Book SummarySpare, by Prince Harry

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Spare

Prince Harry's dealings with the royal family and media entities

In his memoir, Prince Harry explores the complex and strained nature of his connections with his father, King Charles, and his brother, Prince William. The tension arises from Harry's deep-seated view of being just a supplementary part, a belief that he feels has defined his whole life and affected his interactions with family members, igniting the media's insatiable appetite for sensational stories about the royal family's private dynamics.

His relationship with his father was marked by competition and difficulties in effectively sharing feelings and thoughts.

Harry depicts a family dynamic characterized by rivalry and obstacles in exchanging information. The notion that one son was destined to ascend the throne while the other was merely a stand-in created a divide and feelings of bitterness, with William frequently showing irritation at the liberties his brother had, and Charles appearing to prefer the company of his partner over deepening his relationship with his sons.

William felt resentful towards Harry, perceiving that Harry's role as the spare heir allowed him more freedom.

The authors depict a palpable sense of resentment in William, stemming from his view that Harry, often referred to as "the Spare," enjoys broader freedoms. This tension is highlighted in the story, as William's annoyance surfaces when Harry engages in pursuits like the polar expedition, pursuits that William could not participate in due to his role as the heir to the throne. William harbored feelings of resentment that permeated his professional endeavors, taking exclusive credit for initiatives such as wildlife preservation on the African continent and preventing Harry from participating in these domains. The birth order and the role of the next in line significantly influenced their formative years and continued to influence their relationships with their parents and their journeys to adulthood.

Harry's tendency to rebel and engage in detrimental behavior stemmed partly from the continuous portrayal by his family and the press that his purpose was simply to support, rather than to be the primary successor. He describes a palpable sense of isolation and lack of support from William, particularly during media scandals like the Nazi costume incident. Harry perceived William's union with Kate as yet another form of separation, observing his brother evolve into someone more remote as their bond grew increasingly tense.

The aloof demeanor of Charles and his preference for Camilla's company gave rise...

Spare Summary Harry's exploration of his own identity, his struggles with mental health, and his pursuit of personal understanding.

The memoir details Prince Harry's continuous journey towards personal growth, his struggle with the sorrow of his mother's death, and his steadfast search for identity and meaning outside the predetermined path of his royal life. The memoir explores his battles with anxiety and lingering grief, and ultimately commends his decision to prioritize his family's well-being above all other considerations.

Prince Harry experienced a deep and challenging period of grief following his mother's passing, which led to times of quiet sorrow and a sense of emotional detachment.

Harry shares the story of his challenging path, revealing that his extended refusal to confront his sorrow led to periods of numbness and a significant reluctance to deal with the pain of losing his mother. He shares the story of how he clung to the mistaken notion that his mother, Diana, had merely disappeared, delaying his eventual reconciliation with her passing until a more advanced stage in his life.

Harry recounts the time after his mother's death as a blur filled with disbelief and a struggle to accept the reality of the loss. The overwhelming media attention during Diana's funeral only deepened his grief,...

Spare Summary The impact of the death of his mother and other significant life events

Princess Diana's death had a deep impact on his formative years, shaping his relationships and propelling him towards a life beyond the harsh glare of the royal spotlight. The book delves into the impact of losing significant others and how these losses influenced his perspective on existence.

After Diana's death, a profound sense of shock, insensitivity, and an almost dreamlike state permeated existence.

The authors vividly depict the period after Diana's death, marked by profound confusion and instances that involved grappling with the reality of the situation. They recount the moment their father, Charles, informed them of their mother's demise at Balmoral, and the subsequent days were marked by an internal battle with grief even as they maintained a facade of calmness.

Harry recalls struggling with his sorrow, clinging to the belief that Diana might still be alive, hidden from the public eye. He recounts a period in his life where he felt profoundly disconnected, a state that allowed him to perform everyday tasks while suppressing overwhelming emotional turmoil.

The media's intrusive actions deepened the public grief at Diana's funeral, amplifying Harry's...

Spare Summary Harry's tenure in the military and his responsibilities linked to his royal lineage

While serving in the armed forces, he experienced significant personal growth and attained a feeling of professional fulfillment. He discovered his passion in the military, excelling in demanding exercises and eventually cultivating a deep-seated passion for flying combat aircraft. He also embraced his role within the royal family, using his influential status to advocate for causes close to his heart and drawing on his personal experiences to create meaningful relationships with others.

Prince Harry's military service imbued him with a profound sense of belonging and purpose.

The writers depict their tenure in the military as a significant phase characterized by a profound sense of direction and community. Harry recounts that the rigorous demands of his training were lessened through the camaraderie and collective experiences with his peers, which introduced a novel sense of routine to his existence.

Harry details the rigorous path he embarked on, beginning with the essential physical and psychological challenges of initial training, and advancing to the mastery of specialized skills required for operating combat aircraft known as Apache helicopters. He underscores the...

Spare Summary Prince Harry's union with Meghan Markle and their decision to step back from their roles in the royal family

In his autobiography, Prince Harry recounts his profound love for his partner, depicting their union as a legendary love story. He recounts their meeting as an instance of deep resonance, an acknowledgment of two individuals with intricate lives finding a shared bond. Their bond is depicted as a powerful instrument for self-awareness and development, providing a foundation of fortitude and endurance amidst significant external challenges.

The immediate spark and deep connection they shared, defying geographical and cultural differences

The authors describe their initial meeting with Meghan as an instance where an instant connection and recognition transcended both geographic and cultural divides. Harry recounts being captivated by her vibrant spirit, her undeniable beauty, and her commitment to living authentically, forging a connection that transcended the limitations of their vastly different backgrounds.

Harry describes being instantly drawn to Meghan's energy and warmth, her refusal to be constrained by societal expectations or the pressures of his royal status. He describes their early exchanges as a rapid exchange of similar life stories, finding mutual interests in...