Harry’s ‘Intimate’ Memoir to Be Released — The Book Has Already Become Risky for the Prince, Claim Experts

• Prince Harry’s long-awaited memoir finally got a release date, a cover, and a title!

• The book promises to open up “about some moments from his life publicly for the first time.”

• Although the book is expected to be a bestseller, some suspect it may be a risky venture for the Prince.

Since mid-2021, many people have excitedly awaited more news about Prince Harry’s autobiographical book. Several months after the book’s first announcement, a release date has finally been set. If all goes well, the publication will hit stores on January 10, 2023.

When it was first announced, the book was described as an “intimate and heartfelt” glance at King Charles III’s second son’s life. The memoir will give “the definitive account of the experiences, adventures, losses and life lessons that have helped shape him.”

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex visits Croke Park, home of Ireland’s largest sporting organisation, the Gaelic Athletic Association on July 11, 2018 in Dublin, Ireland | Source: Getty Images

Besides the release date being made known, more compelling pieces of information were published. Prince Harry revealed the cover art for his upcoming autobiography as well as the title. The intentions of the book are made clear on the cover page, and Penguin Random House described it as:

“… a landmark publication full of insight, revelation, self-examination, and hard-won wisdom about the eternal power of love over grief. For Harry, this is his story at last.”

The book, titled “Spare,” comes in a jacket printed with an almost monochrome close-up of Prince Harry’s face. Some aspects of his life that should be covered in the book include his late mother’s funeral procession, his dedicated service in Afghanistan, and his life as a husband and father.

Penguin Random House also mentioned that private moments in his life would be retold in a way that has never been explored publicly, such as his grandmother’s funeral walk. The memoir aims to show readers that everything they know about the Prince comes with a deeper, lesser-known story.

While Harry’s American audience awaits the release in giddy anticipation, the British public has been skeptical.

Harry hopes that these stories will serve to inspire and enlighten. This deep dive into Harry’s private side is aptly named, seeing as “Spare” is obviously a reference to his standing within the royal family. He has always been second to his brother or even a spare heir to the throne.

“Spare” will be released simultaneously in Britain and North America. Further, the Prince has announced that he is donating some of his proceeds to two charity programs, namely the HIV and AIDS charity Sentebale and WellChild.

Concerns around Prince Harry’s Memoir

The release of Harry’s memoir was delayed by the passing of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. After a long wait, the release date has been confirmed, and “Spare” is expected to be a bestseller upon release.

That said, not everyone is enthusiastic about the release of the autobiography. According to some royals experts and industry executives, the book could spell disaster for the Duke of Sussex. “Revenge” author Tom Bower suggested that the royal family is “hugely nervous” about its release and commented:

“I think that everybody knows that the Sussexes can’t amend the book in any way. Can they make it nastier? Because otherwise, we wouldn’t get sales.”

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex in Peacehaven, Sussex on October 3, 2018 in Peacehaven, United Kingdom | Source: Getty Images

After the passing of the Queen not long ago, the public is still getting accustomed to the appointment of King Charles. Besides this, Britain has been staggered by recent economic and political upheavals, meaning the book’s release could have irreparable consequences.

That said, the Prince is in too deep already, and holding back the book may have unforeseen effects on his own life and career. Penguin is also eager to get the book out since holding back could drastically reduce the profit they stand to make.

During the time the book has been delayed, figureheads in the literary industry have questioned his intentions, wondering whether he wants to increase his media presence with the book, or rather repair his relationship with his family.

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend a service marking the centenary of WW1 armistice at Westminster Abbey on November 11, 2018 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Despite the rumors and controversy, Penguin Random House and the Prince maintained the book is meant to be a personal account of his experiences and growth throughout the years. Prince Harry commented:

“I’m writing this not as the prince I was born, but as the man I have become … 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.”

Some accounts have claimed that the book will contain damning stories about the royal family. While Harry’s American audience awaits the release in giddy anticipation, the British public has been skeptical.

British tabloids have especially fueled dissent among their readers, while political commentators have started questioning the relevancy of the royal family after the Queen’s death. Many people have wondered how damaging the book will be and how this will affect the public’s opinion on the value of the monarchy:

“Don’t forget, the British royal family is there by consent, they need to earn and keep the respect of the British public. If that is ever damaged in a fundamental and permanent way, that could be very serious.”

Amid the gossip concerning the new book, sources have suggested that Buckingham palace is in turmoil over its potential revelations. Apparently, some individuals have been wondering what can be done to stop the book from being published or at least dampen its effects.

Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, speaks onstage during Global Citizen VAX LIVE: The Concert To Reunite The World at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California May 2 2021 | Source: Getty Images

On the other hand, some tabloids have suggested that Prince Harry wouldn’t be foolhardy enough to wreck his family’s reputation completely. Experts have also remarked that it would be shameful to ruin the royal reputation so soon after the Queen’s death, stating, “If it had anything sensational it would be tasteless.”