Why is ‘Spare so controversial?
Prince Harry’s long-awaited controversial memoir of tell-all, SpareWithin a week of its publication,, in the which he made accusations against senior members of royal family, was already a bestseller.
The memoir broke all records for nonfiction book sales and sold 1.43million copies in its first day of sale in the UK, U.S.A, and Canada.
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 references the news narrative and how he feels it was unfair or false throughout the book. He simply wants to share his perspective and show that he believes it is important to do so. 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, Royal Family Expert
She added that Harry’s memoirs are not always about him, but the times when he begins to speak of others and whether it’s a violation their privacy.
Harris claims that controversy over the book is also a result of the fascination the world has with palace life and the experience of growing up in the royal household.
“One of the greatest challenges for royals is being in the public eye since childhood. Harris says that Harry’s memories are not the only ones shared. Harris adds that there are many others with a different perspective.
Since Harry’s book’s release, many factual errors have been pointed out by journalists. Harry claimed that he was at Eton in March 2002 when he discovered his great-grandmother, The Queen Mother, had passed away. This is one of many errors that caught the attention of 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.
A spokesperson for Air New Zealand said that the airline would not be able to confirm this. 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 who wrote memoirs about their childhood were not well-known. Harry, however, was able to relate his childhood to Harry’s. The Truman ShowHarris felt as though his life had been unfolding before him. Harris says that the memoir is more scrutinized because the public has seen Harris 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 or “Spencer”, starring Kristen Stewart, has brought her back to the limelight.
It is clear that Harry always thinks about his mother. This was very hard for him. He lost his mother so young. 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, Royal Family Expert
Harry is not alone. There are many people who sympathize with him. However, he is not always taking responsibility for his choices at all times. It’s been a very parallel book and very polarizing,” she says.
Harris believes that the memoir will have a significant impact on the discussions about the next generation royal family. It will also bring Prince William’s children to a greater spotlight.
“So, it’s likely that there will be discussion and debate about whether Princess Charlotte or Prince Louis should be working royals when they reach adulthood, or if they should have more choices in their career choice. Harris says that rather than waiting for such situations to happen, there might be proactive planning. Harris states, “Charlotte and Louie will either be living full-time royal lives when they are old or we’ll be stepping away from royal duties.”
All sales records broken in Canada, USA, and UK by “Spare”,
According to Guinness World Records“Spare”, which was published in the UK, Canada, USA, and other countries, sold 1.43M copies on its first day. This broke the record set by Barack Obama’s fourth novel. A Promised Land (2020), which was sold 887,000 copies in its first day.
Even Canada is safe 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 was the fastest-selling book of non-fiction Indigo’s History.