Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, has often drawn comparisons to his revered late mother, Princess Diana, in his endeavors to carve his own path within and outside the Royal Family. While both figures embarked on highly public journeys to share their personal narratives with the world, a notable distinction, particularly concerning their literary ventures, has been brought to light by royal observers.
Harry’s explosive memoir, ‘Spare’, published in 2023, sent significant ripples through the British monarchy and beyond. The book detailed his experiences, grievances, and perceptions of life within the Royal Family, contributing to widespread public discourse and, notably, to reported strains in his relationships with his father, King Charles, and elder brother, Prince William. This royal memoir became a global sensation, sparking intense debate about privacy, duty, and personal truth.
Conversely, Princess Diana, Princess of Wales, also sought to present her side of the story through the authorized biography, ‘Diana: Her True Story’. Penned by Andrew Morton with her discreet input, this book offered an unprecedented look into her life, struggles, and perspectives within the confines of royal life. It provided a poignant and often revealing account, shaping public understanding of her experiences and her unique connection with the public.
Both Prince Harry and Princess Diana demonstrated a profound desire to communicate their personal narratives, moving beyond the traditional stoicism often associated with the British monarchy. Their willingness to engage directly with the public through the written word marked a significant departure from historical royal precedents, reflecting a modern approach to transparency and self-expression within the Royal Family.
However, according to esteemed royal expert Robert Jobson, speaking on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show, a critical divergence lies in the financial aspect of their respective literary projects. Jobson emphasized that while Prince Harry reportedly garnered substantial financial benefits from ‘Spare’, particularly from its critiques of his family, Princess Diana’s involvement with ‘Diana: Her True Story’ was not driven by monetary gain.
Reports suggest that Prince Harry’s earnings from his widely discussed royal memoir could be as high as $27 million, a considerable sum that underscores the commercial success and public appetite for his story. This significant financial return for ‘Spare’ highlights a modern approach to personal storytelling that directly contrasts with the methods employed by his late mother in sharing her royal legacy.
This fundamental difference in approach—one driven by financial gain and the other by a desire for factual representation without direct monetization—illuminates distinct aspects of their public personas and their engagement with their personal histories. It offers a deeper understanding of the unique legacies Prince Harry and Princess Diana continue to forge within the Royal Family and public consciousness.
