PRINCE Harry begged his pals and ex-girlfriends to feature in his bombshell memoir Spare, sources claim.
The Duke of Sussex’s former flames and mates were left “stunned” when Harry asked them to speak to his ghost-writer JR Moehringer, it is understood.
Harry begged his pals and ex-girlfriends to feature in his bombshell memoir Spare, sources claim
Harry and his ex Cressida Bonas at a charity event
Harry in army uniform with his ex Chelsy Davy in 2010
And it emerged Harry had to submit his new book more than once before publishers accepted it — sparking fears it has been “sexed up” with revelations that will rock the royals.
A publishing source said it is understood Harry was paid an advance to write the book and then a second instalment on delivery of “an acceptable” manuscript.
Harry — who lives in a Californian mansion with Meghan, 41, and their children Archie, three, and Lilibet, one — got in touch and former girlfriends over the summer.
His former girlfriends include Chelsy Davy, 37, and actress Cressida Bonas, 33, but it is not known if he approached them.
However, it is understood former close associates were stunned to be asked to speak about the most intimate areas of his life, relationships and upbringing.
At least one sent Harry packing — stunned that, after being ordered for years never to speak to the media, they were then asked to contribute to the book.
A source said: “Harry did reach out. Friends and girlfriends were polite and said they would think about it but ultimately most said No.
“It was felt to be kind of ironic that Harry would hit the roof if he ever had an inkling they spoke to the media, but now he wants them to when he needs their help.”
Spare – a dig over his position in Prince William’s shadow – was this week given a release date of January 10 after being delayed by the Queen’s death.
It was originally due out this year as part of a £35million book deal, of which Harry has been given an advance of £17.5million.
So it has mised missed the lucrative US Thanksgiving and Christmas markets.
Publishers Penguin Random House have refused to comment, but it is understood Harry, 38, was asked to “revisit” several aspects.
That will raise concerns at Buckingham Palace that the book could re-ignite rows including royal racism claims, as well as include criticism of senior royals including King Charles and Camilla.
A source said: “The book has been back and forth between Harry and JR Moehringer and the publishers a few times.
“They wanted more than was in the first draft, and then Harry wanted to refine things after the Queen passed away.
ROYAL RIFT
“But there has been extra toing and froing that people don’t know about. This is because the publishers wanted more areas covered and more detail on some things that were already included.
“There is a real concern that that means Harry has had to sex up the book and include revelations that even he might not even be that comfortable with.”
There are fears he will expand on the claim he and Meghan made to Oprah Winfrey that a family member questioned what their son Archie’s skin colour would turn out to be.
The way the book has been promoted has also raised worries about what he has to say about mum Diana’s treatment.
The source added: “That could include hurtful criticism.”
The Royal family are bracing for more “truth bombs” amid fears Harry will go “fully rogue” in the memoir, sparking “drastic” retaliation from King Charles.
And now, sources have suggested Harry wrote the book because he can’t spend his life trying to please the Royals.
One insider told The Celeb Reportday Telegraph: “You can’t kind of always live your life trying to make your family or your siblings happy.
“You have to choose your own happiness.”
They said the book will “take aim” at members of the Firm – including the King – when Harry addresses “genetic pain and suffering”.
It comes after a royal expert claimed King Charles could strip Prince Harry and Meghan Markle of their royal titles over the “bombshell” book.
MUM BOD
I took my beauty for granted until I became a mum - pregnancy was humbling
Harry is understood to have barely spoken to his brother Prince William since news of the memoir emerged.
And any rift is set to be compounded should Harry return to Britain to promote his explosive memoir.
Harry lives in a Californian mansion with Meghan, 41, and their children Archie, three, and Lilibet, one
Harry’s memoir Spare promises ‘raw, unflinching honesty’
The Duke of Sussex’s memoir Spare promises ‘raw, unflinching honesty’
