Since their departure from the royal fold, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been unreserved in sharing their perspective on events. As if the public thought they had gleaned all there was to know, Harry's memoir, "Spare," and the duo's Netflix documentary series have served up fresh revelations, leaving audiences intrigued and astonished. Spanning from the poignant account of how Prince Harry received news of Princess Diana's tragic demise to insider glimpses into recent tensions within the walls of Buckingham Palace, Meghan and Harry have divulged a series of startling facts.
Harry's Celebrity Friends
Given his marriage to a Hollywood actress, Harry's encounters with celebrities are perhaps unsurprising. Nevertheless, it is intriguing to imagine him mingling at Hollywood parties, considering his past admission of enjoying episodes of Friends, particularly "The One With Monica and Chandler's Wedding." He recounts visiting Courtney Cox's home in 2016, where he encountered an enigmatic figure he simply referred to as "Batman" – a rather glamorous introduction for a prince.
Many speculate that he was referring to Will Arnett, who lent his voice to Batman in The Lego Batman Movie. Arnett himself has mentioned becoming acquainted with Prince Harry at some point.
Racism in the Tabloids
While Meghan recounts facing racial slurs directed at her mother during her childhood in California, she was unprepared for the intensity of racism in the British media. Initially, she did not attribute the negative press coverage to her race, but headlines like "Harry's new Girl is [almost] Straight Out Of Compton" unmistakably highlighted the racist undertones.
Meghan's mother has publicly stated that she believes Meghan was mistreated due to her race. Harry has commented that the Palace's silence on the matter was unhelpful.
An Intense Exchange at Prince Philip's Funeral
Upon returning to the U.K. in 2021 for Prince Philip's funeral, Harry requested a meeting with his father and brother. The conversation grew heated, with Charles imploring, "Please, boys — don't make my final years a misery." Harry asserts that Charles and William were unaware of the reasons behind his departure from the family and blamed him for not seeking assistance. In retaliation, Harry accused the family of stripping him of his security detail.
William countered, "That was Granny's doing! Take it up with Granny!" The elder brother then seized him by the shirt, insisting, "Listen to me, Harold... All I want is for you to be happy, Harold. I swear... I swear on Mummy's life.
William Told Harry to Take It Slow With Meghan
Prince Harry discloses that William advised him to proceed cautiously with Meghan when he revealed his intentions to propose. Harry, however, was offended by William's seemingly derogatory tone when referring to Meghan as an "American actress," likening it to the disdainful manner in which one might mention a "convicted felon." Despite this friction, the couple proceeded with their wedding plans. Harry also reveals that William discouraged them from holding the ceremony at either St. Paul's Cathedral or Westminster Abbey, sites of significant royal weddings, including Charles and Diana's.
Advising a brother to take things slow and not rush into marriage is certainly not unusual, especially given the circumstances.
Meghan "tried as Hard as She Could" to Be Part of the Royal Family
Meghan shares multiple instances in the documentary where she earnestly attempted to assimilate into the royal family but faced insurmountable obstacles. One poignant anecdote involves a crew member removing his hat and kneeling before her as she prepared to leave the U.K., expressing gratitude for her service to the nation. This encounter left Meghan deeply moved, as it was the first time she felt that someone recognized her sacrifices on behalf of the U.K., even though she was not a native.
Upon landing, she recounts bursting into tears in the arms of a security team member, insisting that she had tried her utmost. He allegedly consoled her, saying, "I know you did. I know you did, ma'am.
Harry Said the Palace "gaslighted" Them After the Oprah Interview
Harry strongly criticizes the Palace's response following the couple's bombshell Oprah Winfrey interview in 2021, labeling it "institutional gaslighting." He perceives the interview as a turning point for himself and Meghan, whereas Meghan asserts that she participated in the interview to clarify misconceptions about their reasons for leaving the royal fold.
Reacting to the Palace's response after the interview, he said, "I can't fathom what my mother endured all those years ago, alone. Witnessing the institutional gaslighting that occurs is... it's extraordinary.
The Duke Regrets How He Handled Meghan's Mental Health Struggles
In the couple's documentary, Meghan candidly discusses the severe impact of royal life and relentless tabloid scrutiny on her mental health, confessing that she had thoughts of suicide. Upon sharing these feelings with Harry, she felt that his response lacked the empathy and support she desperately needed, as he was preoccupied with anticipating the media's reaction if they learned of her struggles.
