Amazon finally has a listing for Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand’s biography of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The working title of the book was something about “Thoroughly Modern Royals,” but the title changed to Finding Freedom: Harry, Meghan, and the Making of a Modern Royal Family. The book comes out August 11, 2020 and it’s now available for Amazon preorder. Here’s the book blurb:
When news of the budding romance between a beloved English prince and an American actress broke, it captured the world’s attention and sparked an international media frenzy. But while the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have continued to make headlines—from their engagement, wedding, and birth of their son Archie to their unprecedented decision to step back from their royal lives—few know the true story of Harry and Meghan.
For the very first time, Finding Freedom goes beyond the headlines to reveal unknown details of Harry and Meghan’s life together, dispelling the many rumors and misconceptions that plague the couple on both sides of the pond. As members of the select group of reporters that cover the British Royal Family and their engagements, Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand have witnessed the young couple’s lives as few outsiders can.
With unique access and written with the participation of those closest to the couple, Finding Freedom is an honest, up-close, and disarming portrait of a confident, influential, and forward-thinking couple who are unafraid to break with tradition, determined to create a new path away from the spotlight, and dedicated to building a humanitarian legacy that will make a profound difference in the world.
[Book summary courtesy of Amazon]
“With unique access and written with the participation of those closest to the couple…” Meaning, it’s an authorized biography and Meghan and Harry authorized their friends to speak on-the-record to Scobie and Durand. My strong belief is that Harry and Meghan absolutely spoke to Scobie and Durand as well, but they will probably not be directly quoted in the book or be seen officially participating in the promotion of the book. It will be all “a source deep within the Sussex camp [gave us this information on Meghan’s exact state of mind when this and that happened].”
Also: it’s not the most important thing, but I love that they used the photos of Meghan in that spectacular green Hugo Boss & Armani ensemble for the cover. She wore that when she and Harry visited Sussex in 2018.
Photos courtesy of WENN.
I wish that Carolyn Durand wasn’t a part of this. It would be nice if both writers were true advocates of the couple. I feel like we’re going to get a Fox News “fair and balanced” deal where the racism and Cambridge smear campaign are downplayed.
@Aurora, regardless of who with Omid Wright’s the book with, none of them is gonna spill any ground breaking burn it all down info. At the end of the day, these people still need to earn a living and still need to be in the good graces of all BRF members.
This is true. This isn’t about “burning it all down”, imo. It is about setting a foundation for their new life. They want their story out there for that purpose.
Yeah, I am concerned about that as well. No one is expecting a burn the bridges down type book but I am worried Durand will put in some pro-Cambridge spin in the book when it is quite obvious to anyone paying attention that the problems the Sussexes’ suffered from stemmed in large part to the Cambridges’ behavior.
Same, Aurora!!
I am genuinely surprised this book is happening. It’s like they are throwing a flame thrower at that bridge and won’t be returning to the royal fold in the near future.
There are plenty of books on the Sussexes.
What’s so different about this one?
It is written with their implied approval and, perhaps, at their instigation. It’s very obviously their version of Princess Diana’s true story by Andrew Morton. Their friends are contributing only because they are being told that it is what Harry and Meghan want.
There are obvious differences between a sanctioned biography and the other books. I like Harry and Meghan. They are 100% burning that bridge of ever returning fulltime to the royal fold. I don’t blame them.
Originally, I cringed but after reading the excerpts from the other book, it makes sense.
What on earth could compel them to return to the ‘royal fold’? It would be like me thinking ‘ah, well, the daily strangling, slapping and mental abuse weren’t so bad because he took me out to dinner a few times’.
@DARLINGDIANA again there is nothing different than all the other royal books.
And of course books will be written about the Sussexes.
@Ali,
Yes, it is different. It is being covered here absolutely because of Harry and Meghan’s involvement with the authors and the fact that they okayed their friends to talk. The difference is obvious and is why some are really anticipating this book.
How is this different than the Jobson book on Charles that came out last year? He followed Charles for about a year and published a book following that. Of course he’s probably behind a lot of the nasty stories that came out about Meghan during that time, but Omid has never published nasty stories on any of the royals.
There is no evidence that this is going to be like Andrew Morton’s book about Diana, which we know she participated in. The promos for that book weren’t shy about saying how scandalous it would be. The promos for this book are nowhere near that level.
They have every right to defend themselves how they see fit. I just think the word, “Freedom” in the title will cause some controversy. That’s a very heavy word for them to use.
At the end of the day, publishing houses want money. That is exactly what they are aiming for I think.
I also doubt there will be any earth-shattering news in the book. They will probably correct timelines, contextualize some actions and rectify misconceptions. I doubt they will spill all the tea- perhaps one of two tidbits I suspect.
Also: this is clearly for the american market. the keywords are all attributes American value more than brits.
Sounds about right. Got me to pre-order my copy 😄
It’s honestly kind of cheesy in my opinion. Definitely not the worst, but also not the best title. And you KNOW people will be calling that out, and I know that most of it will be coming from people who hate everything that they do regardless of what it is. Sometimes I wonder if the people advising them are just in this for the cash, though.
