Prince Harry's decision to re-release his explosive memoir, Spare, has once again stirred controversy, with royal commentators taking aim at what they perceive as a "nasty threat" to the Royal Family. The paperback version of Spare hit bookshelves earlier this month, though it notably did not include new content-something many feared could reignite tensions between the Duke of Sussex and his family.
Royal historian Richard Fitzwilliams has been particularly vocal in his criticism, describing Prince Harry's previous claims about holding back 400 pages of sensitive material as a thinly veiled threat. "We know that 400 pages, according to Harry, were originally cut out because they were deemed too sensitive, which was obviously a nasty threat," Fitzwilliams remarked in an interview with GB News.
Despite this, Fitzwilliams expressed relief that the paperback version did not include any fresh revelations. He noted that, unlike the book's initial release earlier this year, Harry has refrained from giving interviews to promote the re-release, a marked departure from the media blitz that accompanied the memoir's original publication. Fitzwilliams welcomed this silence, saying, "At least the paperback didn't include anything new, and there's been no interviews-both of which are a relief."
The original publication of Spare made headlines worldwide for its candid and sometimes scathing portrayals of the Royal Family, particularly Prince Harry's strained relationship with his brother, Prince William. The memoir detailed several private moments between the two, further deepening the public's awareness of their ongoing rift.
The re-release comes at a time when Prince Harry has been navigating his professional ventures largely apart from his wife, Meghan Markle. Fitzwilliams noted this shift, saying, "Whenever they're silent or doing their own thing, and recently doing it quite successfully solo, we wonder where all this will lead." The royal commentator hinted at the ongoing intrigue surrounding Harry's future projects, especially as he continues to operate independently from his former royal role.
However, while Prince Harry remains largely silent, his brother Prince William has taken a notable step forward by mentioning Harry publicly for the first time in several years. In an upcoming ITV documentary titled Prince William: We Can End Homelessness, the Prince of Wales reflects on a childhood visit to a homeless shelter with their mother, Princess Diana, and Harry. This public acknowledgment has fueled speculation about the possibility of reconciliation between the brothers.
Fitzwilliams remarked on the significance of William's mention of Harry, calling it "extraordinary" given the depth of their ongoing rift. "It's part of William's drive against homelessness and trying to help the homeless, which, of course, is admirable," he said. "But just mentioning Harry, it's quite extraordinary, given how deep the rift is."
The ITV documentary, which focuses on William's efforts to address homelessness, touches on their childhood experiences with their mother, a pivotal figure in their lives. William, now the heir to the throne, spoke of how Diana's compassion for the homeless had left a lasting impact on both him and Harry. "She took Harry and I both there-I must have been about 11, I think, probably... Maybe 10. I'd never been to anything like that before," William says in the documentary.
Though the mention of Harry is brief and in the context of a childhood memory, it has been interpreted by some as a sign that William may be open to mending his relationship with his younger brother. However, Fitzwilliams remains cautious, pointing out that while the mention is significant, it remains to be seen whether it will lead to any tangible change in their relationship. "What it would lead to, if it leads to anything, is the huge question mark, obviously," he said.
The Duke of Sussex's relationship with his family has been under intense public scrutiny since he and Meghan Markle stepped back from royal duties in 2020. The publication of Spare earlier this year only intensified that spotlight, with its candid revelations about his personal struggles and fraught familial relationships. While Harry has found success in solo projects, including his work with the Invictus Games and various media ventures, the ongoing tensions with his family remain a source of fascination for the public.
