Prince Harry's autobiography, Spare, has been leaked ahead of its official release next Tuesday, with Spanish bookshops accidentally selling copies early and the Guardian publishing extracts. The leaks have triggered a flood of media coverage, revealing details such as Harry losing his virginity behind a pub, asking King Charles not to remarry, and his final visit to Queen Elizabeth II.
Industry experts suggest the leaks may not harm sales. Philip Jones, editor of the Bookseller, noted that pre-publication coverage often piques interest and that books contain more than media can reproduce. He said, 'If you're a Harry fan, you're still going to want to read it in his own words.'
The early release allowed newspapers critical of Harry to cover his claims extensively while condemning him. The Daily Mail, whose parent company is in legal battles with Harry, described the book as 'excruciating' but devoted 17 pages to its contents. Other outlets, like the Daily Telegraph, reported on a Taliban official demanding Harry face an international court over his comments about killing 25 people in Afghanistan.
Harry's publishers chose not to sell serialisation rights, partly due to ongoing legal disputes with UK newspaper groups. This left a void filled by TV interviews and leaks. Jones suggested publishers might release the book early, as copies are already in shops or transit, making it 'next week's bestseller.'