But even just at face value … the title kind of contradicts its self. Finding Freedom and the Making of a Modern Royal Family – you’re not making a modern royal family if you’re leaving for your freedom. They absolutely have the right to leave and be happy – and I’m happy for them, the title just seems like a strange choice when put all together.
yep. that’s what I thought. Not in the RF any more, not making a new RF so… they (whoever it was) should not have mentioned anything Royal in the title unless it was to do with stepping away from…
the Daily Fail readers will go MAD over this and I cannot wait.
My goodness, why are some of you writing comments with heavy insinuations that the Sussexes are writing this book or that they are choosing the wordings or titles? Very wired. The authors are the journalists and this is Omid and Sarah book on the Sussexes, why you pretend this is a memoir instead of a unauthorized biography?
Babs, you’re also pretending that neither Harry or Meghan have ANY choice on this. I’m sure this WAS done by the publisher – but let’s be clear. If they wanted to shut this down, they could have in a lot of ways. They’ve basically unofficially authorized it through their friends – they didn’t have to authorize them to speak with ANYONE. And I’m sure if they complained about the title they could have that edited. It was just last week that they only had a working title.
I know that they’re literally not writing the book themselves. Have a little more faith in the other posters level of intelligence instead of making generalized comments dictating what they’re thinking/believing.
It’s a cheesy title regardless of whether it came from the M&H, Omid, or the publisher or whoever. There’s no way that SOMEONE on that project didn’t think “hmm, that’s a contradiction isn’t it?”
@Erinn, you cannot stop anyone from writing a book, you can sue the publishers.
Whether they stopped their friends from cooperating, the book would’ve still be written.
Piers Morgan said he put Ads in LA papers asking for dirt on Meghan and he received no replies, so he resorted to using scammy and back stabbing Priddy.
@erinn – I agree with you – I said previously that something about this didn’t quite sit right but I can’t put my finger on it. Have to wait and see but I just feel uneasy.
omg I’m laughing so hard at the criticism of the title.
A book title is a bit cheesy and over the top and dramatic ??? You don’t say! It’s obviously never happened before!
I’m not sure former slaves or prisoners will find the Sussexes’ view of “Finding Freedom” the same as what’s they’ve been through.
Hahaha,😁😁😁 I just have to LOL at some nuts suggestions on here: why don’t they stop the book publication? Why don’t the Sussexes demand a change of title? Why, because you feel a certain way about it so it’s all so “optics don’t look good”? Are you serious? How many negative articles have been written about the Sussexes that they successfully stopped? If they couldn’t stop the negative articles that smeared them to hell and back, what makes you think they can just order Omid et Al. to just stop publication of change any titles to their book? And please, do miss me with the faux outrage, it’s getting really old!!
I understand that the title will drive interest and sales so I get using it. I would’ve preferred something like “Forging a New Path, etc.” or ” Building a Bright Future, etc”.
No Erinn dear, they are STILL A Royal Family. A royal family of their own, with all their titles and what not, AND they are still members of THE British Royal family. They just left to live somewhere else and are not Working Royal – not working for the queen no more. People like to make silly points with the wrong facts.
@erinn, I agree, it sounds a little cheesy and a bit melodramatic. also a tad ironic that they are finding freedom in LA, which is a hotbed for the paps and celebrity thirst. I question who has been advising them.
Oh the concern is apparent.
When it comes to the title, editors and publishers have a say so on that. They want something that is easy to sell and Finding Freedom rolls off the tongue better than Thoroughly Modern Royals. And that blurb may not even make the final cover. So I would just wait and see please.
@Snappy Fish, aren’t Omid and his co-author the ones choosing a title for their own book?
@Snappy Fish, aren’t Omid and his co-author the ones choosing a title for their own book?
i think perhaps “Freedom” was used to appeal to the American market?
As a non-american, it feels like the US has sort of co-opted that term.
@ERINN the Sussexes cant stop a publication of a book nor stop people from talking about them.
@MUMBLES I have no idea what your argument is. No one can use the word ‘Freedom’? I’m going to write my own book using the word freedom and even throw in ‘royal’ for giggles.
It’s super cheesy and melodramatic. Great cover, though!
+1. Also, I wish they would have waited a bit longer for this. Settle in to their new lives, find their groove and then the book can have the wonderful juxtaposition of how much better their new lives are. This is too soon, but hey, I’m just trying to get thru this damn pandemic without going too barmy.
1. The publishing company sets the publishing schedule. Anyone pretending that this has been determined by the authors and subject of the book is being silly.
2. You have to wait to read the book to judge it fairly. The speculation may be entertaining but seems a bit tabloidy, no?
3. It is not an autobiography. It is a biography. Hold the authors fully accountable for the content that survived Harper Collins legal team.
I’m curious if it will shed light on the incident reporters always slyly bring up that happened around the time of their wedding. Something being said, but no one ever talks about what “it” was that was so bad.
I hope this book tells us more than we already know.
I think it will and that’s why everyone is having a meltdown over it. There are other books coming out on the Sussex’s leaving and no one is talking them at all.
What incident? The one that allegedly made Kate cry?
On one hand, I’m not sure a book is a good idea right now – it will be shot down in flames as self-serving, mocked widely and wilfully misinterpreted.
