In his highly anticipated memoir, Prince Harry discusses shocking details about the physical attack he endured from his brother William, which strained their relationship following the younger prince's marriage to Meghan Markle. Harry recounts an altercation that took place at his home in London in 2019, stating that William referred to Meghan as "difficult," "rude," and "abrasive," according to the Guardian, which obtained a copy of the memoir prior to its release.
The confrontation escalated to the point where William grabbed Harry by the collar, tore his necklace off, and threw him to the ground, leaving Harry with a visible injury on his back. This incident is among several experiences shared by the younger prince, set to be published worldwide next week, and is expected to generate significant controversy for the British royal family.
The title of Harry's memoir is derived from an old saying in royal and aristocratic circles, which claims, "the first son is heir to the titles, power, and wealth, while the second is the spare, in case anything happens to the firstborn." Harry wrote that William wanted to talk to him about his relationship with Meghan and their struggles with the press. However, when the Prince of Wales (William) arrived at Nottingham Cottage, where Harry was living at the time, he was extremely agitated. Harry states that William was not rational, which led to them shouting at each other.
Harry accused his brother of acting like the heir, unable to understand why his younger brother was dissatisfied with being the spare. They exchanged insults before William claimed he was trying to help. Harry recalled saying, "Are you serious? Help me? Sorry, is that what you call help? Are you helping me?" This remark only fueled William's anger further. The brothers moved to the kitchen, where Harry offered his brother a cup of water and said, "Will, I can't talk to you when you're like this."
Harry added, "William set the water aside, called me another name, and then came at me. It all happened quickly. He grabbed me by the collar, tore my necklace, and threw me to the ground. I fell onto a dog bowl, which shattered under my back. I lay there for a moment, stunned, then got to my feet and asked him to leave."
Harry wrote that William urged him to respond, referring to the fights they had as children. Harry claims he refused to do so. William left but then returned to apologize, looking sad. Later, William called Harry and asked him not to tell Meghan about the fight, but when Meghan noticed "scratches and bruises" on Harry's back, he told her what happened. She said she was "not surprised and not angry, but very sad."
Harry met Meghan in 2016. They married at Windsor Castle in 2018. As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, they began their lives as members of the royal family but soon distanced themselves from it and ultimately went on to build a largely separate life, moving to Canada and then to California.
