When Prince Harry released Spare in 2023, the memoir sent shockwaves through the Royal Family.
Among its most talked-about revelations were Harry’s claims about tensions over public attention within the royal household, including allegations involving King Charles, Prince William and Princess Kate.
According to Harry, the then-Prince Charles was uneasy whenever William and Kate attracted overwhelming media coverage.
He alleged that palace aides carefully managed the couple’s public appearances to ensure they did not eclipse Charles and Camilla in newspaper headlines.
One example he shared centred on Kate’s love of tennis. He claimed royal staff avoided photographs of the future Princess of Wales holding a tennis racket during engagements because such images would dominate front pages and shift attention away from Charles and Camilla.
Harry said his father was wary of anyone becoming the monarchy’s main attraction, writing that Charles had little desire to see another royal overshadow him.
The Duke also claimed those concerns resurfaced after Meghan Markle joined the family.
He wrote that his father believed the former actress had the potential to become an exceptionally popular royal, drawing comparisons with the public fascination once surrounding Princess Diana.
In his memoir, Harry alleged that Charles feared “someone shiny and new” could command the spotlight in a way that changed the balance within the institution.
2026-07-31 20:10:00