On the other hand, the woman has had her reputation absolutely trashed so I can see why she would want to go on record to tell her side of the story.
Thing is, they will pull plenty of punches, because they still need some financial support from the BRF.
It’s a bit different from Diana: Her True Story because it wasn’t until well after it was published that the true extent of Diana’s involvement was revealed. Andrew Morton was to all intents and purposes a ghost writer for her. Before it was published, it was assumed to be one of many books written about her based on limited access to “insiders”.
The cover is beautiful. Is the title pretentious, or am I just grumpy today?
Well, if you’re grumpy so am I. “Finding Freedom?!” Whose idea was that?
Almost definitely the publisher’s.
Do you think it would have been at least run past M&H first though? Genuine question, not trying to be snarky because, yeah, the title sucks and I can’t see them not having a right of veto if they were involved behind the scenes.
The choice of the green outfit for the cover was excellent though.
Sorry, that title is mortifying.
The title is terrible.
I wouldn’t care if it was cheesy or trite, but their path to freedom comes from a place of privilege (even though they’ve struggled, been attacked by family/press), so it doesn’t sit quite right.
I really doubt they had veto power over the title. And I think the title is fine. There are lots of cheesier titles out there.
@damejudi, so if have privilege you don’t need freedom, tell that to the Princess that was kidnapped and returned to one of the Arab countries.
Either Omid, Carolyn or the publisher are the ones behind the title. Wonder if that will change some of the reactions on here.
The title worked – it’s #1 in pre order sales.
Maybe publishing executives know something about marketing?
Oh I am glad you are all saying this. I HATE the title. Just not appropriate
I really dont understand the big deal about a title.
Freedom – the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint.
Nothing controversial.
I agree Ali. The title doesn’t bother me. I think it proves that they won’t be coming back.
I’m with you, Minx et al. Nelson Mandela could, quite obviously, ‘get away’ with Long Walk to Freedom’. This is just, er….
Yes, the title is pretentious. I haven’t had coffee yet either but that’s my gut reaction this AM. Looks like it should be written on some “inspirational” Goopy self help book.
That’s true! I just think of Finding Nemo.
@Yoyo, that’s exactly what I’m referring to. The perception of their privilege and people discounting their struggles as a result of that.
It’s not a sliding scale-pain/abuse/oppression happens in all walks of life, but I don’t think that’s how it will be read.
Yes, pain/abuse/oppression happens in all walks of life, that’s why it feels a like tone deaf for priviledged, wealthy people to cry ‘Freedom!” when they flew from one gilded cage to another of their own choosing, while still relying on the very system they ‘fled’ to finance the new cage.
It just feels a little melodramatic.
“Finding Freedom” is offensive to all people, past and present, who have had their liberty/basic civil rights unjustly taken away. From slavery to human trafficking, Nelson Mandela to Malala Yousafzai. Some would argue that being born the second son of Prince Charles and Princess Diana is an “advantage”. Marrying the second son of Prince Charles and Princess Diana by your own free will, is arguably not similar to “loss of freedom.”
oh FFS. Its not offensive. Is it offensive when my 8 year old yells “I’M FREE!!!” at the end of the school day? Is it offensive when my five year old says that I wont let him be free because I make him do chores?
If people don’t like the title then whatever but some of this criticism is just ludicrous.
Becks1, thank you!! I agree. No matter what title the book is called, people will freak out because it’s Harry and Meghan.
@becks – that’s kind of the point. Harry and Meghan aren’t eight years old.
@Catherine, Bollocks! So according to you the word Freedom can’t apply in this contest, because you have only one narrow definition of the concept. Stop being pretentious, by inserting ; Civil Rights and Mandela’s name in your submission, just so you could hijack this thread. A title is chosen for it’s impact most of the time. H&M have no power to change the title of a book, they did not author. The old adage,’ Don’t judge a book by it’s cover still holds. We await impatiently for the content. By the way, if people are so bothered by the title, they should consult Omid and his co author to change it.
@Catherine,
Wow, you really took this titling issue to a new and far too dramatic level. Certain peoples or groups don’t hold a claim to the word “freedom”. Granted, I don’t like the title either because it too sounds dramatic but, like others have said, the Sussexes don’t have control over what the publishers do to market this book, and the title is definitely part of that marketing strategy. I will not read the book; I don’t do unauthorized biographies of living people. Historical figures are another matter, but this couple barely has a history together. So, you have to know this book is going to be written with revenue and author notoriety in mind, and based on information already in the public realm and opinions by people who claim or may actually know the couple. It’ll be read by royalist, fans, anti-stans and the curious; not true historians and people normally interested in civil rights. People need to save their faux outrage for something that matters, not a book that is basically going to re-package old news.
Don’t take the struggles of other people and use them to criticize Harry and Meghan. Enough with the performative pearl clutching.
@Redgrl I have said “I am free!” right before I am on vacation from work. And please type in the word “Freedom” on Amazon to see how many books have the word “Freedom”
In the title. Should we all discuss those or just Harry and Meghan’s?
You should send a letter to the publisher with your concerns since they are the ones who have the final decision making power over the title.
