Biographer Omid Scobie Launches New Show with a Royal Twist

The author of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s biography, Finding Freedom, has taken a significant step into the world of fiction television. Omid Scobie’s novel, Royal Spin, is set to be adapted into a TV show, drawing intriguing parallels to the challenges and protocols Prince Harry and Meghan faced when they stepped down as senior working royals in 2020.

Universal Television, part of the Universal Studio Group, secured the rights to adapt Royal Spin after a competitive bidding war, according to a report by PEOPLE. Scobie, who co-authored Royal Spin with novelist Robin Benway, will collaborate with showrunner Emily Fox, known for works such as The Watchful Eye, in the creation of this new show.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Universal Television to bring Royal Spin to the screen,” said Scobie. The storyline centers on Lauren O’Connell, a young American politico brought from the White House to reinvigorate Buckingham Palace’s communications team and mitigate the damage caused by a series of scandals.

“Navigating an institution rich in tradition and rigid protocol, Lauren finds that change isn’t easily embraced,” reads the show’s logline. “The Royal Household proves to be as complex and chaotic as Capitol Hill. Amid endless cultural clashes, discontented royal aides, and precarious new relationships, this fish-out-of-water protagonist is determined to prove her capability—and perhaps discover herself in the process.”

Scobie, Benway, and Fox expressed their excitement in a shared statement, highlighting, “No show or book has ever ventured inside the fervent atmosphere of the Buckingham Palace press office, and we’re eager to immerse our young American lead into its depths.”

Vivian Cannon, Executive Vice President of Drama Development at Universal Television, conveyed her enthusiasm, saying, “With a fresh perspective that expertly intertwines humor and romance, Royal Spin charmingly explores the ongoing global fascination with the royal family. We’re delighted to secure the rights to this captivating narrative and eagerly anticipate collaborating with Emily, Omid, and Robin to bring it to television audiences.”

The news of this new show emerges during a tumultuous period for the Sussexes, who have recently faced negative backlash following Prince Harry’s acceptance of the Pat Tillman Award for his contributions to the Invictus Games.

Tens of thousands have signed a petition urging ESPN to reconsider the decision to present the award to Prince Harry, 39. Critics include Mary Tillman, the late Pat Tillman’s mother, who expressed her confusion over the choice, describing the duke as a “controversial and divisive” figure.

Admiral Lord Alan West, former head of the Royal Navy, advised Prince Harry to decline the award, suggesting that it could result in “bad publicity.” Speaking to the Daily Mail, West said, “Harry should be advised to refrain from accepting awards like this. It doesn’t sit well with those in the military, and he should consider the feelings of the man’s mother who opposed the award.”

The Pat Tillman Award is named after Pat Tillman, a former American professional football player who abandoned his sports career to serve following the events of 9/11, and was tragically killed in Afghanistan in 2004. The award honors veterans who have made significant contributions through sport.

Source: PEOPLE, Daily Mail