Prince Harry has defended his memoir Spare, saying he has no regrets about publishing the controversial book that deepened tensions within the British royal family. His remarks sparked criticism from royal commentator Angela Levin, a longtime critic of both Harry and Meghan Markle.
In an interview with The Guardian released on Sunday, Harry rejected the idea that his autobiography was an act of betrayal. “I don’t believe that I aired my dirty laundry in public,” he said. “It was a difficult message, but I did it in the best way possible. My conscience is clear.”
The duke, who stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and relocated to California with Meghan, emphasized that the book was written for accountability rather than revenge. “It is about accountability,” he explained.
Harry added that much of Spare was a response to existing narratives. “The book? It was a series of corrections to stories already out there. One point of view had been put out, and it needed to be corrected.”
He acknowledged the controversy surrounding his decision to go public. “I know that (speaking out) annoys some people and it goes against the narrative,” he said.
He adds, “I don’t believe that I aired my dirty laundry in public. It was a difficult message, but I did it in the best way possible. My conscience is clear.”
Since its release in early 2023, Spare has remained a lightning rod for criticism, with many accusing Harry of damaging the monarchy’s reputation by disclosing intimate family details. Supporters, however, argue that the memoir gave Harry a chance to share his side of the story and confront years of misrepresentation.
Angela Levin, who has written extensively about the royal family and is a sharp critic of Harry and Meghan, responded to the duke’s comments on social media. In a pointed post, she wrote, “Prince Harry is 41 today. His behaviour is childish. He doesn’t believe that I aired my dirty laundry in public.’ Was it just his family’s then?”
Levin’s remarks reflect a broader divide among royal watchers over Harry’s actions since leaving his official role. Some see him as courageously speaking out, while others argue he has undermined the institution that once defined his public life.
Harry’s insistence that his conscience is clear suggests he remains steadfast in his decision to publish the memoir, even as it continues to fuel controversy. The book, filled with revelations about his relationships with King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and other senior royals, has left lingering strains in family dynamics.
Whether Harry’s words will help repair or further fracture his relationship with the monarchy remains uncertain, but his defense of Spare shows he has no plans to walk back what he shared.