@ginger – you are of course free to disagree with me. No need to make it more than what it is. Perhaps I’m not as invested as some others are on this site in defending H and M at all costs no matter what. I don’t like the title. Nothing more nothing less. Sometimes that’s just all there is to it.
I want to know how many white ladies are the ones offended by the title. People can dislike the title all they want but it’s pretty wild to start slamming Harry and Meghan for a title of a book they didn’t write and suggesting they are diminishing the trials of slaves over the centuries.
The only people who are offended by the title are the same type who compare all those crazy MAGA types protesting against Coronavirus lockdowns and social distancing guidelines to Rosa Parks. AstroTurf BS. Those people don’t give one god damn about civil rights or Nelson Mandela. Ha ha ha ha ha ha FOH.
Goodness y’all, no one is blaming M&H for this (it’s obvs the writer’s and/or publisher’s idea most likely the latter’s). But when many people around the world are facing a genuinely frightening loss of freedom (I mean look at states that try to criminalize abortion and make it a felony as one example) it’s just kind of a head-scratcher to have a book about one of the most privileged couples in the world – leaving one of the most privileged environments and moving to the “American equivalent (???)” – entitled “Finding Freedom.”
It’s only offensive to people who choose to let it be. The title does not impact anyone’s health, economic viability, autonomy.
The title is so cheesy and cringe worthy.
My book will be called Finding Royal Freedom: Unlocking People’s Obession to be Offended.
Ali when is your book coming out because I will buy that one too.
Agreed, Becks. What are they gaining freedom FROM? Everything in their past, present and future is voluntary. They are not slaves.
it is pretentious…. but now the nutso fans who think Harry and Meghan can do no wrong are gonna come at ya.
Like the nutso haters that are coming for M&H regarding a book title they didn’t even choose?
It’s not really sane to suggest Meghan and Harry are diminishing the suffering of slaves over the centuries based on a book title of a book they never wrote themselves.
There are ways to criticize without being ridiculous.
@guestwho, you just proved my point, thank you!
She repeated that adorable little handbag for their last official appearance, with the green cape dress. I do not need a new bag, and I don’t often wear green, but… WANT!
Meghan looks divine in green. I adore her little bags.
Meghan has AWESOME handbag game! I’ve looked up pretty much most of them, WANTING them fiercely…but wow…they *are* expensive (of course! lol). Sigh… one day…if I win the lottery… (of course, I’ll have to start playing the lottery first lol).
I’ve preordered it lol. I’m excited for it. I bet there wont be a lot of new information for those of us who have followed this whole thing, but if you are just a casual observer the book may be more interesting.
And yeah, the Sussexes definitely are “authorizing” this without actually authorizing it, which I’m fine with it. They aren’t the first royals to do this and they wont be the last.
I don’t know why anyone is arguing that this is like all the other books written about them! They obviously want everyone to know that they approve this book and whatever story it tells.
I will be waiting for excerpts or reviews. I’m wary of buying a very “of the moment” type of book. I don’t think it will tell us very much beyond thoughts, feelings, plans, and intentions. I feel like we already know how they feel about things in general and I don’t think they/their friends are going to be specific. Their intentions to do charity work are known. Their money earning ventures will become clear as it unfolds.
I’m sure it will make a mint but I’m also sure another one with more perspective will be available in a few years time.
@darlingdiana – this book would seem to be one of their money making ventures, no? Likely some of the profits to charity and some to them.
@Redgrl, I certainly think that that is a strong possibility. Covid19 did cause the launch of whatever income earning ventures that they were going to undertake to be put on hold. It happened to all of us that have our own businesses and we will all be scrambling to make up for lost time and money. I certainly would want compensation for what I assume will be a best selling book about my life if I were them particularly because of their financially independent goal and desire to cut ties to the BRF.
The Sussexs haven’t given a date for their potential financial independence but I have assumed, perhaps wrongly, that they were shooting for the end of their “trial year”. Either they have little time to make up for the lost momentum or, maybe, Prince Charles will work with them to extend that time.
That’s ridiculous. It’s not their book so they will get none of the profits from it.
@Smices,
Why is it ridiculous? The Sussex want to be financially independent. Their lifestyle is going to be very lavish with homes befitting their station, security and travel costs, and other wealthy people costs that I probably don’t have a clue about! Gardeners? Drivers? Private planes? Vacation homes? Top of the line everything?
I’m not saying that the Sussexs aren’t going to do charity work. They have and are. I am saying that they are launching themselves as a business entity/brand. They knows how valuable their story is and Meghan, in particular, has dealt with building a profitable brand before. Why do you think that they should pass up the opportunity to fill their coffers as much as possible during a potentially financially turbulent start to a new business especially with other potential business partners themselves feeling the deleterious effects of a failing economy in the U.S.?
I’m not saying they are for sure getting compensation but I am saying if it were me, I would expect to benefit both from the positive coverage and the monetary value of the story that could not have been written if I had not provided my friends the okay to be sources.
Yea, no – this is being shilled as an ‘unofficial’ biography. They didn’t commission it and did not provide interviews.
Proceeds will go to the authors and publishing house.
