Prince Harry’s bombshell memoir, titled “Spare,” has left readers perplexed and questioning the validity of his claims.
In the book, Harry recounts his 13th birthday, which occurred just weeks after the tragic death of his mother, Princess Diana.
According to the memoir, Harry received a gift from his aunt, Sarah MacCorkdale, who is Diana’s sister.
The gift, he says, was an Xbox games console that Diana had purchased for him before her untimely demise and had intended to give him on his special day.
Excitedly tearing off the wrapping paper, Harry reveals his joy at receiving the Xbox, as he was an avid video game enthusiast.
However, doubts have arisen regarding the accuracy of this account, as the Xbox was not released until 2001, several years after the events described by Harry.
Furthermore, the Xbox did not hit the European market until 2002, making it implausible for Harry to have possessed it five years prior.
Critics argue that this discrepancy raises questions about the authenticity of Harry’s recollections and even suggests that his wife, Meghan, may have had a hand in writing the book, inserting inaccuracies along the way.
The release of “Spare,” consisting of 407 pages, has also drawn scrutiny from royal experts and eyewitnesses.
Two specific sections of the memoir have been called into question.
The first pertains to an accusation made by Harry against his stepmother, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
In both the book and various interviews with ITV and CBS, Harry repeatedly alleges that Camilla leaked details of his first meeting with his brother, Prince William.
However, insiders have shed light on a more complex situation.
According to royal sources, the information became public knowledge not through a deliberate leak orchestrated by Camilla herself, but rather due to an aide who was privy to the meeting inadvertently sharing the details.
The aide, having been informed by the Queen consort in confidence, unintentionally disclosed the information, resulting in it reaching the front pages of newspapers.
Camilla was reportedly enraged by the situation, while the apologetic aide publicly expressed regret and ultimately resigned from her position.
In a statement released at the time, she acknowledged her failure to maintain loyalty and trust, particularly towards her employer, Miss Parker Bowles.
Another aspect of the memoir that has faced skepticism is Harry’s account of his father’s wedding to Camilla in April 2005.
In the book, Harry recounts pleading with his father not to marry Camilla, expressing concerns about the potential erosion of their family’s power.
However, former royal butler Grant Harrold has cast doubt on this narrative, claiming to have been present at both the engagement and the wedding.
According to Harrold, he witnessed no signs of opposition from Harry or William during these events.
In fact, he recalls the two princes actively supporting their father and displaying excitement about the union.
Harrold vividly remembers seeing William and Harry joyfully chasing after the wedding cars, adorned with cans, as they drove off.
He questions why they would engage in such celebratory behavior if they were truly against the marriage.
The release of Prince Harry’s memoir has ignited a wave of skepticism and debate among readers.
While some aspects of his recollections have been called into question, others remain unchallenged.
As readers delve into the 407 pages of “Spare,” they are left to navigate the complexities of Harry’s memories and the varying perspectives surrounding them.
It is clear that this memoir will continue to fuel discussions and debates, offering a glimpse into the life and experiences of a prominent member of the British royal family.