Harry sends everyone Spare!
The belated Christmas cracker that may make or break the Royal Family’s New Year plans
It’s confirmed - Prince Harry’s memoir is called Spare and will be published January 10. Let the hysteria begin: forget the Christmas countdown, critics are preparing for bookageddon. Kerry wrote this opinion piece for the Sunday Telegraph, you can read the full version here.
Amidst all the furore, may we humbly point out, it’s just a memoir - people do write them. The title is a nod to the phrase, “an heir and a spare” - William being the heir, Harry the spare. It has more connotations, of course - will Harry spare nothing; has he been sent spare by his life behind palace walls? Unkind headline writers will also plump for the more obvious, “spare us.”
Puns aside, Penguin Random House promise it will take us back to “one of the most searing images of the 20th century - two young boys, two princes, walking behind their mother’s coffin as the world watched in sorrow - and horror. As Diana, Princess of Wales, was laid to rest, billions wondered what the princes must be thinking and feeling - and how their lives would play out from that point on. For Harry, this is his story at last,” the blurb says.
“With its raw, unflinching honesty, Spare is a landmark publication full of insight, revelation, self-examination and hard-won wisdom about the eternal power of love over grief.”
Piers Morgan got straight in, tweeting, “Prince Privacy will hurl his latest torrent of malevolent money-making muck at the Royal Family just in time to ruin his father’s coronation as King”, labelling him a “petulant, selfish, greedy, hypocritical brat.” He’s definitely pre-ordered it.
Interestingly, it’s not being published in time for Christmas, which commentators are putting down to last-minute revisions post the Queen’s funeral. That may be a good or bad thing for Harry’s relatives. On the one hand, none of them is likely to get a copy in their stocking and have Chrimbo ruined.
However, its timing is like when your boss schedules a meeting for the minute you return to work and leaves you in a Noel-hell, worrying the kind of sack you’re going to get isn’t from Santa. Merry Christmas! We can’t wait: it’s a gift that keeps giving. Pre-order your copy here.
Charles shows he’s a national treasure
The King’s starring role on BBC One’s The Repair Shop: A Royal Visit showed the then-Prince of Wales on fabulous form. From the moment he appeared, carrying secateurs for pruning emergencies, “wherever I go,” then quipping, “I’ve got a barn. You’ve got a barn. We could have a barn dance,” to Jay Blades, we were smitten.
To mark the BBC’s centenary, The Repair Shop got the royal seal of approval with an invitation to Dumfries House in Scotland, where Charles proudly showed off his craft apprentice scheme - helping disadvantaged young people through The Prince’s Trust. Filmed in September 2021, Charles selected two items for Repair Shop restoration: an 18th century clock that had lost its chime and a rare (and rather battered) Wemyss Ware vase made for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. No pressure, then!
Back in the show’s West Sussex barn, the experts pulled off their magic. Charles was welcomed by Jay with a cup of tea in a “HRH” mug (FYI: Earl Grey with honey and a splash of milk) and for the ‘big reveals’, he was endearingly delighted and astonished. But the best reveal for us: King Charles and Jay Blades - the unlikely double act we didn’t realise we needed. Watch the episode here on iPlayer.
The Tindalls take up new jobs
Zara and Mike Tindall have been busy working this week. Zara was unveiled as the face of sailing and outdoor clothing brand Musto, in a new video modelling four pieces from their new collection. The ex-England rugby player arrived in Brisbane ahead of his I’m a Celebrity appearance and has made two ads: one for Domino’s Pizza making fun of his “friends in high places” and one for Amazon Prime.
In the Musto video, Zara spoke about her childhood and being Mum to Mia, 8, Lena, 4 and Lucas, 1. “I’m happiest properly at home or with the family, obviously, or travelling,” she said. “I’m happy travelling with the kids and Mike and exploring the world.” We love that her dogs, Pepper and Blink got in on the act too.
Mike filmed both ads with James Haskell, his former teammate and co-presenter of The Good, The Bad & The Rugby podcast and in the Amazon Prime ad, he is again making fun of his connections, when he pops out of a box and the customer says, “It’s Mike Tindall, Zara Phillips’ husband!”
The couple is allowed to have commercial ambassadorships and sponsorships as they are not working members of the Royal Family.
Their Majesties’ historic greetings
The first birthday cards from the King and Queen Consort have been posted to hundreds of people celebrating their 100th and 105th birthdays. Several of the recipients were World War II veterans, including Ruth Park-Pearson (pictured above). All cards feature a photo of Charles and Camilla taken in the summer of 2018.
Elizabeth II sent out around 1.3 million cards to people celebrating milestone birthdays and anniversaries. The tradition started by George V in 1917 originally sent telegrams for 100th birthdays and 60th wedding anniversaries.
Win a royal hamper!
Too soon to mention the C word? No, not when you can treat yourself over the festive season with this Royal Christmas Food Hamper from the Royal Collection Shop. Pop down your details here for a chance to win. Closing date is November 30. Good luck!