A recent book has brought forth claims of a physical confrontation between Prince Harry and his uncle, Prince Andrew, during a 2013 family gathering. The book, "Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York," by Andrew Lownie, alleges that Prince Andrew made disparaging remarks about Prince Harry's now-wife, Meghan Markle, leading to a heated argument where "punches were thrown" and Prince Andrew allegedly sustained a bloody nose. These claims have surfaced at a time when Prince Harry is reportedly seeking to deconflict with his royal relatives.
Background of Alleged Incident and Royal Relations
The allegations detail a contentious interaction in 2013, a period prior to Prince Harry's marriage to Meghan Markle. According to author Andrew Lownie, Prince Andrew allegedly warned Prince Harry against marrying Meghan Markle, calling her "too old" and an "opportunist," and predicting the marriage would not last. It is further claimed that Prince Andrew made comments "behind Harry’s back," which ultimately led to a physical altercation.
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The emergence of these claims occurs against the backdrop of a reportedly strained relationship between Prince Harry and other members of the royal family, including his father, King Charles, and brother, Prince William. These difficulties are understood to stem from Prince Harry's decision to step down as a working royal and his subsequent legal actions against the media.
Prince Harry's Representatives Issue Denials
Spokespersons for Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, have unequivocally denied the central assertions made in Andrew Lownie's book.
A statement provided to The Daily Telegraph and other news outlets explicitly states: "Prince Harry and Prince Andrew have never had a physical fight."
Furthermore, representatives have confirmed that Prince Andrew did not make the alleged disparaging comments about Meghan Markle to Prince Harry.
These denials have been consistent across multiple reports, with Prince Harry's team firmly refuting any physical altercation and the specific remarks attributed to Prince Andrew.
Author's Claims vs. Royal Denials
The book "Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York" presents a narrative that includes alleged animosity between Prince Andrew and his nephews, Prince William and Prince Harry. Author Andrew Lownie's account suggests that Prince Andrew's criticisms of Meghan Markle and the subsequent confrontation were significant factors in the deterioration of their relationship.
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However, the official responses from Prince Harry's representatives directly contradict these claims.
Author's Allegation: A physical fight occurred in 2013 following critical comments about Meghan Markle.
Prince Harry's Denial: No physical fight took place, and the alleged comments were never made.
The book is described as the first joint biography of Prince Andrew and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson.
Context of Strained Family Relations and Reconciliation Efforts
The timing of these allegations is noteworthy, occurring while reports indicate Prince Harry is engaged in efforts to mend his relationship with his royal family. His aides have reportedly met with palace officials in London, with the objective described as "deconflicting" relationships. This context suggests a period of potential thawing or at least attempted communication between Prince Harry and his relatives.
The presence of Prince Harry's chief communications officer, Meredith Maines, and Liam Maguire, who oversees his UK PR team, in London for discussions with the King's communications secretary has been publicly noted.
These efforts are reportedly also extended to Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, with whom the Sussexes have reportedly not spoken in years.
The renewed focus on mending family ties lends a particular significance to the resurfacing of these historical interpersonal conflict claims.
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Expert Analysis and Implications
The accounts presented in Andrew Lownie's book rely on reported information and potentially the author's interpretation of events and relationships. Without direct corroboration from Prince Andrew or other involved parties within the royal family, these allegations remain assertions from the author.
The repeated and firm denials from Prince Harry's representatives serve to counter the narrative presented in the book.
The underlying allegations, particularly concerning Prince Andrew's past controversies linked to Jeffrey Epstein, continue to cast a shadow over public perceptions of the Duke of York.
The situation highlights the ongoing complexities within the royal family's dynamics and the challenges of managing public narratives surrounding its members.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Current evidence indicates a clear divergence between the allegations presented in Andrew Lownie's book and the direct denials issued by Prince Harry's representatives. The claims of a physical fight and specific derogatory remarks by Prince Andrew regarding Meghan Markle have been unequivocally refuted.
The situation underscores:
The importance of official statements from individuals involved, especially when such statements directly address factual claims.
The ongoing public scrutiny of Prince Andrew's past associations and personal conduct.
The delicate state of relationships within the royal family, particularly concerning Prince Harry.
Further clarification or statements from Prince Andrew or other members of the royal family could provide additional context, but at present, the core allegations of a physical altercation and specific comments remain denied. The narrative is shaped by an author's account contrasted with explicit rebuttals from the Duke of Sussex's office.
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Sources Used:
AOL (Independent): https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/royal-family/prince-harry-fight-prince-andrew-meghan-markle-b2801335.html - Reports Prince Harry denies claim of punches thrown in argument with Prince Andrew.
Geo.tv: https://www.geo.tv/latest/617114-prince-andrew-warned-prince-harry-about-meghan-markle-biggest-mistake-ever - Covers the claim that Prince Andrew warned Harry about Meghan and potential confrontation.
Sky News: https://news.sky.com/story/prince-harry-denies-having-physical-fight-with-prince-andrew-13406702 - States Prince Harry denies having a physical fight with Prince Andrew, citing the new book.
New York Post: https://nypost.com/2025/08/03/entertainment/prince-harry-responds-to-claims-he-had-bloody-brawl-with-prince-andrew-over-meghan-markle-remarks/ - Details Prince Harry's denial of a brawl with Prince Andrew over Meghan Markle remarks.
Express: https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/2090369/prince-harry-prince-andrew-punches-thrown-claims - Reports Prince Harry breaks silence, denying physical fight claims with Prince Andrew.
US Magazine: https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/prince-harry-denies-fight-with-prince-andrew-over-meghan-markle/ - Focuses on Prince Harry denying a physical altercation with Prince Andrew regarding Meghan Markle.
E! Online: https://www.eonline.com/news/1420680/prince-harry-denies-punching-prince-andrew - Reports Prince Harry setting the record straight by denying claims of punching Prince Andrew.
Marie Claire: https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/royal-news/prince-harry-denies-prince-andrew-fight-claims - Covers Prince Harry responding to claims of punches being thrown at Prince Andrew.
