Expert analysis revealed that Harry's memoir secured its place as the fourth lowest-rated popular author in the past three years, with an average score of 0.5 out of five. This contrasted sharply with acclaimed figures like Sir Paul McCartney, whose book "The Lyrics," also published by Penguin Random House, garnered an impressive overall score of 4.75 out of five. The poor reception took a toll on sales, with "Spare" selling only 200,000 copies worldwide, while McCartney's "The Lyrics" surpassed 2 million copies sold. Notably, "Spare" failed to make the list of 10 best-selling books in the UK or the US, whereas "The Lyrics" topped charts in both countries.
The disappointment didn't just end with sales; it translated into a substantial financial loss for Penguin Random House, which had reportedly paid Harry at least $20 million in advance for the memoir. Hopes of a global sensation turned into a costly mistake and a public relations nightmare.
In response to the debacle, Penguin Random House is now demanding that Harry either return the advance or a significant portion of it, citing his failure to fulfill the expectations set out in their agreement. The publisher expressed dissatisfaction with Harry's lack of collaboration and promotion for the book, as he declined interviews and events to support the launch.
Sources suggest that Harry, rather than accepting responsibility, blames the publisher for the book's failure. He accuses them of leaking information to the press before the release date, damaging the book's reputation and subsequently affecting sales.
The fallout from the memoir has strained Harry's relationship with his wife, Meghan, who was reportedly furious about him writing the book and revealing their private life to the public. Meghan, having also signed a deal with Penguin Random House for her own book, feared that the failure of Harry's memoir would negatively impact her prospects and reputation.
Beyond personal relationships, Harry's memoir has further alienated him from his family and country, drawing harsh and unfounded criticisms that have prompted calls from Royal fans and commentators for the stripping of his titles and privileges. Many believe an apology to his family and country is in order for his actions.
In essence, Harry's memoir, intended as a venture into Hollywood dreams, has proven a disastrous mistake, costing him the respect and support of family, country, and publisher. It underscores the view that he abandoned his royal duties for self-serving pursuits, painting him as a spoiled, selfish individual with no sense of duty or loyalty, and he now faces the consequences of his own downfall.
