The title, cover and publication date of Prince Harry’s upcoming memoir were recently revealed. The book is titled Spare, seemingly a reference to the phrase “the heir and the spare”, often used to describe a monarch and their sibling.
While the memoir was largely written before the Queen’s death, according to a report by PEOPLE, Prince Harry will acknowledge her passing in his book. The memoir was originally scheduled for release later this year, but was delayed due to the Queen’s death.
Prince Harry’s memoir will be published on 10 January and offer “an honest and captivating personal portrait” of the famous prince and will serve as “the definitive account of the experiences, adventures, losses, and life lessons that have helped shape him,” shared his publisher Penguin Random House.
“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…
“For Harry, this is his story at last.”
Written with “raw, unflinching honesty”, the publisher describes Spare as a memoir full of personal insights, revelations, self-examination and hard-won wisdom.
According to Harry, the memoir will be written from the point of view of “the man I have become,” rather than his role as a royal.
“I’ve worn many hats over the years, both literally and figuratively, and my hope is that in telling my story — the highs and lows, the mistakes, the lessons learned — I can help show that no matter where we come from, we have more in common than we think,” said Harry.
The memoir is expected to cover Harry’s childhood years, his military service and tours in Afganistan, his marriage to Meghan and his experience of becoming a father to Archie and Lillibet.
In mid 2021, it was first announced that Prince Harry had secured a deal with Penguin Random House to publish a memoir about his life from his royal upbringing to becoming a father.
The publishing deal follows a series of other deals Harry and Meghan have secured since leaving the royal family and moving to California. They have signed exclusive deals with Spotify and Netflix for a number of projects. Harry is also following in the footsteps of his wife who published a children’s book, The Bench.
A portion of the proceeds from Prince Harry’s memoir, Spare, will go to two charities, $1.5 million USD to Sentebale and £300,000 to WellChild.
Buckingham Palace has not commented on the announcement.
