Royal expert’s damning six-word verdict on why Harry’s memoir continues to wreak havoc

The Duke of Sussex sent shockwaves around the world when his explosive memoir was released in 2023.

Prince Harry’s relationship with the Royal Family has been strained since the release of his memoir (Image: Getty)

More than a year after the release of Prince Harry’s bombshell memoir, Spare, a royal expert claims the repercussions of Harry’s revelations are still being felt.

Spare landed on bookshelves in January 2023, just a few months after the demise of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. It became the best-selling book of 2023, and it sold almost half a million copies in the UK in its first week of sale.

In the pages, he shared personal details of growing up, and his life within the Royal Family, including events on the day the late sovereign passed away.

Since the release of his book, Harry’s relations with his brother, Prince William and King Charles, have deteriorated, with Harry not making many visits back to the UK to see his family.

In a damning six-word verdict about why Spare is still discussed today, royal writer, Robert Hardman, said: “He gave away too many secrets.”

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Spare was crowned the best selling book of 2023 (Image: Getty)

The royal writer told the Independent that people are still feeling hurt from the contents of the book. He said: “People are still very wounded, particularly Prince William, that these intimate private childhood family moments all spilled out in Harry’s book.

“It’s not what Harry said, it’s the fact that he said it, and he gave away so many secrets. And he was, effectively, at the time of the Queen’s death, you know, he was taking notes.”

Prince Harry last visited the UK for the tenth anniversary of the Invictus Games at a service held at St Paul’s Cathedral in May, but his father, King Charles, hosted a Buckingham Palace Garden Party the same day and no immediate family members attended the service.

Speaking about the father and son relationship, Robert said: “There he is, he’s got two sons, one he hardly sees, and two grandchildren he’s barely ever seen, and yes, I think he would like some sort of modus vivendi.

“Clearly, they can’t return to Royal life, I don’t believe they want to. And, after everything that’s happened, it wouldn’t be feasible.”

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped down as working royals in 2020 (Image: Getty)

Meanwhile, royal biographer, Ingrid Seward, suggested to the Mirror that concerns over security may prevent any chances of a family reunion.

She said: “Harry and Meghan’s security fears could well be a stumbling block to any kind of reunion with the Royal Family. But no doubt they have been invited to Balmoral this summer.”

Reflecting on the unique family time Balmoral Castle offers, she continued, “As the late Queen discovered, Scotland offers the only quality time a monarch has to devote to family.

“It would be very sad if Charles was denied the pleasure of seeing his grandchildren just because of Harry’s unfounded security woes.”

Meanwhile, Princess Kate is expected to join Prince William and their three children – Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six – at the Royal Family’s summer holiday at Balmoral in August.