Prince Harry Didn't Need Queen Elizabeth's Permission To Publish Memoir; Sought It Anyway

Prince Harry sought Queen Elizabeth’s permission to publish his memoir, but a source revealed he didn’t have to. Penguin Random House announced Monday that Prince Harry will release his own memoir in late 2022.

An insider told People that the Duke of Sussex had spoken privately with the royal family regarding the publication of the memoir, which will include an account of his experiences, adventures, losses, and life lessons.

The source said while Prince Harry gave the royal family a heads-up regarding the project, he was not expected to obtain permission from Buckingham Palace for its publication. Asked about the memoir, the Palace also declined to comment, telling the publication that all questions regarding the project had to be directed to Prince Harry and Meghan.

“Any clarification about the book would be a question for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex,” the Palace told the outlet.

In a press release, Prince Harry and Penguin Random House said the memoir will address the Duke’s time in the royal family.

“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.”

In his own statement, Prince Harry said, “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 January 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan stepped back from their senior royal duties and announced their plans to leave England. In March, they gave a tell-all interview to Oprah Winfrey about their experiences as senior royal family members. Among their biggest claims were that the Palace refused to allow Meghan to seek treatment when she struggled with depression and that a member of the royal family had concerns that the skin of their then-unborn son Archie would be too dark.