Prince Harry’s ‘landmark’ memoir will be released on January 10, according to his publishers.
The duke’s autobiography ‘Spare’ will be published globally in sixteen languages by Penguin Random House, and will not be published before Christmas as previously expected.
A cover photograph released shows Prince Harry looking directly into the camera, wearing a brown t-shirt and black string necklace.
He will read the unabridged audio edition of the book himself, which will also be released on the same date.
A spokesman for the publisher said: "SPARE takes 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.
"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 publisher said Prince Harry will support British charities with donations from the proceeds.
It said he had donated $1,500,000 ( £1.3m) to Sentebale, which supports vulnerable children and young people in Lesotho and Botswana affected by HIV/AIDS, and he would donate £300,000 to WellChild, which makes it possible for children and young people with complex health needs to be cared for at home instead of hospital, wherever possible.
In a section about the author, Prince Harry is described as “a husband, father, humanitarian, military veteran, mental wellness advocate, and environmentalist. He resides in Santa Barbara, California, with his family and three dogs.”
Markus Dohle, Global CEO of 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.”
When the book was first announced in 2021, it was described as “an intimate and heartfelt” memoir from the prince that would provide “the definitive account of the experiences, adventures, losses and life lessons that have helped shape him.”
“I’m writing this not as the prince I was born but as the man I have become,” Prince Harry wrote in a statement at the time.
“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 memoir’s title is an apparent reference to Prince Harry’s being a royal “spare,” not the first in line to succession. William, Prince of Wales, is next in line.