Just like the other article about some nonsense rehashing old gossip — it isn’t official and the money will go to the hack that wrote it.
@Melissa, The “hack” is the Sussexs preferred correspondent. Take from that what you will. If he writes anything that they don’t like, I’m sure that he will fall from grace but I don’t see that happening. The Sussexs are not stupid. They are going to control their narrative. They have said so.
“They are going to control their narrative. They have said so.”
@DarlingDiana – your implication they’ll no longer cooperate with people who write what they don’t like isn’t accurate, in terms of what they’ve said publicly. From the recent statement about “zero engagement” with certain tabloids:
“This policy is not about avoiding criticism. It’s not about shutting down public conversation or censoring accurate reporting. Media have every right to report on and indeed have an opinion on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, good or bad. But it can’t be based on a lie.”
This also goes along with what Meghan said in the African tour documentary last summer, about royal life – “I didn’t think it would be easy, but I though it would be fair.”
They can handle criticism, they’re just rejecting criticism based on the kinds of lies that have been a staple of their coverage the past few years.
It’s clear Harry and Meghan know this book is happening and gave their friends the OK to talk and may have talked themselves. That is why the RR’s are having meltdowns over this, it’s going to dispel the rumors and they are scared.
I know a lot of Sussex fans don’t want to believe that Harry and Meghan may have given their permission. I don’t see what’s so wrong with getting their truth out there. We don’t know if they will ever do a tell all but this book will probably be a “soft” version of what happened.
A lot of people want to act like Omid doesn’t really have access to the Sussex’s but I believe he does. People like to bring up the Mothers Day story with Doria. He said she was with Meghan but she was in LA. He may not have had access then but I believe he does now. Everyone goes to his twitter page to see if he can confirm or deny a story on them and they believe what he says so why deny this book?
This book is driving reporters, haters and even supporters mad so it must be good . I can’t wait to read it! I think this as closest to a tell all on what REALLY happened.
I think it’s no different than how Charles cooperated with Jobson. It doesn’t mean it will be incendiary like the Andrew Morton book on Diana. No one actually knows what the book is about until it’s published.
It’s exactly like Charles cooperating with Jobson.
Yeah I don’t expect anything incendiary like in the Diana book either. But then no one ever thought Harry would leave so… who knows!
so, this book is published by a subsidiary of Harper Collins, which is owned by New Corps (Murdoch) which .. tada.. also owns the DailyMail
Were there really NO other publishers?
Murdoch doesn’t own the Daily Mail. It’s owned by Daily Mail and General Trust plc& essentially Viscount Rothmere.
I bet this book will be serialised by the Fail or another tabloid they aren’t cooperating with any longer. Only the monarchist papers will care about all these upcoming books on this saga.
and Daily Mail and General Trust plc is controlled by Associated Newspaper which is also owned (majority controlled) by Jonathan Harmsworth, 4th Viscount Rothermere!
News Corp don’t own the Daily Mail but they do own The Sun and Fox News
my apologies ! it is indeed not owned by Murdoch
This guy’s ancestors were the founders of the fascist movement in the UK in the 1930s so this family has pretty despicable origins even if not owned by Murdoch.
@Nic919 Please don’t blame Rothermere for what his forefathers have done. It’s never fair to blame people for their father and grandfather’s sins.
Let’s instead judge him for the despicable things he does all on his own.
His paper is racist and promotes right wing ideology that skirts really close to fascism of the past. The current Rothmere has simply provided a more palatable version of the hate his ancestors promoted. He can be blamed for running a despicable paper and not falling too far from the tree.
I love the cover, I will buy the book.
Yes, Loretta. Just pre-ordered the hard copy. Get so sick and tired of the vileness aimed at this couple. Hope they become billionaires and do all the humanitarian work they desire.
Bad title. This book seems to be causing much uproar in the press and is apparently already selling out.
Would be great if this Omid/Carolyn book had the tea we really want to know. But I can’t see Omid& Carolyn exposing their journalist friends& the palaces too much especially as they aren’t part of official rota& will still want access to the palaces. Omid has already addressed lack of Palace support for the Sussexes in an article so may go there but imagine it will be light. I can see book addressing the Markles more than the Windsors.
Could be wrong but my guess is this book will be typically fluffy royal fare like some of the Kate Nicholl books on the Cambridges (where she also claimed to have spoken to Will& Kate’s friends) & will talk BTS stuff on engagements& tours, impact, quotes from staff& charities& on their recent projects. Personal stuff like happiness on Archie’s birth. Correct some stories we now know to be false eg Markle drama around the wedding. I feel the more serious fare is likely to be around impact of press stories like having to move from cottage cos of pap pics, mosque story etc.
Going by above assumptions, I guess robert Jobson’s biography where he stipulated he had cooperation with Clarence House, can be seen as a Charles authorised autobiography especially as Jobson is very much Charles’ guy and defends him a lot. Puts new light on some of the unflattering comments about William& Harry in that book then. What a family.
That’s basically it. This is like Jobson’s book and it is doubtful it will be like the Morton book on Diana. But clearly there is something that could be revealed because the reactions have been over the top.
