The Duke of Sussex’s memoir, titled Spare, will be published on January 10, Penguin Random House said. The Duke of Sussex's 'feared' memoir - that was delayed after the death of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II - finally has a publication date. Earlier this month The Mail Online claimed the book would 'deliver bombshell after bombshell' - especially about his relationship with his father, King Charles III.
The title relates to the Royal practice of having an heir, and a spare when planning a family.
Publishers Penguin Random House confirmed today it will take "readers immediately back to 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. "
The publisher adds: "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 his story at last."
The cover image of Harry's new memoir Spare ( Image: Penguin Random House)
On a promotional website for the new book, which will be released around the world on January 10, the publisher said Harry will support British charities with donations from the proceeds, including Sentebale and WellChild.
The blurb on the website reads: “It was one of the most searing images of the 20th 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.”
A description under the heading “about the author” reads: “Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, is a husband, father, humanitarian, military veteran, mental wellness advocate, and environmentalist. He resides in Santa Barbara, California, with his family and three dogs.”
The 416-page book will cost £28 for a hardback, with the audio download price at £20. The statement also confirmed where money raised from the book will go, confirming much of the cash will be split between charities. Harry has donated $1,500,000 to Sentebale and £300,000 to WellChild, which he was patron on during his time as a working royal.
Prince Harry's decision to publish what he said would be an "accurate and wholly truthful" book reportedly caused a "tsunami of fear" in royal circles. When the book was first announced, the Duke said at the time: “I’m writing this not as the prince I was born but as the man I have become."
In July 2021 a Royal source told the Mirror: “Ever since leaving royal life, Harry and Meghan have made claim after claim of how they allege they have been treated. They say that it is their truth, but there is only ever one truth.
"Since their interview with Oprah Winfrey tensions have been running very high as much of what they said has since been proven to be unreliable at best. There is a now tsunami of fear among the royals over what Harry will write." The book was expected to be released in late 2022, but its publication was pushed back after the Queen's death. And the Mirror later reported that a Royal expert believed the book now "won't see the light of day", because it would "destroy any chance he has of re-connecting with the Royal Family".
It will include a new chapter about the late monarch's death and the lead-up to her funeral. The New York Times reports that "after months of frenzied speculation, the book has a publication date".
It says publishing industry executives have said the book is scheduled for release on January 10, 2023. The book's publisher Penguin Random House and representatives for Harry and Meghan have all declined to comment on the New York Times article.
Penguin Random House said the memoir will be available in English in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, India, South Africa and Canada, while the book will also be published in translation in 15 additional languages, including Spanish, Italian, German and Chinese.
