Spare has generated quite a bit of controversy since its publication in early 2023. In the book, which is largely critical of the British Royal Family, Prince Harry takes a critical look at people like Camilla Parker, his father King Charles, his brother William and his wife Catherine, and other members of his family. Largely, Harry takes a very negative view of his family—especially his father, King Charles, who came up with the title of the book when he told Harry's mother that his work was done because "[Diana has] given [Charles] an heir and a spare." Harry was devastated by his father's statement (and by the notion that Charles was not his father) as he felt he would always be second fiddle to his brother William, who would one day become the King of England. Harry, in other words, never felt worthy and always felt out of place in his own family. That feeling largely contributed to their exit from the Royal Family, which the press dubbed as "Megxit" (after his wife, Meghan Markle.)
In Spare, Harry also makes revelations that no one knew about—like his sexual encounters, his drug use, incidents with his family (particularly his brother William), and his relationship with Markle and the British press. Here, Harry tells the truth. There are instances that he doesn't come out looking particularly good; there are other instances that his family doesn't come out looking particularly good. Above all, though, Spare shows how strange the life of a royal is. How isolating it can be. How it can often be emotionally unfulfilling and difficult it can be. In making this point, Harry talks about the death of his mother, Princess Diana, and how he felt that the press exploited her death without thinking about the consequences their actions could have on Diana's family. Harry's memoir perhaps most importantly talks about how status-driven being a royal can be and how much the line of succession plays into how people are treated.
In the memoir, Harry also admits to using drugs in his teenage years, including cocaine and cannabis. He also admits to losing his virginity to a woman much older than him in a field behind a pub, which is something that few expected of the Prince. He also talks about his deployment to Afghanistan and states that he flew on six missions that killed 25 Taliban members, something which angered the Taliban. Harry addresses all of the controversies that have occurred throughout his life and attempts to set the record straight.
Finally, Harry ends his memoir on a hopeful note. He talks about his excellent relationship and marriage with American actress Meghan Markle, as well as his children, whom he speaks about with tremendous adoration. Harry's life has become incredibly different than once, he admits, but it is a wonderful and fulfilling one for him—a life that allows him to look to the future and dream of what will come next.