Dan Wooten is losing his mind over this. He keeps going after Omid on twitter and Omid just ignores him. His reaction is making me more excited for this book. I think some big things will be revealed. Things that Dan wants to be remain secret.
Ooh I generally ignore Wootton but this is very interesting. Maybe the courtiers who were “friends” with Wootton get outed?
I will still stick to my original thoughts:
Harry and Meghan didn’t do a sit down interview but they definitely gave their ok for their friends to speak and whatnot. Its not going to be a Diana/Morton level scathing tell all
Publishers and authors chose the title and not the people who the book is about.
H&M will retain the rights to edit the final draft. Both have been cautious, seeking legal advice during the exit cycle. I like the title Finding Freedom, but do not like any reference to royal. I’ve mentioned before on this site, my family left England during the Great Migration due to religious and political persecution. To the best of my knowledge no one returned.
You don’t know if they have any rights to edit the draft. For all we know they took the writers up in their offer to give their side of things and that’s it. Or just gave the okay to talk to their friends. The idea that the have editing/veto power over the book is a story made up by you.
Past behavior defines current behavior.
We don’t know for certain. We can only conjecture that the Sussexs are intelligent enough to want to control their own narrative particularly after the way that they obviously hated not being able to do so with the British press to the extent that Meghan sued them. Circumstantial evidence such as giving their friends the go ahead to cooperate with their well-known favorite Omid Scobie offers further potential evidence.
If it were about me and I made it possible, I would expect is to sign off on the final draft. They are, at least, as smart as I am!
There are so many people pressed ( the Cambridges stans are having meltdowns on twitter LMAO) about this book because this probably isn’t the usual bad book about Harry and Meghan. Stay pressed!
Royals unofficially authorize books like this all the time so why is a such a big deal? Every single thing they do is sensationalized and critiqued to the smallest detail. If people were as critical of the rest of the RF as they are M&H, maybe they wouldn’t be so useless.
Exactly! Kate and Will unofficially authorizes the Katie Nichols book. No outrage about that. Charles and Jobson: no outrage. But with H and M you know there’s always gonna be outrage, for doing the same thing as the others. Large manufacturered outrage at that.
Yup, and Sussexsquard has the full receipts for the hypocrites.
What a titlle!! I wont but it.
That is funny.
I will be buying the book.
Talk about judging a book by it’s cover, LOL.
“I won’t but it”? Come again?
Love the title, such an awesome burn towards the BRF!!! But I’m petty that way😏
Pretentious is a kind word for that title – I get what Omid was going for, but that is tone deaf on so many levels.
The cover is perfection though.
Strongly agree!
Do the authors or the publishers come up with the titles?
Both, but the publishers have to sell it so I think they get final say.
Not sure to be honest – it’s awful no matter who thought it up and I maintain it is very tone deaf on many levels. I’m not blaming H&M, I am sure they have been cooperative in the publication, if not actively participating which doesn’t seem the case, to get their side of the story out there. I can’t blame them at all for wanting an alternative view.
Having said that – the making of Modern Royalty feels disengenuous because…yea, they noped out on all the BS. Also the freedom thing…flying from one gilded, financed cage to another isn’t going to gain points on the freedom struggle.
I said above, I think I have a feel for what Omid was going for, but it was a no for me dawg.
The title is appropriate considering how much drama the RR and royal courtiers insinuated when it was announced that Harry & Meghan would be stepping down as working Royals. This despite the fact that talks had been ongoing since 2019. I trust Omid to be fair considering he is one of a few independent journalists who covers the Royals and has pointed out the harshness of tabloid treatment since Meghan came onto the Royal scene. The book probably won’t go into the Royal family of vipers and what has really been happening behind the palace walls which is the book I’m waiting for. I expect that book is a good 5-10 years away but I’ll definitely give this one a chance.
The title is also appropriate given that Harry LEFT his family in order to live with his chosen adult partner. He had to leave. His family was not in any way, shape or form supportive of his choice of partner. In fact, his family may have offered his partner up to the tabloids.
I suspect once you have left that situation, to some extent, you would feel “free”.
Don’t forget the sense of entitlement some people had over them because their life was funded by the public! they are free of that too.
Autor(s) close confidence of H&M writing a book on their behalf? Don’t think so.
The writers just saw an opportunity to monetize their (royal) connections and reporting info abouting H&M over a period of time.
Many royals may or may not have contributed to the many books written about them: like, the queen, Phillip, Charles, Camilla, Sofie, Kate, William, Anne, etc. Nothing special here. For ages, many – royalist or not – like RRs, real journalist, (ex) politicians, historians, etc., are writing these kind of books as a mean to increase their earnings and to establish a name as a ‘royal experts’. A book will make the royal reporting industry to acknowledge you. (by the way: the easiest way to become an expert is to become a ‘royal expert’; never have to be accountable or retract misinformation or lies, never have to name sources – make them up if it suits you. Guess a bit, make up scenarios a bit, and make up stories a bit. Not much real in depth knowledge or expertise required). This will provide them with many paid appearances in TV shows, TV documents etc, across the world, for the rest of their lives, whether or not those books were written with the main character’s participation (Like Morton did with the first Meghan book).
