Prince Harry's Memoir Sparks Debate Over Whether It Will Be Sensationalised

Prince Harry's upcoming memoir about palace life and his royal upbringing has triggered a debate about whether his publisher will pressure him for a "sensational" account.

The Duke of Sussex has been writing what Penguin Random House described as "the definitive account of the experiences, adventures, losses, and life lessons that have helped shape him."

Meanwhile, Harry himself promised "a firsthand account of my life that's accurate and wholly truthful" while the British media has been speculating about whether he will launch more bombshell allegations at the royal family.

The book's publication date was initially "tentatively scheduled for late 2022," according to a July 2021 press release, though no official publication date has been announced.

One year from the book's announcement, anticipation is growing about when it may hit shelves and the Jeremy Vine show, on U.K. network Channel Five, invited guests to give their views on its potential contents.

Owen Jones, a socialist, author and Guardian columnist, said: "The people objecting to it are the same people who normally call themselves free-speech warriors. They're like 'free speech, people should say what they want. Harry cannot speak. Harry can do what he wants. He can publish his book."

"Maybe other royals can publish their own books setting out their own experiences," Jones added. "Let a thousand flowers bloom. I think we have the right to know what happens in the royal family. And if what Harry says, if there are details to be contested, fine, they can set out their own side of the story."

Broadcaster Mike Parry said: "You know in the publishing world they don't go around giving $14 million for something that's not going to sell hundreds of millions of copies. Therefore it's got to be sensational."

Presenter Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije replied: "I think Prince Harry could write 'I woke up, I had egg on toast' and they'll still pay $30 million because he's a big name."

Penguin Random House announced Harry's memoir in July 2021, four months after Harry and Meghan Markle's Oprah Winfrey interview leveled damaging allegations against the monarchy, including that an unnamed racist royal expressed concern about how dark their unborn child's skin might be.

The press release confirmed Harry will discuss his military service in Afghanistan, his role as a husband to Meghan and father to children Archie and Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor.

It did not offer any clues about whether there would be criticism of the royals though there was a hint Harry might seek to answer some of his media critics when he said the account would be "accurate and wholly truthful."

Harry said in a statement at the time: "I'm writing this not as the prince I was born but as the man I have become.

"I've worn many hats over the years, both literally and figuratively, and my hope is that in telling my story—the highs and lows, the mistakes, the lessons learned—I can help show that no matter where we come from, we have more in common than we think.

"I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity to share what I've learned over the course of my life so far and excited for people to read a firsthand account of my life that's accurate and wholly truthful."

"In an intimate and heartfelt memoir from one of the most fascinating and influential global figures of our time, Prince Harry will share, for the very first time, the definitive account of the experiences, adventures, losses, and life lessons that have helped shape him," the press release said.

"Covering his lifetime in the public eye from childhood to the present day, including his dedication to service, the military duty that twice took him to the frontlines of Afghanistan, and the joy he has found in being a husband and father, Prince Harry will offer an honest and captivating personal portrait, one that shows readers that behind everything they think they know lies an inspiring, courageous, and uplifting human story."