Spare

Spare is a memoir by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex. The book was ghostwritten by J. R. Moehringer and first published in January 2023. The memoir’s title highlights Prince Harry’s position as Prince Charles’s “Spare” (i.e., contingency heir), in contrast to Prince William’s role as “Heir.” The narrative recounts the prince’s struggle to come to terms with his mother’s death and his pursuit of love and purpose. Outlining his reasons for breaking with the royal family and leaving Britain, Prince Harry highlights the restrictions of royal life, the effects of press harassment, and his strained relationships with his father and brother. The memoir’s tone is frank, informal, and matter-of-fact.

This guide refers to the 2023 Transworld eBook edition.

Content Warning: The book (and this guide) reference death by suicide.

Plot Summary

The Prologue is set in 2021, after Prince Phillip’s funeral. Prince Harry meets with Prince Charles and Prince William, who don’t understand his reasons for leaving the royal family and moving to California. Harry considers his reasons too complicated to articulate.

Part 1 covers Prince Harry’s life between 1997 and 2006. On August 31, 1997, he learns his mother is dead.