PRINCE Harry appears to have sent shockwaves through the royal family with the news he is writing a tell-all book about his life.
He claimed in a statement the account of his life would be “accurate and wholly truthful”.
When will Prince Harry’s book be released?
No exact date has yet been given but it is timed for release in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
A first draft is nearly completed, with a likely publication at the end of 2022.
Prince Harry is said to be working with Pulitzer Prize-winner J R Moehringer, who has written memoirs for tennis legend Andre Agassi and Nike co-founder Phil Knight.
Harry signed with publisher Penguin Random House and will be donating any fee to charity after making tens of millions of dollars with Netflix and Spotify.
A title for the book or further details have not been released.
The publisher said it was an “honest” and “intimate” autobiography – sparking fears of more revelations after his Oprah interview with Meghan Markle accused the Royal Family of racism.
A blurb from the publisher Penguin Random House reads: “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 blurb says that the book will cover Harry’s “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”.
Read our Meghan and Harry live blog for the latest updates
It also promises “an honest and captivating personal portrait”.
Markus Dohle, CEO of Penguin Random House, said, “All of us at Penguin Random House are thrilled to publish Prince Harry’s literary memoir and have him join the world-renowned leaders, icons, and change-makers we have been privileged to publish over the years.
“Prince Harry has harnessed his extraordinary life experience as a prince, a soldier, and a knowledgeable advocate for social issues, establishing himself as a global leader recognized for his courage and openness.
“It is for that reason we’re excited to publish his honest and moving story.”
There were howls of derision from critics after biographer Omid Scobie tweeted that Prince Harry was “ready to tell his story”.
A spokesperson for Harry told the BBC that he “would not be expected to obtain permission for the project from Buckingham Palace”.
An audiobook version will also be released.
What is Prince Harry’s book about?
The Duke of Sussex has decided to write about his life even at the relatively tender age of 36.
Harry has promised to examine the “highs and lows” of his extraordinary life as royal, which culminated in his bitter “Megxit” split from the royal family.
In a statement from his £11million mansion in Montecito, California, Harry, 36, said: “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.
“I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to share what I’ve learned over the course of my life so far and excited for people to read a first-hand account of my life that’s accurate and wholly truthful.”
What has the Royal Family said about the book?
There has been little reaction from the royal family so far as a spokesman for Harry said he told his family including the Queen about the book only “very recently”.
But a source said: “Harry scrambled to contact his family only when he knew the story was coming out – just moments before it became public.”
Senior royals were blindsided by the news.
A source told the Mirror it had triggered a “tsunami of fear”, with Buckingham Palace terrified of more explosive claims about Harry and his wife Meghan’s life in the Firm.
Prince Charles was said to have been “surprised”.
Well-placed sources said Buckingham Palace officials had been unaware of the book.
It is not known if Harry — who met brother William at their mother Diana’s statue unveiling this month — previously told The Queen about it.
One said: “The Prince of Wales’s visit has been scheduled for 18 months. The Sussexes would have known that.
“It may not have been deliberate but it is another example of poor communication.
“Harry has been writing this memoir for a year but his family appear to have been kept in the dark.
“Harry’s decision to publish a book about the family is unprecedented.
“Clearly no fences were mended while he was visiting for the unveiling of Diana’s statue. If anything, relations between Harry and Charles appear to have got worse.”
A source said: “Harry scrambled to contact his family only when he knew the story was coming out- just moments before it became public.”
