Meghan Markle reportedly had some explaining to do after mention of a potential divorce book in a bombshell report from Vanity Fair. The Duchess of Sussex, 43, reportedly had to “explain herself” to Prince Harry and those closest to them what happened with the bizarre claim. 

Meghan told Harry she’s ‘in this for keeps’ after divorce book claim

Following Vanity Fair’s cover story on Jan. 17, 2025, about Harry and Meghan’s life five years after relocating to the U.S., the couple reportedly discussed one of the report’s multiple bombshells—the divorce book claim. 

“The story’s got everyone talking! People in Harry’s world are wondering what on earth Meghan was thinking and are calling on her to explain herself,” an insider told Life & Style. “Exploring any type of divorce plotline just makes no sense if they’re actually happily married.” 

Harry and Meghan wed in May 2018 and are parents of two children: Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3. In light of the odd claim that Meghan considered writing a post-divorce memoir, she’s reportedly had to assure her husband of nearly seven years that she’s not going anywhere. 

“Meghan convinced Harry she’s in this for keeps,” the source said. “But the pressure these claims have put on them has been intense. Once again, they’re having to defend themselves and their relationship.”

When Harry wanted answers, they added, “Meghan assured him the whole thing had been totally blown out of proportion.”

The divorce book claim ‘shocked’ Prince Harry ‘to his core’ 

So, how did Harry react to the divorce book claim? Not well, ​​an insider told the outlet. “He and Meghan were aware some type of article was in the works since journalists were poking around among their friends and colleagues for [a] while.” 

Nevertheless, it was still a surprise to the 40-year-old duke. “Harry didn’t expect anything like this; it’s shocked him to his core,” the source said. “He feels blindsided. The accusations are extremely unsettling to him.”

Other claims in the cover story ranged from Meghan’s supposed Mean Girls tendencies toward former U.S.-based employees to Harry not being eager to work. 

Details on the divorce book claim

So what did the report say exactly about a divorce book from Meghan? Author Anna Peele cited a person “with knowledge” who confirmed Meghan’s team had approached a publishing house to gauge interest in a potential book. 

“Not a general book on life after marital dissolution, or one about Meghan’s past experience,” Peele wrote, referencing Meghan’s ex-husband Trevor Engelson, whom she was married to from 2011 to 2014.) “This book—this notion of a book, really—might center on a post-Harry divorce.”

“Not that there was actually one in the works! Just…if this a priori divorce ever came to be, would this publisher theoretically be interested in a book that took place in its aftermath?” There was reportedly no offer and no manuscript for the supposed book because, as Peele noted, “After all: There was no divorce.” 

Another source suggested the publisher would’ve approached Meghan, not the other way around, especially given the concept.