Spare

Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex

Jan 2023 · Sold by Random House

About this ebook

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

I haven’t typically made a conscious effort to follow the royal family. However, after Harry emigrated, sat down for an interview with Oprah, and published his book, the relentless and irrational attacks on him and Meghan grabbed my attention. It took me a while to finish the book because I initially found it difficult to relate to Harry, but that challenge kept me reading. As I went further, I was struck by the overwhelming restrictions on these grown adults. Normally, when parents raise children, they aim to foster independence, preparing them to stand on their own eventually. Yet, from what I gathered in the book, the royal family seems to operate more like a controlling, elitist system—a popularity contest where compliance is demanded at all costs. The idea of an adult having to ask their father for an allowance is humiliating; needing permission for basic security feels controlling; and ignoring someone's genuine concerns is dehumanizing. Upon reflection, this dynamic isn’t new. History shows similar tensions within the monarchy: Edward VIII abdicating to marry Wallis Simpson, Princess Margaret being prevented from marrying the man she loved, and Prince Charles initially being blocked from marrying Camilla, only to be pushed into a sham marriage with Diana. And this is just the British monarchy. The royal family often deflects these issues by appealing to tradition, propriety, and necessity. Yet, it’s clear that this is a deeply dysfunctional family and institution. The royals rely on media attention to justify the expense of the monarchy, while the press, in turn, spins endless stories to feed the public's insatiable appetite for royal drama. The family’s mantra of “never explain, never complain” ensures that we’ll never hear their side directly—but we do hear plenty from friends and so-called sources close to the family. I applaud Harry for breaking this silence and sharing his perspective. Unfortunately, the other royals remain stuck in an immature, underdeveloped narrative.

Amazing, frank and deeply insightful memoir. Prince Harry, you are one of a kind. I'm so proud of you for breaking the chains of history which held you fast. Your mother is so proud of your courage and determination to change your future. She tried endlessly to shake up and change the status quo; you merely picked up where she left off. And great things are on the horizon for you and your lovely family. Be not weary in well doing. For your sacrifices shall be repaid to you an hundred fold. Never doubt the importance or impact your choices have on the present and the future. They were necessary to begin the healing process that will reach back... and forwards... for generations to come. I hope ten years from now to read the next segment in this fascinating view of your personal history. It's beena pleasure to get to know you a little better. Best wishes, SJ Atkinson 6-7-2023

I can't wait to go buy this! I really loved the sample and I think I am definitely hooked into this story. It is so crazy to be able to hear this awful experience, but told by one of Princess Diana's son's. The whole world was wondering what they were thinking and going through behind the scenes and unfortunately sometimes in front of the scenes as well. Now that Harry is an adult, husband, and now a happy and proud father of two. He has had time to go through the motions, live, learn, and grow up to be a Fantastic Husband, Father, and now you can add Author to that list of accomplishments/milestones to the list. What a Remarkable Man. I'd love to think of his mother somewhere, beaming with Pride. Harry had to be Brave, just like whom he referred to her as his, "Mummy!" ∆Like mother, like son.∆

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.