Prince Harry's controversial memoir, Spare, has earned a title it likely was not aiming for, as it has been named the "most traded-in autobiography" for the second consecutive year. The accolade, reported by book resale website We Buy Books, underscores the shifting reception of the memoir that once shattered records as the fastest-selling non-fiction book upon its release in January 2023.
"For the second year running, Prince Harry's Spare is the most traded-in biography of 2024. This year, we purchased a total of 567 copies," a spokesperson for We Buy Books revealed. Readers trading in their copies are being offered £3.77 per book, despite its retail price being reduced to £8.99 in major stores like Waterstones.
When Spare first hit shelves, it sold millions of copies globally, driven by explosive revelations about the British royal family. In the book, Harry detailed strained relationships with his father, King Charles III, and his brother, Prince William. He accused William of calling Meghan Markle "difficult," "rude," and "abrasive" and alleged that his father barred Meghan from accompanying him to Scotland during Queen Elizabeth II's final moments. These candid disclosures ignited widespread public debate and further strained Harry's relationship with the royal family.
Despite its commercial success, Spare has failed to maintain long-term resonance with readers. Since its release, criticism has mounted, and many have questioned the motivations behind the book's intimate revelations. Additionally, the re-release of Spare in paperback format this October added no new content, dampening expectations among fans who had hoped for updates or fresh insights.
The book's controversial nature has led to enduring scrutiny of Prince Harry's personal life. Notably, the memoir includes admissions of past drug use, including marijuana, cocaine, and psychedelic mushrooms. This disclosure raised legal questions in the United States, where visa applications inquire about drug use. In 2023, the conservative Heritage Foundation filed a lawsuit seeking the release of Harry's immigration records to determine whether he had disclosed this information. However, U.S. Judge Carl Nichols ruled in September that the public had no compelling interest in accessing the records.
The continued trading in of Spare comes as Prince Harry's relationship with the royal family remains fractured. He is reportedly not on speaking terms with King Charles III or Prince William. Furthermore, Harry was notably absent from the royal family's Christmas celebrations in Sandringham, an event described by royal expert Jennie Bond as "deeply meaningful" for the King. This exclusion has been interpreted as a sign of the ongoing tension between Harry and his family.
The backlash against Spare contrasts sharply with its initial reception. Richard Osman, a bestselling author, commented on its financial success during his podcast, stating, "The book that [Prince] Harry wrote, it's impossible to overestimate how much money that has made. It's been one of the most successful books, the fastest-selling non-fiction book of all time." Harry reportedly earned up to £22 million ($27 million) from the memoir.
While the memoir's revelations made headlines worldwide, its long-term reception reveals a more complicated picture. Readers and critics alike appear divided, with some appreciating its candor and others feeling it crossed boundaries. The growing number of trade-ins, however, suggests waning interest in the book as time passes.
