A new biography of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex has offered a unique insight into what led the couple to step down from royal duties.

Finding Freedom, by royal reporters Carolyn Durand and Omid Scobie, describes the wall of resentment that slowly built up between Harry and Meghan and the rest of the royal family.

Neither Harry nor Meghan have contributed to the book; it is based on the authors own experiences as members of the royal press and incorporates quotes from sources close to the couple.

Sharing the full story, not just the headlines

Extracts from the biography are being serialised in The Times and The Sunday Times ahead of its publication in August.

From the rumoured rift between Meghan and the Duchess of Cambridge to how the Duke of Cambridge allegedly told Harry not to rush things with Meghan, heres everything we know so far about Finding Freedom.

The book states that Meghan told a friend in March that she had given up her entire life for the royal family and was hurt by reports that leaving the royal family was purely her idea.

The courtiers blame Meghan, and some family do, a source is quoted as saying in Finding Freedom.

But the source adds that Meghan sacrificed a lot to slot into royal life.

As Meghan tearfully told a friend in March: I gave up my entire life for this family. I was willing to do whatever it takes. But here we are. Its very sad, the book states.

The Duke of Cambridge was cautious of his brothers relationship with Meghan at the start, the book claims, and was keen to make sure that Meghan had the right intentions with Harry.

After all, these are two brothers that have spent their whole lives with people trying to take advantage of them, the source is quoted as saying in the book.

Theyve both developed a radar to detect that type of person, but as William didnt know a whole lot about Meghan, he wanted to make sure Harry wasnt blindsided by lust.

In the early days of their relationship Prince Harry was given a closer picture of the ugly realities of racism than he had ever previously seen, the books authors say.

And when those close to him began to question the suitability of his relationship, he was quick to consider whether their critiques came from a place of prejudice.

The authors write: When some questioned his new relationship, and whether she was suitable, he would wonder, Is this about race? Is it snobbery?

An old friend of Harrys spent an afternoon gossiping about Meghan, making disparaging remarks about her Hollywood background. Word got back to Harry, and the prince immediately cut him off.

Finding Freedom claims there was no feud between the Duchesses of Cambridge and Sussex they simply had nothing in common.

The book states that the press were too quick to blame the decision of the Sussexes to move to Windsor removing themselves from the Kensington Palace umbrella on the duelling duchesses, the authors say, when it was Harry who felt suffocated by his brother.

Ms Durand and Mr Scobie write: The truth was that Meghan and Kate just didnt know each other that well.

They address one particular rumour that Meghan made Kate cry during a bridesmaids dress fitting for Princess Charlotte, stating that it is completely false.

Reports that Meghans strict demands had left Kate in tears puzzled those who were present, the book states.

A source who was there said: Some of the children werent cooperating, and there was a lot going on.

Everyone tried to help where they could, but its never easy with kids at fittings. There were no tears from anyone.

And in the end, the fitting was fine. Kate and Meghan were both a little stressed but professional in the room, and there were other people there.

William is said to have sat Harry down at the start of his relationship with Meghan and urged him to take things slowly with her.

Dont feel you need to rush this, he said, according to sources.

Take as much time as you need to get to know this girl.

The words this girl are said to have irritated Harry, leading him to describe his brother as a snob.

Harry could see through Williams words. He was being a snob, a source close to Harry is quoted as saying in the book.

The book details how several members of the royal family did not trust Meghan, or have faith in her relationship with Harry.

At least two other family members also voiced concerns to each other over the pace at which Harrys relationship had moved, the book states.

Meanwhile, when Meghan and Harry started dating, one senior royal allegedly referred to the Suits actor as Harrys showgirl.

Another is reported to have told an aide, She comes with a lot of baggage, while one high-ranking courtier was overheard telling a colleague, Theres just something about her I dont trust.

The authors write that an unnamed trusted confidant of Meghan expressed to them that she blamed the media for corrupting her father, Thomas Markle, from whom she is estranged.

According to the source, Meghan told them: My dad never sought this out. I really believe that hes the victim, and now I feel sad because I believe hes been fully corrupted.

The book states that the couple grew frustrated that they often took a back seat to other family members when they were part of the royal family.

While they both respected the hierarchy of the institution, it was difficult when they wanted to focus on a project and were told that a more senior ranking family member, be it Prince William or Prince Charles, had an initiative or tour being announced at the same time so they would just have to wait, the book reads.

The Duke of Sussex told his future wife that he loved her three months into their relationship, the co-authors of Finding Freedom have claimed in their new book.

According to a friend of Meghan, Prince Harry was the first to profess his love, with the former Suits actor immediately replying I love you, too.

For Meghan, she was all in. Nothing could get her to slow down, not even a friend who cautioned her about getting involved with Harry, the book states.

Three months into their relationship, a Meghan friend said [sic], they had already begun swapping the words I love you.

This prompted the couple to begin talking in non-oblique terms about their future, it added.

Meghan reportedly left clues on social media hinting at her relationship with Prince Harry, including a photograph on Instagram of a Love Hearts sweet inscribed with the words Kiss Me alongside the caption Lovehearts in London on the night she and Prince Harry went on a date.

Link:

Finding Freedom: Everything we've learned so far from upcoming biography of Harry and Meghan - The Independent