Description
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
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.
garyleggett131 –
Reviewed in Australia on 11 January 2023
Verified Purchase
I loved this book. I also loved Harry’s determination to protect his wife and young family. It’s an easy, interesting read and nowhere near as malicious as the press has suggested. Over the years, I’ve watched Princess Anne attacked cause she doesn’t fit the role of a pretty princess. Who could forget the treatment of Princess Michael of Kent? Then the treatment of Sarah Ferguson (princess pork). Then the waity Katey headlines. Each time I thought, why do the Royals allow this? Diana’s death impacted Harry in such a way that he was unforgiving of the press, and when Megan arrived on the scene, racism entered the mix. Congratulations, Harry and Megan, for opting out of the incessant nastiness and undermining by the Royal Rota and tabloid journalists.
The book educated me on what a determined and hard-working man Harry is. His time in the army and his dedication to being the best made for a fascinating read. This young man does not have a lazy bone in his body and is unafraid of hard work and striving to be the best he can be.
Also, I found Charles and William to be very likable and suffering those tensions that all families have. I read nothing but love for his family, but he also recognized that their life and choices were not the ones for him and his family. Is there any family that hasn’t experienced this?
Towards the end of the book Megan arrives, and this is a love story. They support each other and adore each other. Megan’s an intelligent woman and an actual loss to the royal family. However, the firm is run by courtiers with no change from royal courts from 1066 onwards. What a vile group of people, and sadly kings and queens listen to their manipulation and rules. Yep, the royal family is awash with so many directions.
Suppose you or thinking of reading this book to confirm your dislike about Harry and Megan. Save your money and keep reading the clickbait. However, if you want to understand how little we know about Harry, then read this book.