Prince Harry's Memoir Title Is "At Best Cynical, At Worst Derogatory," Royal Expert Says
"Spare" is definitely not the *best* way to describe yourself.


Prince Harry's much-anticipated memoir finally has a) a release date, b) a title, and c) a cover.
SPARE will be released on Jan. 10, 2023, featuring the Duke of Sussex' serious face in close up—a series of revelations which caused a not-insignificant amount of emotional unrest in my life yesterday. (I am never overdramatic.)
Almost immediately, Big Opinions began to emerge about that incredible title in particular. It's certainly arresting, and commentators disagree as to what it tells us about what to expect in terms of content.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams is concerned that this will be a bitter account of the prince's life.
"This is not a book that should have been published, certainly not in the early months of his father King Charles’s reign," Fitzwilliams told Express.
"When someone refers to themselves as a 'spare,' it is, at best, cynical, and at worst derogatory.
"As a future Queen, it was sometimes said, Diana’s duty was to produce an 'heir and a spare.'
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
"Harry’s choice of title, published almost two years to the day when the Sussexes announced they were stepping back only subsequently to step down as senior working royals, is ominous."
I have to say, I'm inclined to agree. Even though the "spare" appellation is meant as a tongue-in-cheek concept, who would want to be widely regarded as the supporting character for their sibling?
Fitzwilliams continued, "The rift between the brothers is unlikely to be healed by this book. Did he, we will wonder, feel overshadowed as the title suggests?
"He will probably give interviews and there will undoubtedly be serialisations and probably a good deal of controversy. With a title like this, the Palace will be very worried."
For his part, body language expert and royal commentator Andy Coley sees the title as a more factual and positive one.
"It’s a great title," Coley tells Marie Claire.
"'The heir and the spare' is a very evocative title, and also it sums up his royal role. He isn’t in direct line to the throne BUT a substitute should anything have happened to William before he had kids (or if anything happened to his entire family).
"It also connects to expressions such as 'feeling like a spare part’ or not being used, much like 'the spare room.' We joke in our house that I’m my stepson's 'sparerent.'
"In essence, like a spare tire or spare change of clothes, he's the backup to the line of succession for a throne. Something you have if you can but hope you don't need!"
Well, I don't know about you, but I don't love feeling like I'm not needed!!!
But for Coley, this title is less about airing dirty laundry and more about what will sell the memoir to readers.
"I think it's very factually true to be honest, and of course designed to be provocative to ensure people read it," he explains.
"You spend your life in the limelight, never quite the main event, but always the understudy.
"Understudies still have the learn the lines, they still get paid, they just wait in the wings, ready in case they're needed. Hardly hard down by, but simply the life of a 'second child' of the monarch."
Of course, it's not always easy to feel sorry for Prince Harry, who was born into one of the wealthiest and most powerful families in the world. Still, though, I have to ask whether feeling like an understudy all your life is likely to lead to happiness and fulfilment. I suppose we will have answers soon enough. Can it be Jan. 10 already????
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and SELF. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
The Hottest Person You Know Is Probably Wearing This Unusual Perfume for Spring
The season’s new signature scent.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Sydney Sweeney Glows in an Anti-Bridal Corset Dress
The newly single star looked snatched in Wiederhoeft.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Princess Beatrice Is Following in the Footsteps of a Surprising Royal
The second-time mom has an incredible example in this regal figure.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince Harry and Prince William "Hated" Princess Diana's One Tactic to Show How They Were "Equal"
Former royal butler Paul Burrell said "the boys didn’t like that and they didn’t understand."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Exclusive: How Prince Harry and Prince William Honored Princess Diana on Mother's Day
"Their mother was paramount in their life," former royal butler Paul Burrell tells 'Marie Claire.'
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Meghan Markle Reveals Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet's Adorable Mother's Day "Family Tradition"
The Duchess of Sussex shared the sweet way her family celebrates the special occasion.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Harry Was Allegedly Crushed When Prince William Received "Special Treatment" as a Child, Says Royal Butler
"Poor Harry's face across the table," Princess Diana's former butler recalled.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Harry Wasn't Informed About King Charles's Hospitalization as Palace Didn't Want to "Cause Unnecessary Alarm"
"It looks like the duke only found out about his father's latest health update through the media."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Why Prince Harry Is So "Torn Apart" Over Resigning From His Charity
The Duke of Sussex co-founded Sentebale in honor of his mother in 2006.
By Lia Beck Published
-
New Prince Archie Photo Proves He Takes After Dad Prince Harry in Two Very Important Ways
Father and son have much more in common than their vibrant red hair.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle Shared a Rare Video Filmed by Prince Harry on Instagram
And she used her nickname for him in the shoutout she wrote in the video's caption.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published