Meghan Markle, Prince Harry move away from Scobie amid row over ‘Endgame’

Royal commentator Duncan Larcombe believes Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are “keen to distance themselves” from Omid Scobie following the controversy surrounding his book.

Larcombe said there were signs of a thaw in the Sussexes’ relationship with the royal family, such as Meghan wearing a diamond tennis bracelet given to her by King Charles. However, he claims Game over has caused “setbacks”.

The memoir reignited the row by naming King Charles and Princess Kate as the royals who reportedly raised concerns about Archie’s skin in his Dutch translation.

While Meghan smiled on a walk last week still wearing the bracelet from Charles, Larcombe said the book has likely ruined any chances of an imminent reconciliation. But it does not rule out the possibility in the future if issues are resolved.

Larcombe said: “Wearing the bracelet was not an oversight. If someone gives you a gift and you wear it in public, it’s a small gesture – and in the royal world, small gestures often take on real meaning.”

He further observed: “This new book has probably put things in perspective and I think that’s why Harry and Meghan are so keen to distance themselves from it.”

Meanwhile, Scobie staged an about-face, admitting that “indistinct text” with the royals’ names was provided early on to Dutch publishers, contradicting earlier denials. As things stand, Larcombe sees little sign issues will be forgiven, or that a reunion seems possible or likely.

He infers that Harry and Meghan want space from Scobie after his book fueled tensions as the relationship with the royal family appeared to be heating up.