Spare

· Penguin Random House Audio · Narrated by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex
4.7
387 reviews
Audiobook
15 hr 39 min
Unabridged
Eligible
Want a free 10 min sample? Listen anytime, even offline. 
Add

About this audiobook

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Discover the global phenomenon that tells an unforgettable story of love, loss, and healing.

“Compellingly artful . . . [a] blockbuster memoir.”—The New Yorker (Best Books of the Year)

It was one of the most searing images of the twentieth century: two young boys, two princes, walking behind their mother’s coffin as the world watched in sorrow—and horror. As Princess Diana was laid to rest, billions wondered what Prince William and Prince Harry must be thinking and feeling—and how their lives would play out from that point on.

For Harry, this is that story at last.

Before losing his mother, twelve-year-old Prince Harry was known as the carefree one, the happy-go-lucky Spare to the more serious Heir. Grief changed everything. He struggled at school, struggled with anger, with loneliness—and, because he blamed the press for his mother’s death, he struggled to accept life in the spotlight.

At twenty-one, he joined the British Army. The discipline gave him structure, and two combat tours made him a hero at home. But he soon felt more lost than ever, suffering from post-traumatic stress and prone to crippling panic attacks. Above all, he couldn’t find true love. 

Then he met Meghan. The world was swept away by the couple’s cinematic romance and rejoiced in their fairy-tale wedding. But from the beginning, Harry and Meghan were preyed upon by the press, subjected to waves of abuse, racism, and lies. Watching his wife suffer, their safety and mental health at risk, Harry saw no other way to prevent the tragedy of history repeating itself but to flee his mother country. Over the centuries, leaving the Royal Family was an act few had dared. The last to try, in fact, had been his mother. . . .

For the first time, Prince Harry tells his own story, chronicling his journey with raw, unflinching honesty. A landmark publication, Spare is full of insight, revelation, self-examination, and hard-won wisdom about the eternal power of love over grief.

Ratings and reviews

4.7
387 reviews
Kelly N
January 11, 2023
It's sad to watch this man publicly shame himself and his family while his wife sits by and allows him to embarrass himself on the world stage. I always liked Prince Harry and admired the hard work & dedication he & his family did to shine a light on charities & other important causes. This book sounds like it is written by a dull, petulant boy, not a middle aged man living the life of unimaginable privilege. I hope he is able to get the mental health care he desperately needs.
Did you find this helpful?
Shannon Loso
January 14, 2023
I really wanted to hear Harry's story in his own words, not from other people. This book kept me interested the entire time and gave insight into what it was like to grow up as a "spare" royal. I appreciated the honesty, and hope this family can find some healing. Sounds complicated and messy, like any family, but to a deeper level. Happy he and Meghan made the decision they did, seemed necessary.
Did you find this helpful?
Lady ShaSha
January 11, 2023
This book SOUNDS like it was written by Meghan. His entitlement and Delusions are so out of this world... He's just digging up old stories trying to Garner attention. These 2 narcissistic hypocrites need to have their platforms taken away.
Did you find this helpful?

About the author

Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, is a husband, father, humanitarian, military veteran, mental wellness advocate, and environmentalist. He resides in Santa Barbara, California, with his family and three dogs.

Rate this audiobook

Tell us what you think.

Listening information

Smartphones and tablets
Install the Google Play Books app for Android and iPad/iPhone. It syncs automatically with your account and allows you to read online or offline wherever you are.
Laptops and computers
You can read books purchased on Google Play using your computer's web browser.