Prince Harry is re-releasing his explosive autobiography Spare, but publishers say that, unusually, it will not be updated to include events since its original publication. Royal experts say the family will likely be relieved by the news. The book, published in January last year, caused a storm in the UK and drove a wedge between the Prince and his brother, Prince William. The previously close brothers are reportedly no longer in touch.
Harry’s decision to publish a tell-all account of life inside the highly regulated British Monarchy was met with horror in Britain, and Harry lost vast swathes of public support. He told several private stories about the brothers’ childhood, including events surrounding their mother’s death. Princess Diana died in a car crash in Paris in 1997, and Harry wrote that his father didn’t hug him when he broke the devastating news.
In an equally explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey, Prince Harry and his American wife Meghan Markle described a rigid and emotionally cold environment inside the ancient British institution. They also complained of racist remarks from family members, costing them even more public support. The UK’s media was fierce, with some journalists accused Harry of betraying his country. Social media revealed significant public anger with the Prince, especially considering the age and failing health of the much-loved Queen Elizabeth.
Ipsos polling in May found that Harry’s popularity has collapsed, with just 31% of the UK public viewing him favorably. The Prince is in tenth place in the ranking, with only Meghan Markle and disgraced Jeffrey Epstein associate Prince Andrew ranking lower. Princess of Wales Kate Middleton has replaced the late Queen as Britain’s favorite Royal, with her husband and future King Prince William in second place.
The Queen’s only daughter, Princess Anne, comes in third place, with her brother King Charles behind her in fourth. Surveys also show that most of the British public want to keep the Monarchy in place, and only 28% would prefer to transition into a Republic. Additionally, the percentage of the public backing the Monarchy has increased by 5% to 60% since 2023.