I was devastated; I knew she was struggling – that we both were – but I never imagined it would reach that point. I felt angry and ashamed. I didn't handle it well; I dealt with it as institutional Harry rather than husband Harry, he confesses.
Harry's Last Conversation With His Mom
Princess Diana is a recurrent presence in Harry's memoir, with one passage devoted to their final conversation before her tragic death in a car accident. Harry regrets being dismissive and impatient with her during their last phone call, longing for the chance to apologize for his behavior.
In the following passage, he pens, "I wished I had found the words to express how much I loved her. I didn't know then that this quest would span decades.
Why Tyler Perry Welcomed Strangers Into His $18 Million Home
Following Harry and Meghan's departure from the royal family and the subsequent media frenzy in 2020, Tyler Perry extended a discreet invitation for the couple to stay at his Los Angeles mansion. In the documentary, Perry explains that he empathized with their plight, drawing parallels to his own childhood experiences witnessing his mother suffer abuse. "I saw my mother be abused for years; I knew the symptoms. I knew what it was like.
He then praises their decision to step away from the family, despite sacrificing the financial security it provided. "For both of them to have the courage to say, 'I don't care if it's the palace; I'm out of here,' I applauded that," he declares.
He Felt Left Out After His Brother's Wedding
Although it is now known that Harry was not his brother's official best man at his wedding, he wistfully recalls the event as marking the end of an era in their relationship. He poignantly describes their shared experiences – riding horses across the Lesotho countryside, living together in a rustic, equestrian-scented cottage while learning to fly – and laments that life's circumstances have driven them apart.
He injects a touch of dark humor when he recounts thinking, "Nothing quite like getting married in the same venue where you held your mother's funeral.
Harry Refused to Talk About Their Mom's Passing With William
Reflecting on the aftermath of his mother's death, Harry expresses remorse for dismissing William's attempts to broach the topic when they were teenagers. He acknowledges that William repeatedly tried to talk about their loss, but Harry would consistently change the subject, much to William's annoyance. Now, Harry realizes the importance of open communication during times of grief.
Acknowledging his emotional limitations, he writes, "I wasn't aware of his frustration. More accurately, I couldn't even identify it. My obtuseness, my emotional unavailability, wasn't a conscious choice. I simply wasn't capable. I wasn't remotely ready.
The Young Prince Almost Didn't Walk With the Progression at Diana's Funeral
In his memoir, Harry divulges that his participation in the poignant funeral procession for Princess Diana was nearly denied due to concerns over his young age and potential emotional distress. There were discussions about excluding him, but ultimately, it was decided that Harry would join his family in the somber walk. Harry expresses gratitude for this decision, as it aligned with his desire to pay tribute to his mother.
I couldn't bear the thought of Willy enduring such an ordeal without me. If our roles were reversed, he would never have wanted – or allowed – me to face it alone, he declares.
Harry's Early Love Life
Beyond his marriage to Meghan Markle, Harry delves into his past relationship with Chelsy Davy. He was drawn to her, he writes, because she appeared unassuming and uninterested in royal trappings from their very first handshake. Their romance blossomed during a magical first date in Botswana, culminating in a kiss beneath the starry sky. Upon their return to the U.K., they were greeted by a throng of paparazzi awaiting them at the airport.
Their romantic relationship was on-and-off, yet they evidently maintained a close friendship, as she was later invited to his wedding with Meghan Markle in 2018.
He Didn't Like Seeing Meghan's "steamy Scenes" on Suits
Despite the eventual estrangement, Harry reminisces about the initial warm reception Meghan received from William and Kate. He fondly remembers introducing his girlfriend to them, both of whom were avid fans of the TV series Suits, in which Meghan starred. Their admiration for her work led Harry to jest that he feared they might pester Meghan for autographs rather than embracing her into the family.
He also admits that, in hindsight, he would have preferred not to be present for certain steamier scenes involving Meghan and Patrick J. Adams on Suits. "There was no need for me to watch those scenes live," he writes.
The Tense Fight Between Harry, William, King Charles, and the Late Queen
In the documentary, Harry discloses a tense meeting with his brother and father regarding his decision to break away from the royal family and move to the United States. He alleges that his brother shouted at him during the discussion, during which Harry initially suggested a compromise allowing him to maintain some royal duties alongside pursuing an independent career. This proposal, however, was swiftly dismissed as non-negotiable.
