PRINCE Harry is currently dominating the news following the release of his memoir, ‘Spare’ yesterday (Tuesday, January 10).
The book gives a detailed account of Harry’s rift with his family, his decision to leave his royal role in 2020 and how he felt growing up without his mother, Princess Diana.
His autobiography was confirmed yesterday to be the fastest-selling non-fiction book ever, recording figures of 400,000 copies so far across hardback, eBook and audio formats on its first day of publication.
Owner of Linghams Bookshop in Heswall, Sue Porter, spoke to the Globe about her thoughts and opinions on the book.
She said: “I genuinely feel sorry for this guy and there are several reasons for that.
“Reading the book, watching the documentary and his interviews, there’s a real deep-rooted sadness through the whole thing.
“He was deeply traumatised by the death of his mother. He said he has no memories whatsoever prior to the death of his mother, it’s obviously PTSD, which has affected the rest of his life as far as I’m concerned.”
Sue went on to discuss reading about his relationships with his father, King Charles III and his brother William, Princes of Wales.
She said: “His relationship with his dad, even though it is very loving, is deeply estranged. There is a distance there.
“His relationship with William I found had a lot of sibling rivalry even down to William’s wedding and there are a few shockers there.”
READ > ‘We just want to be listened to’ – Wirral ambulance workers strike in pay dispute
Throughout the book, Harry talks about the paparazzi and the effects it has had on him, his family and how it also affected his mum, Princess Diana.
Sue added: “People say he lives a beautiful life, but he lived in a gilded cage.
“From years ago, he talks about Tweedledum and Tweedledumber and how they are aggressive and how they jump out behind cars.
“That is all in the past, but from his interviews now, there is still press intrusion. It certainly grabbed my heartstrings.”
Harry reveals many secrets about himself, which include using drugs, specifically weed and cocaine, and also losing his virginity to an older woman.
Sue said: “I felt a little bit uncomfortable reading it if I’m honest, I was thinking ‘why are you telling us this?’ but I didn’t feel like he needed to put it in.
“Talking about the drugs as well, it was oversharing, and I thought ‘Harry why are you doing this?’.”
Looking to the future, Sue explained that she thinks Harry is still suffering the loss of his mother and needs help.
She said: “Somebody needs to step up to the mark, get hold of him and say stop now, you’ve done enough.
“I think he needs help; I genuinely think he needs someone somewhere to help him.
“He is airing a lot of information that really shouldn’t be for the general public’s eyes, but blood is thicker than water and there is always hope.
“It’s a fascinating tale, and you do see the other side, but it definitely comes across as a gilded cage and my god he is grieving his mum.”
Linghams can be found at 248 Telegraph Rd, Heswall, Wirral CH60 7SG
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community – a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Last Updated:
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?
This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation’s Editors’ Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then please contact the editor here. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here
© 2001-2023. This site is part of Newsquest’s audited local newspaper network. A Gannett Company. Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. HP10 9TY. Registered in England & Wales | 01676637 |
Data returned from the Piano ‘meterActive/meterExpired’ callback event.
As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles.
Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services.
These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience – the local community.
It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times.