By Rachel Muir For Mailonline
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Prince Harry releasing a sensational memoir so soon after the death of the Queen would be ‘tasteless’, ‘inappropriate’ and would ruin any chance of a family reconciliation, royal experts have said.
Harry, who is now fifth in line to the throne, is due to be releasing the hotly anticipated book in time for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.
But after the death of Her Majesty on Thursday, the future of the memoir has been thrown into disarray, with royal experts saying it would be a very bad look for him to publish anything controversial at this time.
Meanwhile, publishing sources have suggested that it may be pushed back to 2023 to allow Prince Harry time to write additional chapters on the passing of the Queen.
Royal expert Phil Dampier has suggested that despite Charles’s olive branch, the rift between the Sussexes and the rest of the Royal family is ‘as raw as ever’.
And Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said he never thought the book should have been written but for it to be published now, even with an additional chapter discussing the late Queen, would be ill-advised.
He said: ‘It is not a matter of a re-write, it’s a matter of a re-think.
‘Were it to be published, if it had anything sensational it would be tasteless.
‘It is a matter for him how he wants to be perceived. With a new reign it is natural that his loyalty is to his father who is very fond of him. What better way to show his loyalty than by postponing, even permanently, the memoir which never should have been linked to the Queen’s jubilee year.
Prince Harry (pictured returning to Windsor after the death of his grandmother) should demonstrate his loyalty to the new King by scrapping the memoir that he’d planned to bring out this year, a royal expert has said
‘I think it’s a very interesting situation now because we have got the King who sent love to them in his address so it is now up to the Sussexes to respond.
‘I think the King handled it very well because they got a mention and a very fond mention at that.’
Mr Fitzwilliams said the damage to Prince Harry’s reputation would naturally depend on what the book discusses, which is still a mystery.
‘But it would be inappropriate for him to publish anything that had any controversial content especially at this time,’ he said.
Mr Dampier said publishing the memoir would ruin any chance of a family reconciliation, adding: ‘If Harry makes things worse there is no way back for him. That would be a line crossed and Charles and William would find it hard to forgive him.’
But Mr Dampier said he has his doubts about whether the book will be dropped as Harry seems ‘very determined’. He also suggested that the Queen’s death could actually boost sales as it is increasing interest in the Royal Family around the world.
It is thought that the Duke of Sussex will discuss his feelings about his father’s relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles, now the Queen Consort.
But it seems that not even the King knows what could be revealed if the memoir was to be published.
Sources allege neither King Charles nor Prince William, or their attorneys and advisers, have been given the opportunity to preview any parts of the manuscript.
Richard Fitzwilliams said it is now up to the Sussexes to respond after King Charles sent his ‘love’ to them in his address to the nation last night (pictured)
The family has also received no specific information about the expected release date of the book, which is being published by Penguin Random House.
It was revealed in July that Harry and ghostwriter JR Moehringer had finished the book and the final manuscript had been signed off by lawyers. But now there might be a frantic re-write if the Prince does still intend to release the memoir this year.
According to Radar, a publishing expert has said that the book will be delayed to allow Harry time to write additional chapters to talk about the passing of the Queen.
‘They don’t want the book to be out of date before it’s even published,’ the source added. ‘It will also give Harry a chance to reflect on his thoughts about his father.’
Even before the Queen’s death, Page Six reported that publishers had been querying the immanency of the book’s release as it was still not available on Amazon or elsewhere for very important pre-sales.
One source told the website: ‘I have heard that Harry has some truth bombs in his book that he is debating on whether to include or not.’
It is unclear whether publication of Harry’s memoir will go ahead in light of the Queen’s death on Thursday. Pictured: Prince Harry with his grandmother the Queen in 2019
Penguin Random House has described the book as ‘a heartfelt memoir from one of the most fascinating and influential global figures of our time’.
The publisher’s website says: ‘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.
‘Covering his 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, Prince Harry will offer an honest and captivating personal portrait, one that shows readers that behind everything they think they know lies an inspiring, courageous, and uplifting human story.’
Prince Harry, who will be donating any proceeds to charity, said he hopes his story will ‘help show that no matter where we come from, we have more in common than we think’.
Penguin Random House has not yet released a statement on whether the explosive release will be delayed in light of Queen Elizabeth’s death. MailOnline has contacted the publisher for comment.
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