04 December 2023 , 13:16
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The 'error' in the Dutch version of Endgame which appeared to name the two people in the royal race row was caused by Omid Scobie's agent sending an early draft to translators, it has been claimed.
Copies of the controversial book were pulled from shelves in the Netherlands hours after release when it appeared to identify two royals who allegedly discussed the possible colour of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s son, Archie, before he was born. The claims are not featured in the English language version.
Palace staff are now said to be considering legal action, while Omid Scobie originally said a "mistranslation" had resulted in the names being included - but new reports have shone light on another explanation for the furore.
Endgame was pulled from shelves in the Netherlands just hours after release (AFP via Getty Images)One source speaking to The Times said United Talent Agency, Scobie's agent, had sent a draft version of the 400-page book to Xander Uitgevers which featured the names. A final proof was sent later on, but the translators had started work from the earlier draft. Saskia Peeters, one of the translators, told the MailOnline at the weekend that the "names of the royals were there in black and white" when she was sent the text, and that she had only done her job to "translate what is in front of me".
It comes as Palace aides said it will be “business as usual” this week amid the fallout from the book row, as they prepare for an important ceremony at Buckingham Palace and a charity carol concert at Westminster Abbey. This will be the first time the family have gathered together since two royals were named in the Dutch version of the book.
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The King and Queen Camilla, alongside William and Kate, will host an annual reception for 500 diplomats at the palace on Tuesday. And Kate and William, both 41, will have their annual carol concert at the Abbey on Friday to thank all those who work with young children and families.
The withdrawn book named two royals alleged to have discussed the colour of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s son, Archie, before he was born (Getty Images)Royal sources said there had been “collective outrage” in recent days over the “mendacious slur”. Buckingham Palace is said to be considering all options, including legal action, against Scobie, and sources say the King is taking the matter very seriously. The King had spent the weekend at Sandringham in Norfolk after flying back from the Cop28 summit in Dubai, and will discuss the Royal Family's next steps with senior advisers in the coming days.
When the Sussexes made their explosive allegations on Oprah in an interview broadcast around the world, they set in train a public debate about who in the royal family might harbour such racially charged views. 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. The Mirror have approached United Talent Agency and Saskia Peeters for comment.