Spare

Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex

Jan 2023 · Penguin Random House Audio · Narrated by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex

About this audiobook

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Discover the global phenomenon that tells an unforgettable story of love, loss, and healing.

“Compellingly artful . . . [a] blockbuster memoir.”—The New Yorker (Best Books of the Year)

It was 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 Princess Diana was laid to rest, billions wondered what Prince William and Prince Harry must be thinking and feeling—and how their lives would play out from that point on.

For Harry, this is that story at last.

Before losing his mother, twelve-year-old Prince Harry was known as the carefree one, the happy-go-lucky Spare to the more serious Heir. Grief changed everything. He struggled at school, struggled with anger, with loneliness—and, because he blamed the press for his mother’s death, he struggled to accept life in the spotlight.

At twenty-one, he joined the British Army. The discipline gave him structure, and two combat tours made him a hero at home. But he soon felt more lost than ever, suffering from post-traumatic stress and prone to crippling panic attacks. Above all, he couldn’t find true love. 

Then he met Meghan. The world was swept away by the couple’s cinematic romance and rejoiced in their fairy-tale wedding. But from the beginning, Harry and Meghan were preyed upon by the press, subjected to waves of abuse, racism, and lies. Watching his wife suffer, their safety and mental health at risk, Harry saw no other way to prevent the tragedy of history repeating itself but to flee his mother country. Over the centuries, leaving the Royal Family was an act few had dared. The last to try, in fact, had been his mother. . . .

For the first time, Prince Harry tells his own story, chronicling his journey with raw, unflinching honesty. A landmark publication, Spare is full of insight, revelation, self-examination, and hard-won wisdom about the eternal power of love over grief.

Ratings and reviews

Brilliant and compelling account from Prince Harry's point of view. As a narrator, he is fabulous. For those who say he did this just for money, part of his book proceeds are going to the charities he supported while a royal. Those who say he shouldn't expose the family secrets how is it any different than tabloids claiming facts on their family from insiders. As someone who grew up in the British colonies, I appreciate the unvarnished story. We knew of the royal family they always were there but unattainable, and otherworldly, Prince Harry's book actually humanized them. In the end, Prince Harry life like many other people in this world, was not always smooth waters, but he navigated them to find peace and still is on his journey. It's his truth, so we should respect that. I hope you consider purchasing this book as it was very well done.

Amazing Tell All. I commend him for being so raw about his life and taking care of his wife's mental health. This is exactly what a wonderful husband looks like for those who don't have a clue. Those that are bashing him on here have probably never had a decent and respectable man be good to and for them. Him narrating his journey is just the icing on the cake. The monarch is and has always been prejudice against POC. He is truly his mother's son and Willy is truly his father's. The Princess would be so proud of you, Harry. Thank you for this look into your life and the life of the monarch. You truly are a child of God.

I'm very glad I listened to the audio book read by Prince Harry as opposed to my buying the book to read on my own.. It ment more to me to hear about his life, up till now, in his voice. All the articles and "News releases" in the the past many years, now at long last, were clarified. As a Mother & Grandmother my heart could feel the complete sincerity in his voice in each chapter. Hearing his account made me feel sad, then happy and always proud of him. All this from a young man I've never met and yet I feel I alway have know him.

About the author

Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, is a husband, father, humanitarian, military veteran, mental wellness advocate, and environmentalist. He resides in Santa Barbara, California, with his family and three dogs.