There is no questioning that Prince Harry will have to make a living outside of the Royal family, so releasing an autobiography with an intriguing title will only spark interest and book sales, which is the objective of any author and their publisher. So, what’s behind the book title and that rumoured multi-million-pound advance?
For some, the anticipated “raw, unflinching” memoir of Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, can’t come out quickly enough. But they’ll just have to wait until January 10th, which was considered a respectable pause since the death of the Prince’s grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. But the tabloids are already speculating that the release date, just a day after The Princess of Wales’s birthday, is a slight at the royal family Prince Harry has left behind in England.
The autobiography’s cover photo and title of the book, Spare, have been revealed. News reports by royal correspondents are already surmising the meaning behind the book’s title.
“The book’s title is a reference to the concept of “the heir and the spare” – in this case, the Prince of Wales, who will be a future king, and his younger brother, the Duke of Sussex,” reported The Telegraph.
“The role of the “spare” has been famously complicated in the Royal family, with those moving away from the line of succession as they get older – including the Duke of York and Princess Margaret – sometimes struggling to find their place within the institution,” said the report written by Telegraph Royal Editor Hannah Furness and Royal Correspondent Victoria Ward.
Publishers Penguin Random House said SPARE:
Takes readers immediately back to 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 Diana, Princess of Wales was laid to rest, billions wondered what the princes must be thinking and feeling—and how their lives would play out from that point on.
For Harry, this is his story at last. With its raw, unflinching honesty, SPARE is a landmark publication full of insight, revelation, self-examination, and hard-won wisdom about the eternal power of love over grief.
Reports so far say according to sources, that the book is not a tell-all, but rather a frank account of the prince’s life journey growing up in the royal household and as the brother of the future King of England.
Members of the royal family have reportedly not been given advance copies of the book or made a comment on the upcoming publication.
Markus Dohle, the publisher’s CEO, is keen to make potential readers aware that the book reveals “Prince Harry’s candid and emotionally powerful story for readers everywhere.”
Dohle says, “He shares a remarkably moving personal journey from trauma to healing, one that speaks to the power of love and will inspire and encourage millions of people around the world.”
Now that the Duke’s royal duties are few far and few between, many royal fans have been interested to learn if the book’s advance will allow the Prince and his family to live more than comfortably. According to The Telegraph, a rumoured advance of £36.8m was negotiated as part of a three-title deal.
The Telegraph The book acquisition was negotiated by Gina Centrello, President of the Random House division of Penguin Random House US, and Tom Weldon, CEO of Penguin Random House UK.
The report said:
“The Duke’s proceeds from the book are being donated to charity. It has not been confirmed whether this includes his advance, reported to be part of a three-title deal worth £36.8 million, and is believed to relate to royalties.”
Book proceeds to go to charities close to Prince Harry’s heart
Prince Harry wishes to support British charities with donations from his proceeds from the book. The Duke of Sussex has donated $1,500,000 to Sentebale, an organisation he founded with Prince Seeiso in their mothers’ legacies, which supports vulnerable children and young people in Lesotho and Botswana affected by HIV/AIDS.
Prince Harry will also donate to the non-profit organization WellChild in the amount of £300,000. WellChild, which he has been Royal patron of for fifteen years, makes it possible for children and young people with complex health needs to be cared for at home instead of hospital, wherever possible.
Information about the book and pre-orders are available for consumers at: Prince Harry Memoir
An unabridged audio edition of the book, read by the author, will be released by Penguin Random House Audio in digital and physical formats on January 10, 2023.
Changing roles
A day after the memoir’s publication was announced, the ceremonial position once held by the Duke of Sussex until he left as a working royal, will now be taken over by his father, His Majesty The King.
King Charles will serve as the ceremonial head of the Royal Marines, taking on the role of Captain General. The announcement comes on the 358th anniversary of the founding of the Corps of Royal Marines, which were formed on 28th October 1664 during the reign of King Charles II.
The King said,
It is the greatest possible pleasure to assume the role of your Captain General. I am exceptionally proud to follow in the footsteps of so many members of my family over the last three and a half centuries, all of whom held the role with a deep sense of admiration.
The Royal Marines have a distinguished and unparalleled history, both on land and at sea. I draw immense inspiration from your courage, determination, self-discipline and a remarkable capacity to endure in the most extreme environments.
I feel greatly honoured to become part of the Corps Family and very much look forward to meeting many of you in the near future. In the meantime, this comes with my heartfelt and special wishes for a very happy 358th birthday.
Per Mare, Per Terram.
