Huge reason controversial royal Prince Harry is a hit with Aussies

Controversial royal Prince Harry has proven to be a surprise success with a certain group of Australians.

With its explosive royal “truth bombs” and shock revelations, Prince Harry’s memoir, Spare, caused a ripple effect around the world.

It has now been revealed that Australian readers couldn’t get enough of the exiled royal’s soul-baring autobiography, making it the nation’s most borrowed library book of 2023.

Prince Harry at the Invictus Games winter training camp in Whistler earlier this month. Picture: AFP

Data from the Civica Libraries Index, which looked at over 25 million pieces of borrowing data across regional and metropolitan libraries in Australia between January and December 2023, showed the memoir clinched the year’s top spot.

It was followed closely by Exiles, the third and final instalment in the smash-hit Aaron Falk series by Aussie author and former Herald Sun journalist Jane Harper.

TikTok sensation Colleen Hoover’s novel It Starts With Us came third in the most-borrowed list, with Lee Child’s No Plan B and Pip Williams’ The Bookbinder of Jericho rounding out the top five.

Biographies were also a hit with Aussie readers, with tennis star Ash Barty’s My Dream Time featuring on the list of favourites.

QUEEN CAMILLA TAKES BREAK FROM ROYAL DUTIES

Queen Camilla is taking time off from royal duties after filling in for King Charles III following his cancer diagnosis.

Camilla, 76, has no official engagements in her diary this week, and it is understood she will spend a few days of private relaxation with the King and her family.

She will resume public engagements on March 11, when she will lead the royal family for the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey.

Charles, 75, has been seen in public but has mostly conducted his work and royal duties in private.

Queen Camilla with actor Tom Hiddleston during a reception for the BBC's 500 Words Finalists at Buckingham Palace. Picture: Getty Images

Meanwhile, Camilla has undertaken 13 official engagements as well as her own diary and attending events alone which had been scheduled for her husband and herself.
She is the most senior member of the royal family undertaking public duties.

Camilla recently led the royal family at a memorial service for King Constantine of Greece at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, and hosted a reception afterwards.
She was photographed sitting with the hardest-working royal of the year, widely recognised as Princess Anne.

Queen Camilla and Princess Anne depart the thanksgiving service for King Constantine of the Hellenes at St George's Chapel. Picture: Getty Images

On Wednesday, Camilla hosted a reception for the “500 words” children’s creative writing competition at Buckingham Palace.

“The Queen is absolutely prepared to do whatever needs to be done for the institution,” a source told The Telegraph UK.

“She has been buoyed by the public’s reaction. She has found reserves of energy that even she didn’t think she had, and the estimation of her by those inside the palace has soared as she has put her shoulder to the wheel.”

Another source close to the Queen said: “Her Majesty is robust, positive and determined to keep going while the King is off public duties. The King is proud and pleased to see the show is being kept on the road by the Queen and the family.”

Camilla met the first lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, last week with the duo photographed at Clarence House.

Queen Camilla meets with the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, at Clarence House. Picture: Getty Images

While King Charles has spoken in favour of a “slimmed-down” monarchy, it seems now that there might not be enough working royals to go around.

During the Queen’s short break Prince William, Princess Anne, Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie will all undertake public engagements.

Princess Catherine, who has not been seen in public since Christmas Day, is recovering in Windsor from abdominal surgery in January, and is expected to resume public duties after Easter.

Queen Camilla speaks with guests during a reception for the BBC's 500 Words Finalists at Buckingham Palace. Picture: AFP

On March 11, Charles will deliver his first broadcast since his cancer diagnosis in an effort to reassure the public after a period of upheaval.

He will address the nation and the Commonwealth with a televised message on the theme of “resilience” and reaffirm his commitment to the “family of nations” of which he is head.

Buckingham Palace continues to plan for Charles and Camilla’s attendance at this year’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa in October, but it is understood a final decision will be taken later in the year, depending on the King’s course of treatment and the outcome of his health.

Prince William and TV star – and Wrexham AFC co-owner- Rob McElhenney down shots at a Welsh pub. Picture: Supplied

It comes as members of the royal family have had unexpected absences and appearances. Following a “personal matter” Prince William, 41, resumed engagements on Thursday, visiting a London synagogue where he was told of the rise in anti-Semitism, as well as downing shots in Wales; and Prince Andrew raised eyebrows by leading royal mourners into King Constantine’s service, before Camilla’s arrival in accordance with protocol.

The royal family was also in shock and mourning last week following the sudden death of Thomas Kingston, 45, husband of Lady Gabriella Kingston, the daughter of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent.
Mr Kingston was found dead at his parents’ Gloucestershire home last Sunday with a “catastrophic head injury” and a gun near his body.