The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, is set to release his highly anticipated memoir in January 2023.
Titled “Spare,” the book promises to offer readers a glimpse into the Prince’s life with raw, unflinching honesty.
The choice of the title has garnered attention and sparked laughter among many, including Today hosts Karl Stefanovic and Alison Langdon.
“Spare” is a reference to the commonly used phrase “the heir and the spare,” which describes the roles of royal siblings.
In the past, Prince Harry was often referred to as the spare, while his older brother, Prince William, was seen as the heir.
However, this distinction has become less relevant since Harry and his wife Meghan stepped down as frontline royals and relocated to California.
During an interview with the Daily Mirror’s royal editor Russell Myers, Stefanovic couldn’t help but burst into laughter when mentioning the book’s title.
Langdon dryly remarked that the title speaks for itself, suggesting that it will reveal intriguing details.
Myers chimed in, expressing his belief that the title does not bode well for the royal family.
He even jokingly suggested that the book should have been titled “Despair.”
According to Myers, Prince Harry’s memoir is expected to send shockwaves across the world upon its release.
Stefanovic sarcastically remarked, “Oh great,” indicating his anticipation for the bombshell revelations that the book may contain.
The term “the heir and the spare,” which Harry has previously expressed his dislike for, seems to encapsulate the essence of the book’s content.
Angela Levin, a royal commentator, journalist, and biographer, took to Twitter to share her thoughts on the book’s title.
She described it as “desperately sad” and questioned whether Prince Harry still sees himself as a spare.
Levin implied that despite Harry’s therapy, adoration for his wife, and newfound freedom, he appears to harbor resentment and a desire for revenge.
She even suggested that these emotions are evident in his eyes on the book’s cover.
In a press release, Penguin Random House, the book’s publisher, stated that “Spare” will take readers back to one of the most poignant moments of the 20th century: the image of two young princes walking behind their mother’s coffin during Princess Diana’s funeral.
The publisher emphasized that this is finally Harry’s story to tell, promising a publication filled with insight, revelation, self-examination, and hard-won wisdom about the enduring power of love in the face of grief.
Royal sources have expressed astonishment upon learning the title of Prince Harry’s memoir, considering it another confrontational attack on the royal family, despite his previous claims of desiring privacy.
It remains unclear whether Harry himself chose the book’s name or if it was decided by the publishing company.
Russell Myers commented on the financial aspect, highlighting that while Harry is generously donating £1.5 million to Centrebale and £300k to Wellchild, his reported £35 million three-book deal demonstrates his significant profit from his royal connection.
The royal family’s lawyers are reportedly prepared for any potential fallout from the memoir, indicating their concern over the content it may contain.
Regardless of its explosive nature, which the title suggests, it is unlikely that the book will serve as a vehicle for reconciliation between Prince Harry and Meghan and the rest of the royal family.