Prince Harry has alleged that his brother, William, now Prince of Wales, physically attacked him during a confrontation in 2019, according to his upcoming autobiography 'Spare'. The book, obtained by the Guardian ahead of its worldwide release next week, details a heated argument at Harry's London home, Nottingham Cottage, on the grounds of Kensington Palace.
Harry writes that William called his wife Meghan Markle 'difficult', 'rude' and 'abrasive', which Harry says was a 'parrot of the press narrative'. The argument escalated, with Harry accusing William of acting like an heir and unable to understand why his younger brother was not content to be a 'spare'.
According to Harry, William then 'grabbed me by the collar, ripping my necklace, and knocked me to the floor'. Harry landed on a dog bowl, which cracked under his back, causing cuts. He says William urged him to hit back, but he refused. William later returned to apologise, asking Harry not to tell Meghan.
Harry did not immediately tell his wife but called his therapist. When Meghan later noticed scrapes and bruises on his back, she was 'not that surprised' and 'not all that angry', Harry writes. The memoir's title refers to the royal tradition of a second son being a 'spare' to the heir.
The book covers Harry's childhood, his relationship with his parents and brother, his military service, and his life with Meghan. It includes memories of his mother, Princess Diana, and his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and now live in California.