Harry describes the experience, saying, "It was terrifying to have my brother screaming at me, my father uttering things that were patently untrue, and my grandmother silently bearing witness to it all.
They Think the Palace PR Team Used Meghan as a Scapegoat
According to Meghan and her friend Lucy Fraser in the documentary, the Palace may have orchestrated a campaign against Meghan from the outset. Lucy claims that whenever a story featuring another royal gained traction, the Palace would strategically leak false information about Meghan, thereby diverting attention and casting her in an unfavorable light compared to her family members.
Meghan adds, "You could witness it unfold. A story about someone in the family would surface briefly. 'Gotta squash that.'
After Harry Snapped at Her, Meghan Told Him to Go to Therapy
Throughout the narrative, Harry acknowledges his struggles with anger management. However, he vividly recalls one instance where he lashed out at Meghan. He attributes this outburst to the cumulative strain of battling the press, causing him to react disproportionately and clumsily. Following this incident, the couple engaged in a candid conversation, with Meghan making it clear that such treatment was unacceptable.
She inquired if he had ever sought therapy, to which he replied, "yes," but mentioned he had never found the right therapist. She then urged him to try again.
The Prince Suffered From Panic Attacks During His Public Speaking Duties
Despite being royalty, Harry admits to grappling with a fear of public speaking, a common human vulnerability. He confesses that delivering speeches in public filled him with dread, sometimes causing near-fainting episodes on stage. William, his brother, would tease him about this phobia, once mockingly addressing him as "Harold" backstage – a playful nod to Harry's actual name, Henry, and his profuse sweating.
Harry, however, absolves his brother of blame, even though they both championed mental health awareness at the time. He adds that neither of them recognized Harry's panic attacks for what they truly were back then.
Meghan Blames the Media for Tensions With Her Father
The tabloids' extensive coverage of Meghan's letter to her father figured prominently in their strained relationship. She attributes the rift to the media's interference, disclosing that their bond remained strong until her father began granting interviews and criticizing the royal family. Seeking guidance from the late queen, Meghan was advised to pen a letter to her father in an attempt to quell the situation.
She asserts, "I took great pains to ensure the letter reached my father discreetly." Nonetheless, the media somehow obtained the letter, and their relationship soured thereafter.
Harry Was Told Not to Bring Meghan When the Queen Was on Her Deathbed
In his book, Harry recounts a recent event surrounding the demise of his grandmother, the queen. He narrates how his father, Charles, telephoned him, informing him of the queen's deteriorating health and urging him to rush to Balmoral immediately. Charles insisted that Harry come alone, a request that Harry found offensive. However, Charles later stammered an apology, explaining that he merely wished to avoid a large gathering; other spouses, including Kate, were not attending, hence Meghan should also stay away.
As his plane descended in Scotland, he learned that he was already too late; his grandmother had passed away. Upon arriving at the estate and entering her bedroom, he says, "I whispered to her that I hoped she was at peace, that I hoped she was reunited with Grandpa.
King Charles Didn't Hug Him After Breaking the News of His Mom's Passing
In conclusion, Harry's memoir offers a multifaceted glimpse into the complexities of royal life, relationships, and the personal struggles faced by him and Meghan as they navigated their roles within the royal family and beyond.
Charles informed him, "Mummy has been very badly hurt and taken to the hospital, darling boy," before breaking the news of her passing. Harry adds that Charles didn't embrace him but implies that he doesn't hold it against him, given the overwhelming difficulty of the situation for everyone involved.
The Duke Got Frostbite Where No Man Ever Wants to Get It
Harry's memoir narrates the painful moment when his father informed him about Princess Diana's death, describing the exchange as lacking warmth and tenderness. Harry noticed his father's unusual behavior and demeanor, which indicated his state of shock.
He sought medical advice about the issue, and the doctor reassured him that nothing would detach and that he would fully recover.
The Couple Thinks the Royal Family Felt Threatened by Their Popularity
Post-military service, Harry dedicated significant time to advocating for veterans. On one occasion, just days before his brother's wedding, Harry returned from a grueling Arctic trek with fellow veterans, discovering to his horror that he had suffered frostbite in a rather sensitive area.
I was still under the illusion that if it was in a tabloid, no one believed it, she states, acknowledging that her perspective shifted after a stranger on the street confronted her, saying, "What you're doing to your father is wrong.
