Prince Harry has revealed the title and cover of his eagerly-awaited tell-all memoir, with royal insiders labelling the choice as "confrontational" and "yet another attack on the royal family".
The name - Spare - is a nod to the phrase 'The Heir and Spare', which was used to describe Harry and his older brother Prince William based on their positions within the line of succession.
A description of the book, due for release on January 10, from publisher Penguin Random House claims 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".
It 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.
"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."
The 416-page book, which has a striking cover image of Harry, will cost £28 for a hardback, with the audio book, voiced by Harry himself, priced at £20.
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. The Spanish language version will carry the even more telling title Spare: In the Shadow.
Insiders told The Mirror it's unclear whether Harry picked the book's name or the publishing company.
The Mirror's royal editor Russell Myers said: "Royal sources have said it demonstrates 'yet another confrontational attack on the family after claiming a desire for privacy'.
"Palace lawyers will be on standby in the new year, waiting to see what is in the book.
"Regardless of the content, which will no doubt be explosive given the title, there will be little chance of this acting as a vehicle to reconciliation for Harry and Meghan."
Meanwhile, 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 statement also confirmed where money raised from the book will go, confirming much of the cash will be split between charities.
Do you agree with Harry's decision to write a book about his life in the royal family? Have your say in the comment section below.
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.
A website for the book has also been launched with details on how to purchase the book at princeharrymemoir.com.
According to whois.com, the site was registered on June 21 this year, just weeks after Harry and Meghan returned to the UK for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Markus Dohle, CEO at Penguin Random House said: "Penguin Random House is honoured to be publishing Prince Harry’s candid and emotionally powerful story for readers everywhere.
"He shares a remarkably moving personal journey from trauma to healing, one that speaks to the power of love and will inspire and encourage millions of people around the world."
Buckingham Palace has declined to comment on the book.
It comes as senior royals including King Charles and William are reported to be "increasingly uneasy" about the contents of the book, as they feared it could affect their family relations.
Harry is known to have a fragile bond with both his father and brother and has already spoken out about the relationship in his bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey alongside wife Meghan Markle, describing them as "trapped".
Last month, The Mail on Sunday reported that Harry had launched a last minute bid to tone down the autobiography, following the Queen's death, as he feared his final draft ‘might not go down too well’.
The death of the monarch brought Charles, William and Harry together once again as they mourned and walked behind her coffin in several processions - and attended her funeral with their wives.
A source previously told The Sun on Sunday: "Harry has thrown a spanner in the works as he is desperate to get it refined in the light of the Queen’s death, her funeral and his father Charles taking the throne.
"There may be things which might not look so good if they come out so soon after the Queen’s death and his dad becoming King.
"He wants sections changed. It’s not a total rewrite by any means. He desperately wants to make changes. But it might be too late."
News Harry was writing a tell-all book came last year, when he and the publisher issued a statement sharing their excitement about the launch.
Harry said: "I'm writing this not as the prince I was born but as the man, I have become.
"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.
The blurb from publisher Penguin Random House read: “In an intimate and heartfelt memoir from one of the most fascinating and influential global figures of our time, Prince Harry will share, for the very first time, the definitive account of the experiences, adventures, losses, and life lessons that have helped shape him.
“Covering his lifetime in the public eye from childhood to the present day, including his dedication to service, the military duty that twice took him to the frontlines of Afghanistan, and the joy he has found in being a husband and father, Prince Harry will offer an honest and captivating personal portrait, on that shows readers that behind everything they think they know lies an inspiring, courageous and uplifting human story.’"
