Prince Harry’s memoir, Spare, released in January 2023, offered an unprecedentedly candid glimpse into his life within the British royal family. The book delves into his personal struggles, his strained relationships with family members, and his perspective on royal life. This article examines some of the most significant revelations from Spare.
Harry Labels William His “Archnemesis”
In an interview with Good Morning America, Prince Harry described his brother, Prince William, as both his “beloved brother” and his “archnemesis.” He attributed this complex dynamic to a long-standing sense of competition between them, exacerbated by the traditional roles of “heir” and “spare.” This label highlights the deep-seated tension and rivalry that characterized their relationship.
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The book jacket of Prince Harry’s memoir ‘Spare’. PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE
Charles Allegedly Called Harry the “Spare” at Birth
Harry alleges that upon his birth, King Charles told Princess Diana, “Wonderful! Now you’ve given me an heir and a spare – my work is done.” This comment, as reported by The Guardian, underscores Harry’s lifelong feeling of being secondary to William and reinforces the book’s central theme of his resentment towards this label.
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David Levenson/Getty Images
Harry Recreates Diana’s Fatal Car Crash Route
In a deeply emotional experience, Harry recounts driving through the same Paris tunnel where his mother, Princess Diana, died. He requested the driver to match the speed of Diana’s car at the time of the crash, hoping to find closure. However, the experience proved traumatic and only solidified his grief.
William and Harry Opposed Charles’ Marriage to Camilla
Harry reveals that both he and William initially opposed their father’s marriage to Camilla Parker-Bowles. They eventually met with Camilla privately, alleviating some of their concerns. Despite this, they remained resistant to the idea of their father remarrying after their mother’s death.
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Kate with Camilla, Harry and Andrew in 2011.
Harry Claims William and Kate Encouraged Nazi Costume
Harry alleges that William and Kate encouraged him to wear a Nazi costume to a party in 2005, an incident that sparked significant controversy. He claims they found the costume humorous, highlighting a lapse in judgment that would later haunt him.
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Chris Jackson/Getty Images
William’s Wedding Marked a Loss for Harry
Harry describes William’s wedding to Kate Middleton as a significant turning point in their relationship. He felt a sense of loss, recognizing that their shared experiences and close bond would inevitably change.
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Prince Harry and Prince William. Andrew Milligan/Getty
Meghan and Kate’s “Baby Brain” Dispute
Harry details a heated exchange between Meghan and Kate stemming from a comment Meghan made about Kate’s “baby brain” due to hormonal changes after childbirth. This incident reveals the underlying tensions and communication difficulties between the two duchesses.
Physical Altercation Between William and Harry
Perhaps the most shocking revelation is Harry’s claim that William physically attacked him during an argument about Meghan. Harry describes being knocked to the floor, further illustrating the fractured relationship between the brothers.
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Kate Middleton, Prince William, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at Christmas 2017. Chris Jackson/Getty Images
These are just some of the key revelations from Prince Harry’s Spare. The book provides a deeply personal and often controversial account of his life, offering insights into the complexities of royal relationships and the challenges of growing up in the public eye. The memoir ignited a global conversation about family dynamics, tradition, and the burden of inherited roles.
