Prince Harry Will Be Releasing ‘Intimate’ Memoir About His Life As A Royal

Jul 20, 2021

Prince Harry will be releasing an "intimate" memoir that he calls "wholly truthful." The memoir will be published by Penguin Random House and will be released in late 2022. Harry made a statement about his decision on July 19, 2021, and the book will be covering his life from his childhood in the public eye to his marriage to Meghan Markle and his role as a father. The financial details of this venture have not been disclosed, but Penguin Random House noted Harry will be donating all proceeds to charity.

The royal family has not yet made a statement about Harry's decision to release a memoir. Since Harry's move to the United States, he has been more candid and outspoken about his life as a royal and his dislike for it.

Harry and Meghan announced to the world on Jan. 8, 2020, that they would step down as senior working members of the British royal family, in a move popularly dubbed "Megxit." By Spring of 2020, the transition was complete and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were no longer carrying out royal duties. With the couple finally settled in Montecito, California, they have taken the opportunity to speak out about their experiences as royals. 

However, Harry and Meghan's decision to open up about their experiences has led to a rift between the Sussexes and other royal family members. The falling out has been especially prominent between Harry and his brother Prince William, as well as his father Prince Charles. It is likely that Harry's book deal may not be welcomed by the rest of the royal family. 

In an online announcement, Penguin Random House wrote, "Penguin Random House is honored to announce that it will publish a forthcoming memoir by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex."

The statement continued, "In an intimate and heartfelt memoir from one of the most fascinating and influential global figures of our time, Prince Harry will share, for the very first time, the definitive account of the experiences, adventures, losses, and life lessons that have helped shape him."

The company concluded their statement, "Covering his lifetime in the public eye from childhood to the present day, including his dedication to service, the military duty that twice took him to the frontlines of Afghanistan, and the joy he has found in being a husband and father, Prince Harry will offer an honest and captivating personal portrait, one that shows readers that behind everything they think they know lies an inspiring, courageous, and uplifting human story." 

Harry also released a statement to the website, "I’m writing this not as the prince I was born but as the man I have become. I’ve worn many hats over the years, both literally and figuratively, and my hope is that in telling my story—the highs and lows, the mistakes, the lessons learned—I can help show that no matter where we come from, we have more in common than we think." 

Harry added that he was grateful for the opportunity to give people "a firsthand account of my life that’s accurate and wholly truthful." CNN reported that all proceeds from the book will be donated to charity by Harry.  

Harry and Meghan have been using their platform to speak out about the challenges they have faced while they were senior working members of the royal family. On March 7, 2021, Meghan and Harry sat down for a tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey that not only touched upon their lives post-Megxit but also revealed some of the struggles and issues the couples had surrounding Meghan marrying into the family, their son Archie and more.

The interview also covered the familiar topic of mental health, harkening back to Harry's mother Princess Diana, who was very outspoken on the topic. Meghan critiqued the British monarchy as an institution, Harry talked about relationship tensions with his father and brother, and together, the pair discussed personal security. Since the big interview, even more information about Harry's feelings on the royal family has come out.

In Harry's interview with Dax Shephard on the "Armchair Expert" podcast on May 13, 2021, he spoke candidly about his experience as being born into the royal family. He described life as a royal as a mix between "'The Truman Show,' and being in a zoo." Harry also revealed that he had previously thought about leaving his royal duties behind, even as early as in his 20s, before he met Meghan. He said the thought of leaving came after he was told to "grin and bear" his problems and just "get on with it." 

Harry also helped to co-create the Apple TV+ docu-series "The Me You Can't See," which premiered on May 21, 2021. According to Harper's Bazaar, the show was created in partnership with over a dozen mental health professionals ranging in different specialties as an advisory board for the docuseries.

Will you be reading the memoir that Prince Harry will release? What are your thoughts about Harry's decision? Tell us about them, and be sure to pass this news onto others who may not know yet.