
Meghan and Harry: The real story
Lady Colin Campbell, Pegasus Books 2020
(Guest post by Jim Stewart)
It is hard to believe this book came out in 2020 – before the Netflix series, Harry’s book Spare and the interviews that preceded and followed. As of January 2023 it is remarkably prescient, as if it had been written yesterday.
Anyone interested in British history and the British monarchy will find this book insightful. I would also include those interested in Hollywood, celebrity and popular culture, the effect of media and social media on our society, the philosophy and mindset of the aristocracy, and the subtle differences between American and British cultures.
It is very well researched, with a staggering amount of detail. One has the feel of opening a clock cover and studying the moving parts. The author switches well between a macro and wide angle lens giving the reader the occasional panoramic view necessary to span across continents, cultures, races, classes, and ambitions.

The observations on the differences and expectations of American/Hollywood celebrity culture vs. British culture are an education and a worthwhile read just on their own. In a way, it is a book interwoven within a book, and for that I give the author high marks.
I also find the style of writing pleasant, and the way it is presented. The double space between paragraphs seems like such a small thing, but the overall effect is that the author makes her point and then moves on. This gives you the feel of absorbing bytes of information. The typeface is good too. (Tap book cover to see on Amazon.)
Along for the ride
Why bother? Because in this Shakespearian tragedy that is dragging us along for the ride, you’re going to be on that train anyway. Lady Colin Campbell sketches out the cars, the windows, the seats, the people, and – most important of all – the scenery passing along outside. So you may as well settle into a good seat by the window, with tea and scones, rather than be back in the baggage car wondering what the hell is going on.

I believe it is important to remember that the author, who is now publicly not a fan, didn’t start out that way. At the beginning, she was definitely rooting for the couple’s every success, as was most of Britain and the Commonwealth. I feel she went out of her way to present both sides, and for that reason the book reads as fair and balanced. But it’s also clear the author is willing to speak her mind and doesn’t suffer fools gladly.
I doubt if this book will change the mind of anyone already in Camp Meghan or Camp Not-Meghan. But it gives background for both of them. Meghan comes across as brilliant, resourceful, incredibly self-determined and ambitious. Harry comes across as likeable, vulnerable and in search of something.
Why?
I began reading this book to answer one question: Why? None of this has ever made a lick of sense to me. Harry and Meghan quitting, especially after the Queen had given them major positions in the Commonwealth. Such potential to do all they said they wanted to do. Something didn’t seem quite right and I had the feeling we were all being played. But by whom?

The idea of financial independence was ludicrous considering Harry’s inheritances. So, were they just two people who never fit in and found each other, in which case we should all be glad and rejoice at true love? Was prejudice and racism what really drove them out, or did she never have any intention of staying in Britain once she “got her prince?” Was the lure of American celebrity just too much to deny? Or can we best sum it up as: gasoline, meet fertilizer.
I have very mixed feelings about all of this because I sense Harry may be ill and needs real help. But here we all are, witnesses to history, and all we can do is try to comprehend. This book may help, from our little seat by the window.
Also see The Sussex Interview.