Why is ‘Spare so controversial?
Prince Harry’s controversial, but highly anticipated tell-all memoir. SpareThe book, in which he made claims against senior members the royal family, became a bestseller within one week of its release.
The memoir set new sales records in non-fiction books by selling 1.43 million copies within its first day of being available for sale in the UK and U.S.
In weeks leading up to the release of his book, Prince Harry revealed in an interview how King Charles III considered him as a “spare” son—hence, the title of the book—since his elder brother Prince William would be the heir to the throne.
Moreover, the book lifts the lid on life as a royal that hasn’t been done before—Prince Harry writes about his relationship with his father, the challenges of growing up in the public eye, and the readers bear witness to the love story between the Duke and the Duchess of Sussex.
Carolyn Harris, a Lecturer at the University of Toronto, and expert on royal families, says that “Spare” was an attempt by Prince Harry to take control of the narrative and add his perspective.
He refers to the media narrative throughout the book and how he feels that some of it has been unfair or untrue. He just wants his own perspective and to show how important it is for him to do this. There are moments where he’s revealing very personal moments involving his family—and that’s where I think the controversy arises.Carolyn Harris, University of Toronto lecturer and royal family expert
She said that Harry’s memoir has caused some controversy. “Harry’s memoir does not contain moments in which he talks about himself. But when he starts speaking of other people, and whether that’s a violation or not.”
Harris claims that controversy over the book is also a result of the fascination the world has with palace life and what it was like growing up as a member the royal family.
“As a royal, one of the most difficult things is that you are always in the public’s eye since your childhood. Harris says Harry has many memories that he shares with others.
Since Harry’s book was published, journalists have pointed out numerous factual errors. Harry claimed that he was at Eton when he learned that his great-grandmother, Queen Mother, had died in March 2002. This was one of the first mistakes to be noticed by readers.
Photos from the days leading up to the Queen Mom’s death and the day afterward showed that the prince was actually on a ski trip in Switzerland at the time.
Another recent error surfaced when Harry claimed that he offered to buy his wife Meghan Markle’s father, Thomas Markle, a first class ticket from Mexico to the UK on Air New Zealand.
Air New Zealand spokesperson said the contrary. New Zealand Herald Recent that the airline has “never operated flights” between Mexico and Great Britain They offer Business Premier fares only, and not first.
“Many public figures writing memoirs about childhood are comparatively unnoticed by the media. Harry, however, was able to relate his childhood to Harry’s. The Truman ShowHe felt like he had seen his life unfold before him. Harris adds, “That is why the memoir attracts even more scrutiny because the public have seen him grow up.”
A major reason many people have strong opinions about this book is because Princess Diana’s popularity today in the media and her impact on Prince Harry’s death.
The life and legacy of Princess Diana has very much been part of popular culture—especially lately with the popularity of The Crown Netflix and the movie “Spencer”, starring Kristen Stewart have brought her back into the spotlight.
It is clear that Harry always thinks about his mother. This was very hard for him. His mother died at such an early age. Harry is able to see his own losses in the context of his mother’s death. This is what we keep seeing. Even though William and Kate are celebrating their wedding, it should be a happy occasion, Harry still thinks about his mom’s funeral.Carolyn Harris, University of Toronto lecturer and royal family expert
Harry has many friends who are sympathetic and empathetic. There are times when he does not always take responsibility for his actions. She adds that it has been both polarizing and very parallel.
Harris believes that Harris’ memoir will have a major impact on future discussions about the royal family, and will bring Prince William and his children into the limelight.
“So, there will likely be some discussion and debate over whether Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte should work as royals or have more career options. Harris states that instead of waiting for these situations to unfold, it may be possible to plan more ahead about whether Charlotte or Louie, when they reach adulthood, will pursue full-time royal lives or if we’ll be taking back royal duties.
All sales records broken in Canada, USA, and UK by “Spare”,
According to Guinness World Records“Spare”, which sold 1.43 Million copies in the UK, Canada and USA, broke the record for Barack Obama’s fourth book. A Promised Land (2020), which sold 887 000 copies its first day.
Even Canada! Spare sold 40% more copies online on release day than Indigo’s previous record holder, Barack Obama’s A Promised Land.
Spare was also the #1 term searched on Indigo’s website Jan. 10, and it became Indigo’s fastest-selling nonfiction title in its history.