When the cover and name of Prince Harry's book was revealed, it caused quite a stir. His memoir, which he has named 'Spare' is out now. The book gives a real insight into his life as a Royal, coming to terms with his mother, Princess Diana's death and the inner workings of the British Royal family.
What is the book about?
From moving to LA to that Oprah interview, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan have hit headlines over the past few years, so it's easy to see why there was so much anticipation around this book, especially amongst royalists.
Despite several leaks of the book ahead of its release, Penguin, commented that it will be an "accurate and wholly truthful" account of his life. It will span over Prince Harry's younger years and difficult childhood, military service, marriage and life as a father.
The book's official description reads: “It was one of the most searing images of the twentieth century: two young boys, two princes, walking behind their mother’s coffin as the world watched in sorrow – and horror.
“As Diana, Princess of Wales, was laid to rest, billions wondered what the princes must be thinking and feeling—and how their lives would play out from that point on. For Harry, this is that story at last.”
“With its raw, unflinching honesty, Spare is a landmark publication full of insight, revelation, self-examination, and hard-won wisdom about the eternal power of love over grief.”
In a Guardian article which was published shortly before the books release, further details of the book were revealed along with a shocking account of a physical altercation between brothers Prince Harry and Prince William.
In the passage, Harry writes, “He set down the water, called me another name, then came at me. It all happened so fast. So very fast. He grabbed me by the collar, ripping my necklace, and he knocked me to the floor. I landed on the dog’s bowl, which cracked under my back, the pieces cutting into me. I lay there for a moment, dazed, then got to my feet and told him to get out.”
As well as details of his difficult relationship with his family, Harry discusses his time in Afghanistan, feelings towards his stepmother, Queen Consort Camilla and coming to terms with his mother's death.
Buckingham Palace is yet to respond to the book.
When did Prince Harry's book come out?
The book was initially set to be released Autumn 2022, but with the death of Harry's grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II,it was thought it may come across as quite insensitive to publish at this time.
Instead, it the book hit shelves on January 10, 2023. It's currently available from most bookshops and online available in hardback, Kindle and audio. The audiobook is also recorded by Harry himself.
You can currently pick the book up for half price. Spare is available from WHSmiths for just £14.
What's the book called?
The book is titled 'Spare', a reference to the phrase “an heir and a spare” which is often used to describe royal siblings.
Harry's ITV interview
Ahead of the release of his highly anticipated book, Prince Harry sat down with ITV's Tom Bradby for an interview.
Harry: The Interview aired at 9pm, January 8, 2023 on ITV1 and ITVX. During the interview, Prince Harry went into details about the rift between him and his brother Prince William and their father, King Charles III. If you missed the interview, you can now catch up on ITVX.
What will happen to the proceeds of the book?
The proceeds of the book will be donated and split between two charities;
WellChild - This is a charity for children with complex medical needs.
Sentebale - Prince Harry co-founded this charity in memory of his mother to help HIV-positive children