Dutch publisher removes Scobie's Endgame from sale in Netherlands and Belgium

The Dutch publisher of Omid Scobie’s Endgame has removed books from sale in the Netherlands and Belgium, after the translated edition included the names of two senior royals said to have made remarks speculating about the skin colour of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s unborn child.

Anke Roelen, managing director of Xander Uitgevers, said: "The rectified edition of Eindstrijd by Omid Scobie will be in bookstores on Friday, 8th Dec. Xander Uitgevers temporarily removed the book from sale due to an error that occurred in the Dutch edition.”

L&M Books, a company that represents the Dutch publisher in the Belgian market, confirmed to the Times that it had pulled the book in Belgium too.

It has been widely reported in the press that King Charles and Catherine, Princess of Wales, were the names involved. The BBC reported Buckingham Palace was "exploring all options" in response to the matter.

Speaking on Dutch television on Tuesday (28th November) Scobie said that “there’s never been a version that I’ve produced that has names in it”, ruling out the Dutch publisher using an earlier draft by mistake.

It is understood there is no issue with HarperCollins’ US or UK English language editions, which remain on sale.

The Bookseller has reached out to Scobie’s agent, Albert Lee, for comment.