"Neither of those things are true": Prince Harry responds to book's claim of alleged altercation with Prince Andrew

Prince Harry is pushing back on a new claim that he once got into a physical altercation with his uncle, Prince Andrew, during a 2013 family gathering.

The allegation appears in Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, a new biography by Andrew Lownie that paints a contentious portrait of the Duke of York and his former wife, Sarah Ferguson.

According to an excerpt published by the Daily Mail, the book alleges that a “heated argument” erupted between Harry and Andrew over a comment Andrew allegedly made behind Harry’s back about Meghan Markle, long before Harry and Meghan were married.

Lownie reportedly writes that “punches were thrown,” resulting in Andrew getting a bloody nose, and claims Andrew called Meghan “too old” for the Duke of Sussex, an “opportunist” whose relationship with Harry would not last, and it would be his “biggest mistake ever” if he marries her.

Prince Harry, however, has firmly denied the account. A spokesperson for Harry told People in a statement dated August 2:

“I can confirm neither of those things are true. Prince Harry and Prince Andrew have never had a physical fight, nor did Prince Andrew ever make those comments about the Duchess of Sussex to Prince Harry.”

“It would be nice to reconcile”: Prince Harry seeks peace with father King Charles III

While the new claims stirred fresh headlines, tensions within the royal family aren’t new.

Since stepping back from official royal duties in 2020, Harry and Meghan Markle have publicly acknowledged ongoing rifts with other members of the royal household.

The couple announced via Instagram in January 2020:

"After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. We intend to step back as 'senior' members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen."

Since relocating to California, the Sussexes have remained in the spotlight amid legal battles and tell-all interviews.

Last May, Harry told the BBC that his relationship with King Charles III remains strained, largely due to ongoing issues around personal security arrangements in the U.K.

“I would love reconciliation with my family. There’s no point in continuing to fight anymore. I don’t know how much time my father has. He won’t speak to me because of this security stuff, but it would be nice to reconcile.”

READ: Prince Harry Extends Gesture of Peace by Sharing Schedule With King Charles

Whether or not that reconciliation is possible remains to be seen. But for now, Harry is setting the record straight where he can.

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