Prince Harry Denies ‘Physical Fight’ with Prince Andrew and Comments About Meghan Markle in Explosive New Book

Prince Harry is pushing back on explosive claims in a new book alleging he once got into a physical altercation with his uncle Prince Andrew in 2013 — and that Meghan Markle was later the subject of behind-the-scenes insults.

A spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex tells PEOPLE, “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.”

The Duke of Sussex’s team also confirms to PEOPLE that legal action is underway: "Such are the gross inaccuracies, damaging and defamatory remarks made in the Daily Mail's story, I can confirm a legal letter from Prince Harry's counsel has been sent to the Mail."

The denial comes in response to a new book, Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, which alleges that a “heated argument” between Harry and Andrew broke out at a family gathering in 2013 over "something Andrew said behind Harry’s back," reportedly escalating to the point where “punches were thrown” and Andrew was left with a bloody nose.

In a separate allegation, the book also claims that Andrew later questioned Harry’s relationship with Meghan, calling her an “opportunist” and suggesting the marriage wouldn’t last.

According to the book by author Andrew Lownie, with an excerpt published in the Daily Mail, tensions between Prince Andrew, 65, and both of his nephews have simmered for years. It further alleges that Prince William, 43, has worked behind the scenes to push Andrew out of Royal Lodge, the Windsor estate he continues to occupy, and has privately expressed disdain for Andrew and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, 65,

Kensington Palace declined to comment when reached by PEOPLE. Buckingham Palace did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

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The book portrays Andrew as a controversial figure and delves into his ties with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew has been largely stripped of official duties and stepped back from public life amid intense scrutiny and reputational damage.

The new book marks the latest in a series of controversial publications chronicling the royal family’s internal rifts, many of which have only deepened since Harry and Meghan’s 2020 decision to step back from royal duties and relocate to California.

Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, now raising their two children, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4, in Montecito, have largely focused on their philanthropic and entrepreneurial endeavors. 

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Despite longstanding tensions within the family, Prince Harry has expressed a desire for reconciliation, while remaining steadfastly focused on protecting his wife and children.

"I would love reconciliation with my family. There's no point in continuing to fight anymore," Prince Harry told the BBC in May.