Prince Harry has claimed in his upcoming autobiography, Spare, that his brother, the Prince of Wales, physically attacked him during a confrontation in 2019. The book, set to be published next week, details a heated argument at Harry's London home, Nottingham Cottage, which escalated into violence.
According to Harry, William called his wife Meghan Markle “difficult”, “rude” and “abrasive”, repeating what Harry describes as the “press narrative”. The argument intensified until William, in Harry's words, “grabbed me by the collar, ripping my necklace, and … knocked me to the floor”. Harry says he landed on a dog bowl, which cracked under his back, causing cuts and bruises.
Harry writes that William urged him to hit back, referencing childhood fights, but Harry refused. William eventually left, only to return and apologise, asking Harry not to tell Meghan. Harry says he did not immediately inform his wife but called his therapist. When Meghan later noticed the injuries, she was “not that surprised” and “not all that angry”.
The memoir's title, Spare, refers to the royal tradition of a second son being a backup to the heir. The book covers Harry's childhood, his military service, his relationship with his family, and his life with Meghan, culminating in their decision to step back from royal duties and move to the United States.
