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 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, Lecturer at The University of Toronto and royal family expert, said that “Spare”, is Prince Harry’s attempt to control the narrative and insert his own 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 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 world’s fascination about what happens behind palace doors, and what it’s like growing up as a member the royal family.
“One of your biggest challenges as a member or the royal family is being constantly in the public eye. 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 was published, journalists have pointed out numerous factual errors. Harry’s claim that he was in Eton school when he discovered his great-grandmother, The Queen Mother, had been killed in March 2002 was one of the first things to grab readers’ attention.
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 Recently 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, on the other hand, compared his upbringing to The Truman ShowHe felt like he had seen his life unfold before him. Harris says the memoir draws more attention because the public has seen Harris grow up.
One reason that many are strongly influenced by the book is Princess Diana’s popularity in today’s media and the impact her death had on Prince Harry.
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’s clear that Harry is always thinking of his mother. He said that it was difficult 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 and Royal Family Expert
Harry has many friends 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 states that rather than waiting for such situations to happen, there might be proactive planning. Harris suggests that Charlotte and Louie will either be living full-time royal lives when they are old or we’ll be stepping away from royal duties.
“Spare,” breaks all sales records in Canada and the US.
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 was sold 887,000 copies in 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.