The Palace Advised Meghan Not to Invite Her Niece to the Wedding
Upon realizing their immense popularity could overshadow the rest of the royal family, Harry and Meghan recognized the challenges this posed. Their friend Lucy Fraser cites their Australian tour as an example, demonstrating their popularity and presenting a perceived threat to the monarchy's image.
Ashleigh lamented, "It was painful to realize that my biological mother was responsible for this rift in our relationship." Nonetheless, Meghan and Ashleigh have since reconciled.
He Even Investigated Her Death and Went Back to That Paris Tunnel
Despite the strained relationship between Meghan and her paternal family, her bond with her niece remains intact, evidenced by the fact that Meghan's half-sister's daughter, Ashleigh Hale, wasn't invited to the wedding but maintains contact with Meghan.
He further mentions that he requested his driver to take him to the same Parisian tunnel where his mother's car crashed, driving over the same bump that triggered the accident. "The bump was insignificant. We barely felt it," he writes.
Harry Said He Spoke to His Mom Through a Psychic
In an effort to comprehend his mother's death, Harry admits to requesting access to official files on the incident. Private secretary Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton provided the files but omitted explicit images.
He recounted that his son, Archie, had accidentally broken one of his great-grandmother's ornaments and attempted to fix it by spraying it with water, hoping it would magically grow back together.
Harry Thought His Mom Faked Her Death and Would One Day Reappear
Reflecting on Princess Diana's death, Harry confesses shedding tears at her burial ceremony, not because he believed her to be in the grave but at the sheer tragedy of the situation. In his memoir, Harry explores the profound impact of his mother's passing, even recounting an unusual visit to a psychic in California seeking a connection with Diana.
He confessed that for a prolonged period, he convinced himself that she had faked her death and that, someday, she would suddenly call, leading to their reunion.
King Charles Made Jokes About Diana's Lover Being Harry's Real Dad
Prince Harry discloses his discomfort with his father's jokes regarding his paternity, particularly those suggesting Charles might not be Harry's biological father. Harry recounts Charles’s penchant for sharing such stories, which Harry found unsettling.
Charles was supposedly referring to Major James Hewitt, who also sported red hair. However, he and Diana did not become acquainted until long after Prince Harry's birth. Harry adds that he found the joke tasteless, given that the tabloids were actively propagating the rumor at the time.
Harry Regretted His First Time With a Woman - Here's Why
In a candid disclosure, Harry shares his first intimate encounter in his memoir, expressing deep regret about the experience. Without revealing her identity, he mentions that the woman was older and shared his passion for riding horses, making the encounter happen in a secluded spot near a bustling pub.
Dubbing it the "inglorious episode," Harry's revelation is sure to ignite feverish speculation in the tabloids about the identity of the person he refers to in his book.
Harry Reveals How Many People He Ended While Serving in Afghanistan
Harry's memoir includes a controversial chapter discussing his military service, wherein he admits to killing 25 Taliban fighters in Afghanistan. He expresses no satisfaction nor shame in the number, stating that the military taught him to depersonalize enemy combatants.
Predictably, this admission has drawn censure from both British military officials and a Taliban militant, the latter branding it a war crime. Military figures took issue with Harry's portrayal and warned that it could reignite dormant feelings of vengeance.
Meghan or Kate - Who Really Made Whom Cry Before the Wedding?
Recall fails you on this incident? Tabloids buzzed Meghan made her soon-to-be sister-in-law weep pre-wedding. In an Oprah chat, Meghan rebuffed, claiming reverse roles. Harry's book supports Meghan's tale: Kate messaged her days before the big day, tearfully sharing her daughter's ill-fitting dress drama.
Meghan responded via text, instructing her to take the matter to the standby tailor. Allegedly, Kate insisted on remaking the dress entirely. The dispute dragged on until Meghan finally convinced her to consult the tailor. Harry eventually returned to find Meghan emotionally drained and in tears over the ordeal.
He Claims William and Kate Both Encouraged Him to Wear That Infamous Nazi Costume
An eyebrow-raising anecdote involves Harry attending a themed costume party in 2005 wearing a Nazi uniform. Upon seeking advice from William and Kate Middleton, they suggested the outfit, which proved to be a regrettable choice.
