The fact Prince Harry has even decided to do the book was controversial enough, the announcement that he’s agreed to call it SPARE feels like blatant confirmation he hasn’t held back.
Before we’ve even seen a word it feels like another provocative stab at the royal family, a reminder that he felt like he didn’t fit in, that he was an “other”, the one who didn’t matter as much because, unlike his brother Prince William, he wasn’t the heir.
The press release from the publishers again hints at that theme we’ve heard from both Harry and Meghan before, that they felt censored when they were part of the royal firm.
Now they’re unleashed, and the book looks likely to be another big step for them in setting the record straight and sharing their love story.
The publication date is interesting. We thought the publishers would want to capitalise on the Christmas market, instead we have to wait until January.
Maybe a hint that changes have been made since the Queen’s death?
Harry will also be keen to avoid any suggestions that he’s cashing in.
The book announcement sets out how he’s already given Sentebale, his HIV/Aids charity, $1,500,000 (£1,296,412) and £300,000 to WellChild, the charity that helps children with disabilities and complex needs, of which he is patron.
Of course, us, the media, will stoke some of that hype.
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As a palace insider said to me ahead of the Oprah interview: “Rhiannon, the hype is often bigger than the event.”
They were wrong about that; the fall-out was huge.
Maybe as a result Harry will be more circumspect and more careful about what he shares, but with the book billed as being “raw” and full of “revelation” it doesn’t appear that way, and as the publishers say: “For Harry, this is his story at last.”