So, chill folks, it’s just the next book written by royal reporters, about (for a change, really interesting) British Royals.
I agree about the cover photos: excellent choices. Also I like the title. It aligns with a central Sussex theme: seeking the freedom to reach their potential, set the record straight & tell their own story. If they can’t stop the negative campaigns they are at least free to tell us how they see and experience their public lives. Also, they ARE royal and they ARE modern, so we’re good there.
I am looking forward to Omid’s perspective and reporting.
I like the title too LRob! Harry and Meghan are Finding Freedom, freedom from leaking palaces, freedom from jealous siblings, freedom from spineless fathers, freedom from archaic protocol and finding the freedom to live their lives on their own terms.
The people who hate the royal family don’t buy books about the. This will test whether the Sussex Squad will show up to buy this book and I think they will.
So there you go, the authors joint statement today:
Their “mission has been motivated by a desire to tell an accurate version of their journey and finally present the truth of misreported stories that have become gospel simply because of the amount of times they have been repeated,” and signed off by thanking their sources.
The book is not an official or endorsed biography from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. It also doesn’t claim to feature interviews with Meghan and Harry”.
i think this disclaimer is to prevent issues à la people article from arising in the feature.
i do not believe for a second that Meghan and Harry didn’t give their tacit approval for its publication.
If Omid had gone behind their backs to write this, he would kill the golden goose
If you can’t be convinced (and still stick to your own (conspiracy) theory), address that one to the authors, my dear.
@Dinah
sorry my dear, i didnt realise we had the toe the line regarding which conspiracy theory to follow in order to post on this blog.
I pre-ordered it for the sole purpose of adding to the numbers of the Sussexes’ sales. I will not buy the Cambridge book. I did it for the same reason I bought the cookbook (I don’t cook)…to support them against what I see/saw as White Male Privilege/White Women’s Tears stories against them, when what I saw/see is/was racism and misogyny. I don’t care what the title is, I don’t care what the words say. I care that somehow saying bad things about a person and slandering and libeling them all over town should/ought never be rewarded. And yet, the world is so upside down right now, they’re ‘winning’…and I hate that they are being allowed to do so.
I am putting my money where my mouth is.
Haha I don’t really like the title, but the book is necessary. I really think the main reason they left was because the press bullying them was giving a bad name to their charity endorsement, and they put other people first and foremost and did the noble thing. I’m rooting for them. BTW I love those pictures, her face is so fresh.
I said this before, but Katie Nicholls has written a bunch of books on the Cambridge’s and ‘their amazing love story”. Her last book was titles ‘Kate, future queen’. I wonder who came up with that title. I’m gonna buy this book though, just to increase its sales.
I went on and pre-ordered just in case the price goes higher like the Vogue magazine.
I also see a lot of commenters saying the title is pretentious or ‘it doesn’t sit right’, WTH does that even mean? I’ll tell you what it means, it means there is absolutely nothing wrong with the title but haters want to criticize it anyway. They are a royal family and they did find a form of freedom.
I think it’s unauthorized because M&H want to keep the option of writing their own book(s).
@Lizzie, Commentators criticising the title are not “haters”. You can see on this very site, in this very post, examples of people who generally support the Sussexes but who don’t care for the title. So what? It’s an opinion.
I think it’s silly and bombastic but probably chosen (usually by the publisher) for marketing purposes.
I didn’t say all commenters are haters did I? I was specific and I am also entitled to my opinion.
Exactly! People lose their shit over fawning over and being obsessed with H and M, like they can do no wrong. It’s disturbing.
I am curious about the book. You know Omid and Carolyn didn’t talk to the Markles . Their involvement would tank sales and open them up to libel and lawsuits. I think the two authors believe in fact checking and vetting. I wonder if the ratchet family and the specific RRs are afraid they are going be called out and there will be receipts. I want to see the sales; if this book outdo any Cambridge book all the embiggining of the Cambridges is a joke.
I love Meghan’s green outfit but I am baffled as to why she didn’t have that eyesore of a horizontal crease ironed out before wearing. I can’t not see it and it honestly ruins what would have been a perfect look.
Not a fan of this title. It makes them sound like POWs.
Think they were more hostages than pows.😏. Seriously though the title is cheesy, but that’s what the publisher came up with. This isn’t Harry and Meghan’s book and they have no say in what ends up on the page, even if they or their circle gave an interview or two for it. I think that part is a bit over hyped.
This is the type of name you give to a mass market publication. It looks good on a shiny book cover at the front of Barnes & Noble (or graphic on Amazon).
Down the road, when Meghan writes her own autobiography, she’ll probably give it a more obscure title that one has to read the book to learn the relevance of.
They called it “Finding Freedom” because “Harry and Meghan Ain’t Got Time for AnyMore Bull*** and Furthermore Anybody Who Has an Issue with this Can Feck Right On Off” is too long for a book cover…
Haha! Love!