Surprisingly, he reveals that both his brother and father extended considerable empathy. Regarding his father, Harry writes, "Initially, I was skeptical. I suspected he viewed my crisis as another PR opportunity. Yet, he spoke to me with such tenderness, such authentic compassion, that I was disarmed.
William Didn't Want to Attend Harry's Bachelor Party - The Queen Made Him
Although it's now established that Harry and William didn't serve as each other's best man, one would still expect mutual attendance at bachelor parties. Yet, Harry divulges that William hesitated to attend his due to the recent birth of his child. After initially declining, William changed his mind following a conversation with the Queen.
William, however, informed him that he would only attend the dinner and wouldn't stay overnight, whereas Harry had spent the night at William's bachelor party, he writes.
Harry Suspects His Dad's PR Team Intentionally Framed Him as the Wild Child
Recalling past gossip about Prince Harry's partying habits, his memoir confirms certain substance-related rumors. Although he admits experimenting with various substances in his youth, Harry also suspects that his father's PR team intentionally leaked stories about his drug use to garner sympathy for Charles.
These instances, Harry reflects, may have been more pivotal than he realized at the time, representing his first exposure to being manipulated by the palace. Additionally, he notes that experimenting with substances offered him a novel perspective on the world, one detached from his royal identity.
A Fight Over Meghan Ended in a Physical Altercation Between the Brothers
In his book, Harry describes a physical altercation with William following a heated argument in 2019. William criticized Meghan, accusing her of being rude, abrasive, and causing distress among palace staff, repeating tabloid narratives. The dispute escalated, culminating in William grabbing Harry's shirt, damaging his necklace, and pushing him to the ground.
William allegedly provoked Harry to strike back, but Harry claims he refrained. The younger sibling writes that William then appeared remorseful, saying, "You don't need to tell Meg about this," before departing.
Palace Staff Called the Duchess a "foreign Organism"
Contrary to the perception that everyone within the royal establishment opposed Meghan and Harry, this wasn't entirely accurate. However, one veteran staffer's attempt at reassurance highlighted a concerning attitude. Having served the Queen for 20 years, the staffer likened new family members to "foreign organisms," suggesting that the royal family would struggle initially to adapt but eventually embrace the change.
At least her intentions were well-meaning, one supposes? Meghan shares that she also hoped the woman's prediction would come true, with the family eventually embracing her.
Harry Blames the Press for Meghan's Miscarriage
In their documentary, Harry makes it clear that he attributes Meghan's 2020 miscarriage to the relentless media pressure. Meghan reveals that she miscarried shortly after moving into their new home, and Harry explicitly links the tragedy to the strain caused by tabloid stories, although he acknowledges there's no scientific evidence to prove this definitively.
According to him, the immense stress generated by these stories robbed Meghan of sleep, ultimately leading to the heartbreaking loss of their unborn child in 2020.
The Brothers Didn't Want King Charles to Marry Camilla
Harry's marriage to Meghan was not the first union to face royal opposition; Harry and William also disapproved of their father, now King Charles, remarrying Camilla. Harry stated at the time that Camilla's integration into the family through marriage would spark controversy due to her previous status as Charles's mistress.
It would ignite the press. It would prompt the entire nation, indeed the world, to discuss Mummy and draw comparisons with Camilla, which nobody desired – least of all Camilla, he further elaborates.
Despite What the Palace Said, Harry And William Weren't Each Other's Best Man
The Palace, referring to the royal PR team, seemingly went to considerable lengths to satisfy public expectations, fabricating a story about Harry and William acting as each other's best man at their respective weddings. Harry, however, denies this narrative in his memoir, calling it an outright falsehood and surmising that his brother possibly feared an unscripted, potentially controversial speech during Harry's best man duties.
However, Prince William might have experienced remorse over his choice when Harry's wedding day arrived. The Duke of Sussex recollects sensing that his brother behaved peculiarly on his wedding night, pondering, "Was he feeling guilty for not being my best man?
Kate Didn't Like It When Meghan Said She Had "baby Brain"
Several publications have speculated about initial tensions between Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton, and these speculations seem to hold some truth. Harry recounts a specific instance where, during a dinner with his brother and Kate, Meghan commented on Kate's "baby brain" following a memory lapse, which reportedly did not sit well with Kate.
She reportedly retorted, "You mentioned my hormones! We're not close enough for you to comment on my hormones!" William allegedly then pointed directly at Meghan, sternly stating, "Rudeness is not the British way.
