Prince Harry’s memoir to be delayed following death of the Queen
Prince Harry’s much-anticipated “explosive” memoir has been dealt a new blow as more speculation mounts after the Queen’s death.
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Prince Harry’s much-anticipated “explosive” memoir is likely to be delayed despite claims it was to be published as planned.
The release of Duke of Sussex’s memoir, which has reportedly caused friction among the ranks of the royal family who felt “blindsided” by it, was thought to be going ahead in November, but will now likely be pushed back until 2023 to allow for the royal mourning period to be observed.
The memoir will outline the Duke’s life as a member of the royal family, as well as go into detail around his marriage to Meghan Markle and the controversial “Mexit”, which saw the couple leave the UK for the US, stepping back as senior members of the family.
Royal author Tom Bower had earlier stated that Harry’s tell-all autobiography would be published as planned, despite the Queen’s death.
A source close to Harry has since denied the allegations, however, with the delay allowing him to grieve properly with his family.
“I am told tonight that Harry is insisting that his book is published in November,” Mr Bower had told GB News on Thursday.
“Apparently the publishers are not too certain, but he says if they don’t publish it will be a breach of contract. That’s what I’m told.
“It’s extraordinary. But on the other hand it fits the bill, because Harry and Meghan’s finances depend entirely on the book and on Netflix.
“And also, I think they are convinced they’re in the right and they want to get their own back.”
Harry has reportedly received an advance of $A25 million for the book, in which he will examine the “highs and lows” of his life in the public eye.
There are also suggestions that publisher Penguin, which has yet to confirm the timing of the release, will push the date back to allow for chapters to be added on the death of the Queen.
In his latest public outing, as he joined brother Prince William and other senior royals in the procession behind the Queen’s coffin as it was taken from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall, Harry wore a morning suit after he was banned from donning a military outfit.
The Duke of Sussex, who saw action during two tours of duty in Afghanistan, said his “decade of service is not determined by the uniform he wears”, in the lead-up to the procession.
The Duke of Sussex’s spokesman earlier said: “[Prince Harry] will wear a morning suit throughout events honouring his grandmother.
“His decade of military service is not determined by the uniform he wears and we respectfully ask that focus remain on the life and legacy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”
The debacle is a bitter blow for ex-soldier Harry, who was stripped of his honorary military roles including Captain General of the Royal Marines during the Megxit fallout.
Royal expert Camilla Tominey, associate editor at the Telegraph, said the decision was “out of step with what his beloved grandmother would have wanted”.
She said the move, which she branded “needless friendly fire”, may be due to “ongoing concerns” about the upcoming publication of Harry’s tell-all autobiography.
Originally published as Prince Harry’s memoir to be delayed following death of the Queen
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