Prince Harry’s memoir is almost here. The Duke of Sussex is releasing a book that is poised to chronicle his decision to break from the royal family as well as some of the challenges of his childhood. Per the BBC, a statement from his publisher Random House read, “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.”
The project was originally announced in 2021, when Penguin Random House shared that the Duke of Sussex was writing his own memoir. “I’m writing this not as the prince I was born but as the man I have become,” Harry said in a statement, according to People. “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.”
“I’m writing this not as the prince I was born but as the man I have become.”
Harry ended his statement by adding that he’s “deeply grateful for the opportunity to share what I’ve learned over the course of my life so far and excited for people to read a firsthand account of my life that’s accurate and wholly truthful.”
The book will cover everything from his childhood in the public eye to his time in the military and his marriage to Meghan Markle. Proceeds from the book and audiobook will go to charity. Per the BBC, Random House confirmed that £1.3m and £300,000 would be donated respectively to Harry’s charity for HIV+ children in Lesotho and Botswana, Sentebale, and the children’s medical charity WellChild.
Ahead, check out what we know about the book so far.
Prince Harry’s “Spare” Memoir Synopsis
The press release shared by Random House suggested that the book will explore Harry’s experience losing his mother, Diana. “‘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,” it reads, addressing a famous image of Harry and his brother Prince William at their mother’s funeral.
The book will likely also explore Harry’s perspective as the younger brother of the future king of England, Prince William, and it will delve into his decision to step back from royal duties in early 2020 along with Markle.
“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 publicity statement read, per the BBC.
Per The Guardian, Penguin Random House CEO Markus Dohle said that in the memoir, “Prince Harry “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.”
Representatives from Penguin Random House did not immediately respond to POPSUGAR’s request for comment.
Prince Harry’s Memoir Title
The book will be called “Spare,” a term sometimes used to refer to a younger royal sibling likely to never take the throne.
Prince Harry’s “Spare” Release Date
“Spare” will be published on Jan. 10, 2023.