In the wake of Prince Harry's explosive memoir "Spare," the British royal family, particularly Prince William and Kate Middletin, Princess of Wales, find themselves grappling with a complex mix of emotions, ranging from hurt and betrayal to outrage. Insights from Robert Hardman's book, "Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story," reveal the undercurrents of turmoil within the royal household, painting a vivid picture of their private responses to Harry's public revelations.
Prince William and Kate (or Catherine), conscious of the emotional toll and controversy surrounding "Spare," made a deliberate choice not to read the memoir, which details personal and often contentious moments within the royal family. Instead, Prince William turned to modern technology, opting to download the BBC app for updates on key extracts from the book. This decision reflects a measured approach to staying informed while avoiding direct engagement with the memoir's potentially upsetting contents.
Their decision to steer clear of "Spare" stems from what senior staff describe as a deep-seated feeling of pain caused by Prince Harry's public airing of private family matters. The couple's reaction reportedly evolved from initial shock and mortification to a sense of outrage, particularly as the accusations within the memoir became more personal and pointed.
King Charles III, too, is portrayed as deeply troubled by the memoir's content, especially regarding the portrayal of Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. According to Hardman, the King is described as "distraught" and "outraged" by the array of embarrassing and damaging assertions made by his younger son. This sentiment is echoed by multiple senior monarchy members who have expressed their frustrations privately.
The focus on Prince William and Catherine in "Spare" is noteworthy, as the memoir largely spares King Charles III and other major royals from its most direct critiques. The book delves into Harry's strained relationship with his older brother, including personal jibes and an accusation of physical assault during a heated argument over Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
In keeping with the royal family's traditional approach to controversy, Prince William has maintained a public silence on the claims made in "Spare." This strategy is seen as a way to avoid fueling the fire of public speculation and media frenzy. Instead, the royal couple has relied on advisors to brief them on the memoir's "key points," allowing them to stay informed while maintaining a degree of emotional distance.
Hardman's biography extends beyond the immediate impact of "Spare," offering insights into King Charles III's actions surrounding Queen Elizabeth II's death and the dynamics at play within the royal family. The book highlights the challenges of balancing public duties with private struggles, a theme that resonates throughout the royal family's handling of the fallout from Prince Harry's memoir.
As the royal family navigates these turbulent times, Hardman's book serves as a crucial lens into their private world, where duty, image management, and personal challenges intertwine. The ongoing repercussions of "Spare" on the monarchy's internal relationships and public perception continue to captivate global audiences, underscoring the enduring fascination with one of the world's most prominent and scrutinized families.
