In any kind of feud or relationship breakdown, there comes a point where you have to accept the fact that what you want may not ever become a reality."

She added: "It feels like Harry has finally accepted that fighting for what he wants isn't getting him any closer to a resolution, therefore he needs to let it go and learn to move forward."

Duchess of Sussex 'never intended' names of royals to be known

Meghan Markle “never intended” the names of the royals to be publicly named, according to sources.

The Duchess of Sussex hinted at the conversation held by senior royals in a 2021 interview with Oprah but they were not named, until this week in the book Endgame.

Now sources close to the California-based Sussexes have told the Daily Telegraph she was “clear” she never intended the names to be publicly known.

Meghan Markle has written a number of letters over the years (AFP via Getty Images)

New Dutch version of Endgame book due out today

The Dutch version of Endgame, pulled from the shelves after appearing to name the two royals at the centre of the racism row, is due to go re-released today.

Publishing house Xander Uitgevers “temporarily” withdrew the book as its release day caused mayhem. Amid the ongoing furore over the names, not included in other versions, it was confirmed the Dutch edition will be re-released on Friday.

The publisher’s managing director said previously: “An error occurred in the Dutch translation and is currently being rectified."

(Jonathan Buckmaster)

Racism rumours are 'rumour and hearsay'

Security minister Tom Tugendhat has dismissed the racism claims aimed at the King and the Princess of Wales as “rumour and hearsay”.

He said on TalkTV: “The King's done a brilliant job for us, not just in the last year since he's been King, but he's been absolutely fantastic for many, many years in arguing in the interests of the British people as Prince of Wales.

“[It is] rumour, hearsay and an attempt to disparage someone who has served our country with enormous dignity.”

Tom Tugendhat (PA)

'The reality is the information now just privy to me'

Endgame author Omid Scobie says the identities of the two royals at the heart of the racism row was “not just privy” to him.

The royal expert says he wrote the English language version of his book but does not speak the other languages it was translated into.

He claimed: “The reality is this is information is not privy just to me, journalists across Fleet Street have known those names for a long time. I have never submitted a book that had their names in it, so I can only talk about my version."

(Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

William and Kate were 'relaxed and warm' after Royal Variety

The Prince and Princess of Wales were “relaxed and warm” as they attended the Royal Variety Performance last night, amid the racism furore.

Popstar Paloma Faith chatted to the pair after the event at the Royal Albert Hall. Afterwards she said how they seemed.

She said: “I was just saying how relaxed they [William and Kate] are and warm. They just put you at ease, which is a skill in itself isn't it? Not everyone can do that, Royal or not. They're good at their jobs aren't they, and it is a job."

(AP)

Piers Morgan explains why he decided to name royals in Endgame racism row

Piers Morgan has explained why he made the decision to name Kate, Princess of Wales and King Charles when they were dragged into the race row.

The TalkTV presenter revaeled the identitie in a bid to 'remove the simmering threat' on the Firm from Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. Speaking on his programme light night, Piers said: "Nobody, I repeat, really thinks King Charles or the Princess of Wales are racist – nobody."

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Piers spoke out again on his Talk TV show last night (TalkTV)

Harry and Meghan's racism claims in their own words as Kate and King Charles dragged into row

Harry and Meghan first made allegations of royal racism during their bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey back in 2021 - and it shocked the world.

The Duchess claimed there had been "concerns" within the Royal Family about how dark Archie's skin colour might be while she was pregnant with her first child. After the explosive allegations were made on Oprah's show, Harry then denied that the couple ever referred to his family as "racist" - instead highlighting that in their eyes, it was a matter of "unconscious bias". The furore was brought up aghainthis week in Scobie's new book.

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(Getty Images)

King Charles breaks cover amid royal racism row with keynote speech at Cop28

King Charles was seen in public at the Cop28 climate conference this morning for the first time after he and the Princess of Wales were dragged into the royal race row involving the first son of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Archie.

As the royal racism row continues, Charles warned the world remains "dreadfully far off track" in key climate targets. The monarch began his opening address at the World Climate Action Summit in Dubai and said he hopes the gathering in Dubai will be a "critical turning point" towards "genuine transformational action".

Read more here

(PA)

Omid Scobie won't apologise after Kate and Charles named as 'royal racists' in Endgame

Omid Scobie has refused to apologise for the error in a translation of his book which revealed King Charles and the Princess of Wales as being at the heart of a royal racism row.

Mr Scobie told BBC's Newsnight last night it was not for him to apologise because he still wanted to know what had happened. He absolved all responsibility for the error and swore "on his life and his family’s lives" it wasn’t a publicity stunt.

He said on the show: "It's not for me to apologise because I still want to know what's happened. The buck doesn’t stop with me because there are irresponsible people in this country who’ve broken the law and repeated names that should never have been repeated, should never have been named.”

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(BBC)

King Charles refuses to strip Harry and Meghan of titles as he 'never wants to humiliate them'

The King will never strip Harry and Meghan of their royal Sussex titles despite the ongoing feud, sources say.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have retained their official titles since stepping down from royal duties in early 2020 and although relations remain frosty, King Charles is said not to even contemplate removing their royal titles which they were bestowed by the late-Queen on their wedding day in 2018.

Their HRH title prefixes were removed however after they stepped down nearly four years ago.

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(Samir Hussein/WireImage)

Rishi Sunak avoids 'inappropriate' royal race row questions

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak sidestepped a question about the ongoing race row at the heart of the Royal Family as he flew to Dubai.

The Tory leader was on his way for the Cop28 climate talks when he was quizzed on the latest revelations. However he avoided the question before boarding the flight.

He said: “By longstanding and appropriate convention it wouldn't be right for me to talk about the royal family in any way shape or form."

(PA)

Royal rife 'blown into stratosphere' by book claims, say sources

The Palace has "banded together" as sources say the naming of Kate and Charles as the royals at the heart of the 'race row' blows the Sussex rift "into another stratosphere".

In the last few days, the Royal family has grappled with the fallout from Omid Scobie’s new bombshell royal book Endgame. Well placed sources said the royal family have "banded together in their utter condemnation" of the claims any member of the monarchy would use racist language.

They also claimed the naming of Charles and Kate blew the rift between the Sussexes and the Royal family "into the stratosphere". A source also nothing said by either of them "was said or could be considered to be said in a racist manner".

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(PA)