In the much-anticipated memoir titled “Spare,” Prince Harry divulges a physical altercation he claims to have experienced at the hands of his brother, now the Prince of Wales, William.
The book delves into the breakdown of their relationship following Harry’s marriage to actress Meghan Markle.
Recounting a heated confrontation at his London residence in 2019, Harry alleges that William referred to Meghan as “difficult,” “rude,” and “abrasive,” echoing what Harry perceives as a regurgitation of negative media portrayals of his wife.
According to Harry’s narrative, the disagreement escalated to a point where William allegedly grabbed him by the collar, tearing his necklace and forcefully pushing him to the ground, resulting in visible injuries to Harry’s back.
This extraordinary account, among many others in “Spare,” set for a global release next week, is expected to stir significant controversy within the British royal family.
Ahead of the book launch, amid tight security measures, The Guardian managed to obtain a copy of the memoir shedding light on the tumultuous relationship between the royal siblings.
The title of the book stems from an age-old adage in royal circles, highlighting the secondary status of a second-born child in comparison to the firstborn heir in terms of titles, power, and inheritance.
Within the pages of “Spare,” the altercation between Harry and William unfolds as a poignant moment, revealing the deep-seated tensions and misunderstandings between the two princes.
Harry describes how William arrived at Nottingham Cottage, where Harry was residing at the time, already agitated about the ongoing challenges surrounding their relationship and media scrutiny.
The encounter quickly turned confrontational as both brothers exchanged heated words.
As emotions ran high, Harry accused William of embodying the role of an heir, failing to grasp Harry’s perspective as the spare, leading to a barrage of insults and raised voices between them.
The situation reached a climax when William allegedly lashed out physically, prompting Harry to retreat to the kitchen in fear.
Despite attempts to de-escalate the situation, the altercation resulted in Harry being knocked to the floor amidst shards of a broken dog bowl.
Following the incident, William expressed remorse and offered a half-hearted apology before leaving.
However, the strain in their relationship lingered, with Harry reflecting on the fallout and his reluctance to share the details with Meghan immediately.
As the narrative unfolds, Harry delves into his complex feelings of resentment towards being viewed as the spare, tracing his journey from childhood to adulthood, encompassing pivotal moments such as his marriage to Meghan and their decision to step back from royal duties.
Through poignant recollections of intimate conversations with his late mother Princess Diana and his admiration for Queen Elizabeth II, Harry paints a candid portrait of his personal struggles and triumphs.
The memoir also touches on the couple’s departure from the royal family, detailing the rift that ensued and the subsequent media scrutiny surrounding their choices, including revelations of personal hardships faced by Meghan.
With interviews and teasers generating buzz ahead of its release, “Spare” promises to offer an unfiltered glimpse into Prince Harry’s tumultuous journey of self-discovery and resilience in the face of familial turmoil.
