A big and contentious decision that might further sour Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s already shaky relationship with the British Royal Family is apparently about to happen. There is much conjecture over the Duke of Sussex’s possible publication of a follow-up autobiography, a move that some experts caution might be seen as “throwing themselves under the bus.”
A Possible Afterthought to Spare
“Spare,” the first memoir, was released in January 2023 by Penguin Random House. It garnered international attention, breaking records as the fastest-selling non-fiction book in the UK, and reputedly brought in almost £22 million for Prince Harry. He gave a very intimate and often critical account of his time in the Royal Family in the book, which did not present the monarchy in the best possible light.
“Spare” caused further distance between Harry and his family, even if it was financially successful. Recently, there have been whispers about a second book, which has royal pundits speculating about the possible consequences. In an interview with Sky News Australia, Pandora Forsyth stressed the dangers of writing a second book. As she put it, “I don’t see why they would do a follow-up, given that they’re now financially independent on very, very good terms because ‘Spare’ did so well initially.” To do so would be, in terms of trust, almost like throwing oneself under the bus.”
An Additional Unpredictable Fact in Meghan’s Memoir
There are also suggestions that Meghan Markle may write and publish her own book, which adds even another level of conjecture. Meghan has been a divisive figure ever since joining the Royal Family, and the public would surely be very interested in hearing her point of view. But it may exacerbate things even more, similar to Harry’s possible second book.
In interviews like the contentious one with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021, Meghan’s experiences—including her assertions that she feels neglected and unsafe by the Royal institution—have already been well recorded. She would have a platform to go even farther into her story with a book, maybe exposing fresh and contentious information.
Additional Effects on the Royal Family
The problems of the contemporary media environment have been faced by the Royal Family, which is renowned for its heritage of prudence and stoicism. In a time when social media and candid interviews rule the news cycle, the popular perception of the monarchy has come under closer scrutiny. The couple’s open chats in the media and the disclosures from “Spare” have already presented serious PR difficulties for the Royal family.
The Royal Family could be forced to answer more explicitly than they have in the past if Meghan writes a memoir or publishes a second book. Though historically the monarchy has followed the maxim “never complain, never explain,” sustained public scrutiny may require a shift in tactics. In order to be relevant and continue to enjoy popular support, the Royal Family will need to be able to adjust to these contemporary problems.
