In a startling revelation from his controversial memoir, "Spare," Prince Harry has shared intimate details of a physical altercation with his brother, Prince William, that underscores the deep-seated tension within the British royal family. The memoir, which provides an unprecedented look into Harry's life and his struggles within the monarchy, describes a heated argument in 2019 that escalated into violence, leaving Harry with visible injuries.
Harry recounts that the confrontation occurred at his London residence, Nottingham Cottage, located within the grounds of Kensington Palace. According to Harry, William arrived "piping hot" and quickly began criticizing Meghan Markle, calling her "difficult," "rude," and "abrasive." Harry accused William of echoing the negative press narrative about Meghan, which led to a shouting match between the brothers.
The dispute took a physical turn when William "grabbed me by the collar, ripping my necklace, and ... knocked me to the floor," Harry writes. The altercation left Harry with cuts and bruises from a dog bowl that shattered under his weight. Harry's detailed account of the incident is one of many shocking disclosures in the memoir that highlight the fraught relationship between the royal siblings.
Following the fight, Harry did not immediately inform Meghan about the incident. Instead, he reached out to his therapist to process his emotions. When Meghan later noticed the injuries, she was saddened but not surprised. "She wasn't all that angry. She was terribly sad," Harry reveals in the memoir.
The memoir "Spare" delves deeply into Harry's feelings of being the "spare" in the royal family, a sentiment that has shaped much of his life. From his early years and royal duties to his military service and relationship with Meghan, the theme of being secondary to his brother, the heir, Prince William, is a recurring motif.
Harry also recounts an emotionally charged meeting with his father, King Charles, and William following the funeral of Prince Philip in April 2021. During this meeting, Charles reportedly pleaded with his sons, "Please, boys. Don't make my final years a misery."
"Spare" arrives amid heightened public scrutiny and ongoing tension within the royal family. The memoir follows Harry and Meghan's highly publicized exit from royal duties, their move to the United States, and their revealing interviews, including a significant conversation with Oprah Winfrey in 2021. In that interview, the couple discussed issues of racism and Meghan's mental health struggles, including her thoughts of suicide.
Harry met Meghan in 2016, and they married at Windsor Castle in 2018. Their relationship and subsequent departure from royal duties have been the subject of intense media coverage and public interest. The couple's move to Canada and then California marked a significant shift in their roles within the royal family and their public lives.
The memoir also covers Harry's military career, his relationship with his parents, and his experiences as a father. His candid reflections offer a rare glimpse into the private lives of the British royals, shedding light on the personal challenges and family dynamics that have shaped his journey.
In addition to detailing his struggles within the royal family, Harry's memoir highlights his efforts to carve out a new life with Meghan and their children. Despite the challenges they have faced, Harry's narrative emphasizes his commitment to his family and his determination to protect them from the intense scrutiny and criticism they have endured.