A Guest..I needed that laugh!! Thanks
Honestly not 100% sold on this book, and doubt I’ll read it, because it’s just not my style. I’ll look at the excerpts and hype, but not giving those people my money. That said, it seems a LOT of Royal reporters are really upset and snarky about it, especially the access. Some are attacking Omid directly, which is really unprofessional.The thing is, they know these writers, so it’s not like they can’t get in touch with them or the publishing house. What they’re pissed about is the access they think Omid and Durand have, and they don’t want to see anything that appears to be balanced about the Sussexes. Also, they hear what the other reporters say behind the scenes and behind their backs, so hope some of that comes out. I don’t know her work, but a lot of Sussex squad are giving major side eye to Carolyn Durand, because she’s taken some nasty side swipes at Meghan in the past. This makes me think that this won’t be all cheerleading for the Sussexes. I’m more interested in how the Sussexes will navigate the next year and how they do personally, then going through all this. Don’t think anyone will be changing their mind, because the Sussexes has become one of those litmus tests for people’s viewpoints the way Brexit or MeToo, or any number of culture war topics has. I just can’t see the Sussexes not being part of the news cycle anytime soon.Never a quiet time for them.
I think the title is appropriate considering they are finally free of the press and family bullying. I see a lot of posters are very concerned about the title though. I wish we could have one positive Sussex post that wasn’t filled with concern trolls. Just one.
Nah, concern trolls need a hobby too. Criticizing Meghan andHarry gives them life.
I have a little time on my hands just now if the publisher wants to up the date of book release and Lifetime adaptation.
I think that a lot of those royal reporters are mad because writing negative stories about Meghan and Harry makes them money . They been able to get away with palace sources lies about Meghan and Harry for years without anyone calling them out they gotten away with so much because According to some people the royals don’t complain don’t explain unless it’s rumors about a affair or hair extensions . Every royal family has had books written about them Kate has about six written about her but that’s ok but Meghan and Harry aren’t allowed to have a book written about them because the book will probably be fair to them . Their another book being written about Meghan and Harry It’s all negative and rehashed of the tabloids coverage of Meghan makes her seem like diva who deserved the horrific racist abuse she was subject to all while making the Cambridge’s especially kate look perfect while Meghan is made out to be the devil .
Wow. LOL at the usual suspects here crying about how “pretentious” the title supposedly is and whining about how “Freedom” shouldn’t be used because of slavery, civil rights, or some other tenuous connection. Question for the likes of Mumbles, Catherine, etc.: are you actually black/POC in general to be invoking such inflammatory rhetoric in the first place??? Wait, nevermind, I think I already know. As someone who is actually black, I never even thought to make the idiotic comparisons that you seemed so eager to jump to in order to slam Harry and Meghan.
It seems people here are slamming the publisher for the title, not M&H who most likely found out the title when everyone else did. As I said up-thread it feels like global society is in a precarious place regarding true freedoms so it’s just tone-deaf on the publisher’s choice of words. That’s all it really comes down to
@nowords, so do you think joe and Jane average, when perusing through Amazon and Barnes and Noble will be thinking “My! Global society is in a precarious place regarding true freedom and therefore I must not buy this book about Meghan and Harry!” Gmab , it’s an easy title to say, sell and remember and that’s what the publisher is looking for.
Yeah, the usual suspects with their “optics” and “not quite right” and “who is advising them?”. According to these dolts Meghan and Harry can’t tie their own shoes the right way. Well somehow Meghan and Harry always seem to turn out ok, so I have faith this will be a huge best seller, just like Vogue, Smart Works, the cookbook, Invictus, etc. So I think they and their “advisers “ have a pretty good track record.
That is truly one of her best outfits/looks.
I already preordered. The concern-trolling is just heightening my enjoyment.
I can not wait to buy this book. This is a book club must have! I don’t get the issue with the title. I think it’s fine. No one group has a claim to the word. I am happy I am free from a difficult marriage. I am sure some women have experienced far worse than me, but does it make my feelings of freedom any less valid? H&M are free from the racist and hateful RR and his brother’s sabotage. MM horrible narcissistic, lying father and sister and childhood friends running to the tabs selling pics. I’d say they’re story qualifies for the word freedom.
cue the copycat cambridges authorizing a book in 3…2…1…
Charles should write a book titled Funding Freedom: When Your Adult Son Leaves but Still Doesn’t Have a Job
LOL.
The cambitches are still running that nonsense about chuck financing them WITHOUT PROOF. @ CHARLES how about you focus on boldy & dolittle’s laziness instead of the ex working royals. Besides, seeing how the RF especially Charles benefited from the Sussexs ex(the high revenue from forgone and donations to princes trust during wedding) that’s the least he could do for his SON
Or maybe have a sense of humour on a gossip site? It should be fun to make fun of the high and mighty. So long as it’s not racist, sexist, etc. what’s the problem?
I am perfectly capable of focusing my mockery on all of them, but I do appreciate your helpful guidance.
So much energy spent pitting the idle rich against…the idle rich…that all benefit from a system built on conquest and destruction.
I am perfectly capable of focusing my mockery on all of them, but I do appreciate your helpful guidance.
So much energy spent pitting the idle rich against…the idle rich…that all benefit from a system built on conquest and destruction.
I hope it ends up a NY Times best seller. And I hope Omid gets invited to do Super Soul Sunday with Oprah at her Santa Barbara estate. Wild success to loss all of those toys rats off.