Prince Harry told the Royal Family he was writing a memoir, but did the Queen know what it would entail?
Though Prince Harry has long made subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) jabs against his Royal Family, things came to a head when his memoir came out. So far, many quotes have come from "sources" that often go unnamed, and even Harry and Meghan Markle's interviews (and Netflix series) haven't necessarily exposed the whole story.
Thus, Harry's memoir promised bombshells. Though it's been said that the Queen was concerned about Harry and Meghan's interview, the memoir seems to be much worse in terms of Royal Family PR. The question is, then, did the Queen know what Harry was putting in his book?
Not everyone is convinced that Harry's memoir was actually "leaked," but regardless, plenty of details came out before the book was officially launched. Unfortunately, none of it was good for the Crown.
The book even contained accusations against Prince William, who's said to be struggling with the drama and bad press.
It's not the first time Harry and Meghan have spoken up about perceived slights against them, or uncomfortable scenarios during their time as Royals.
At this point though, some wondered whether Harry had waited until his grandmother passed away to publish his book. Did she know about his plans for the contents, and did she disapprove?
In 2021, Penguin Random House announced that Harry's memoir would be forthcoming. The publicity at that point centered on the ways Harry's book would tell about his experiences, his life, and ultimately, his truth.
But while People confirmed that Harry gave his family a "heads up" about the book, he didn't need his grandmother's approval.
Prince Harry did seem to go against the family's motto, though, as he elaborated, "You know, the family motto is 'never complain, never explain' … it's just a motto and it doesn't really … hold."
Sadly, the family apparently wasn't supportive of Harry's life decisions, though they publicly released a statement saying they would always love Harry and Meghan.
Harry spoke about the family's reaction to him stepping down as a Royal, saying, "It was terrifying to have my brother scream and shout at me, and my father say things that simply weren't true and my grandmother quietly sit there and sort of take it all in."
Harry's description of the Queen's non-reaction might hint at how she would have received his memoir, too.
But although his memoir might be the most dramatic, at least in recent years, Harry isn't the first Royal to write one.
Prince Harry dropped tons of accusations in Spare, but Edward, Duke of Windsor, who abdicated as King to marry a divorcee, also released a memoir at one point.
The Duke of Windsor's autobiography came out seven decades before Harry's, and it had a similar effect on the public as Harry's did in modern times.
Edward ascended the throne prior to deciding to marry Wallis Simpson, so opting to marry her required him to abdicate.
While the circumstances are vastly different than that of Harry's, who was so far down the line to inheriting the throne that there's little chance he would ever need to step up, their feelings about the Royal rules and requirements might be similar.
After Harry and Meghan stepped down from their royal duties, the family dynamic seemed to change, even publicly. Though to the public, statements were supportive toward the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, rumblings of discontent ran rampant.
In Harry's own words, his father was unhappy with him, there was a rift between him and his brother, and his wife and kids weren't necessarily accepted by the extended family.
At this point, though, it doesn't seem as if things could necessarily get worse for Harry and Meghan.
King Charles may not come across as naturally as the Queen did in the face of controversy, and he might have different thoughts about Harry's future in public view.
In fact, some sources suggest that King Charles was waiting to review Spare before making a final decision on whether to give Harry and Meghan's kids, Archie and Lilibet, formal titles.
Technically, the kids would have the titles His/Her Royal Highness Prince/Princess, but as Marie Claire noted, King Charles ultimately has the power to change how titles are awarded.
Buckingham Palace did not make a formal statement on the matter, however, so it's entirely speculation at this point whether Harry's memoir or his other comments will impact his children's ability to receive royal titles.
Marie Claire did note that King Charles seemed to want the Sussexes to attend his coronation, and an unnamed "source" confided that Charles has suggested the "door will always be left ajar" in terms of a reconciliation being possible.
Lane is a writer who loves entertainment and media and watches as many movies as she reads books. She loves a good story, even if she has to write it herself.