Prince Harry Takes Legal Action Against 'Defamatory' Prince Andrew-Meghan Fight Claims In New Book

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are pursuing legal action over claims from Andrew Lownie's book "Entitled."

The book alleges there was a 2013 physical altercation between the duke and his uncle, Prince Andrew, and offensive remarks about Meghan. The Sussexes have, however, denied all claims.

Prince Andrew is also portrayed as entitled, socially awkward, and difficult in the book, with strained ties to his nephews, Prince Harry and Prince William.

Harry and Meghan have taken legal action against the Daily Mail over what they describe as false and defamatory claims, according to Newsweek.

The controversy stems from excerpts of Andrew Lownie's new book, "Entitled," which portrays Prince Andrew in a harsh light, depicting him as entitled, vulgar, and obsessed with sex.

However, while the book primarily targets the Duke of York, it's Harry and Meghan who are challenging several claims made about them.

Among the most controversial claims are that Harry and Andrew were involved in a physical altercation in 2013, and that Andrew allegedly made derogatory remarks about Meghan Markle. These claims were published by the Daily Mail on Saturday.

The same day, Harry's spokesperson issued a swift and strongly worded denial. The statement, also shared with Newsweek, read: "I can confirm Prince Harry and Prince Andrew have never had a physical fight, nor did Prince Andrew ever make the comments he is alleged to have made about the Duchess of Sussex to Prince Harry."

Now, the Sussexes have taken the matter further. In a follow-up statement to Newsweek, their team confirmed legal action: "Such are the gross inaccuracies, damaging and defamatory remarks made in the Daily Mail's story, I can confirm a legal letter from Prince Harry's counsel has been sent to the Mail."

In "Entitled," Lownie recounts a dramatic and unverified altercation between Harry and Prince Andrew during a reported family gathering in 2013.

According to Lownie, "At a family gathering in 2013. Harry and Andrew had got into a heated argument, and punches were thrown over something Andrew said behind Harry's back."

A source described as being close to both men claimed that Harry confronted Andrew, calling him "a coward" for not saying it to his face.

The confrontation reportedly turned physical, with punches thrown and Harry allegedly "got the better of Andrew by all accounts, leaving him with a bloody nose before the fight was broken up."

The book further claims that, at some point, Andrew expressed strong doubts about Meghan, and "told Harry his marriage to Meghan Markle would not last more than a month."

The Duke of York is said to have "accused his nephew of going 'bonkers' and not doing any due diligence into her past."

Lownie writes that Andrew viewed Meghan as an "opportunist and thought she was too old for Harry, adding that his nephew was making the biggest mistake ever."

The source also alleged that Harry later told Prince William he "hated Andrew" as a result.

Lownie's book goes further, suggesting that both Harry and William have had long-standing issues with their uncle. The biography also claims that Andrew made disparaging remarks about Catherine, Princess of Wales, further deepening the family divide.

Despite the tension, King Charles has allowed Andrew to remain at Royal Lodge—a 30-room residence in Windsor Great Park owned by the Crown Estate. However, in 2023, the king reportedly withdrew Andrew's £1 million annual allowance, sparking speculation about how much longer he can stay in the property.

The book cites a source who alleges that William is eager to see both Andrew and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, removed from the residence. Although divorced since 1996, Ferguson still lives with Andrew at Royal Lodge.

The insider quoted in the biography claims: "[William] also loathes Sarah … and can't wait for the day when his father throws them both out. If Charles doesn't, I guarantee you the first thing William does when he becomes king is to get them evicted."

"Entitled" also paints a broader, unflattering portrait of Andrew, portraying him as inappropriate, entitled, and widely disliked even within royal circles.

One long-circulating rumor suggests that, during his marriage to Ferguson, Andrew may have had an affair with a member of the household staff. According to the book, a nanny reportedly resigned after experiencing unwanted advances from the prince.

Sources also describe Andrew as socially awkward and lacking charm. One family friend called him a "bedroom bore," while another compared his subtlety to that of "a hand grenade." His juvenile streak reportedly carried into adulthood, with some recalling his fondness for crude pranks and off-color humor.

One acquaintance also labeled Andrew a "nightmare to sit next to at dinner" at the table, recalling distasteful jokes about women's underwear and bathroom humor.

Despite this behavior, the Duke of York is said to be highly conscious of his royal status, insisting on formal titles like "Your Royal Highness" and requiring that people stand when he enters a room.