BACKGROUND

• Omid Scobie, in his book “Endgame,” alleges that there were deliberate efforts to style both the Duchess of Sussex and the Princess of Wales in ways reminiscent of Princess Diana, aiming to have Diana’s charisma reflect on them.
• Scobie critiques the monarchy, describing it as “tone-deaf, racist, and financially reckless,” particularly stating that its decline began with Charles’ ascent to kingship.
• He mentions that both William and Harry were consulted on decisions to emulate Diana’s style and that images of Diana were sometimes used for inspiration in their dressing.
• The book discusses instances where the Duchess and the Princess wore outfits reminiscent of Diana’s iconic looks, although there’s no public confirmation of intentional emulation.
• Scobie’s book sheds light on the monarchy’s internal dynamics, alleging tensions between Prince Charles and his sons, particularly Prince William, described as power-hungry and on a collision course with his father.
• There are claims about the Queen’s views on modern issues like gender identity and dietary preferences, suggesting her disapproval of some progressive ideas.
• The book also addresses Camilla’s attitude towards Meghan and touches on sensitive historical moments involving the royal family, such as “tampongate.”

• Scobie criticizes the portrayal of Kate Middleton, implying that her achievements are disproportionately praised compared to other royals.
• Charles is depicted as inept in handling the Harry and Meghan situation, being lavish in spending, and having doubts among royal aides about his suitability as the future monarch.
• The book delves into personal traits and alleged actions of various members of the royal family, revealing tensions, contradictions, and controversies within the institution.

This book appears to present a critical perspective on the royal family’s internal workings, their public image, and their relationships, drawing attention to controversies and tensions within the monarchy.

ANALYSIS

If you recall, Meg had noted in her Oprah interview:

The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, revealed in an interview with Oprah Winfrey that contrary to previous reports, it was the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, who made her cry during a discussion about the bridesmaid outfits for Meghan’s wedding in 2018. Initially, it was widely reported that Meghan had made Kate cry.

According to Meghan, the disagreement arose over whether the young bridesmaids should wear tights for the wedding, with Kate advocating for it as protocol while Meghan disagreed. Meghan clarified during the interview that the situation was misconstrued in the media, indicating that Kate’s actions had upset her and that she hoped for the correction of this narrative.

Meghan also mentioned that the incident marked a significant shift in her relationship with the Royal Family and was a turning point that led to character assassination through media reports. She expressed a desire for clarity and understanding, emphasizing that the situation contributed to a polarizing narrative of hero versus villain within the royal context. Meghan mentioned that although Kate had apologized and she had forgiven her, the incident deeply affected her and was a crucial moment in her experience within the royal institution.

CONCLUSION

The New York Times has its own review:

“Endgame” by Omid Scobie offers an examination of the British monarchy, promising a revelation of darker truths within the institution. However, the book falls short of delivering groundbreaking gossip or fresh insights, largely reiterating well-known narratives already explored in previous works about various royal figures, including Diana, Fergie, Charles, and Harry. Scobie’s depiction of the monarchy under King Charles portrays a critical view, highlighting its alleged shortcomings, such as being “tone-deaf, racist, and financially reckless.” He questions the capability of Charles and his heirs to sustain the royal institution amidst declining public support and protests against inherited power, emphasizing the need for a change in direction to avoid potential irrelevance.

The book delves into Charles’ alleged envy of his sons’ popularity and incompetence in handling situations involving Harry and Meghan, contributing to the disruptive image the couple portrays. Scobie also addresses issues of race and unconscious bias within the royal family, pointing out the lack of cultural leadership. The portrayal of Kate Middleton is critical, suggesting she emulates Meghan’s style and indirectly accusing her of presenting a cold and self-assured image. While the book touches on tabloid-worthy content regarding Prince William’s alleged affair, Scobie maintains distance from collaborating with tabloids on such stories. Despite warning about the monarchy’s potential demise, the review suggests that books critiquing the institution paradoxically contribute to its continued relevance by generating public interest.