Prince Harry to write memoirs: 'Not as prince but as the man I have become'
Watch: Prince Harry to publish 'wholly truthful' book on his life in 2022
Prince Harry is to write his memoirs, he has announced.
The Duke of Sussex, who dramatically quit his role as a senior royal in 2020, said he would be sharing what he has learned in his life so far in the book.
The "intimate and heartfelt" memoir will be the "definitive account of the experiences, adventures, losses, and life lessons that have helped shape him".
Announcing the autobiography, publishers Penguin Random House 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."
Prince Harry said: "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."
Read more: What will Harry and Meghan do when they go back to work?
Markus Dohle, chief executive officer of Penguin Random House, said: “All of us at Penguin Random House are thrilled to publish Prince Harry's literary memoir and have him join the world-renowned leaders, icons, and change-makers we have been privileged to publish over the years.
"Prince Harry has harnessed his extraordinary life experience as a prince, a soldier, and a knowledgeable advocate for social issues, establishing himself as a global leader recognised for his courage and openness.
"It is for that reason we’re excited to publish his honest and moving story."
Publishers have confirmed the book will be released in the US, Canada and the UK, but said other markets will be announced at a later date.
The release date has been described as "tentatively scheduled" for late 2022.
Money made from the book will be donated to charity.
Watch: Prince Harry and Meghan Announce New Netflix Animated Series
Harry has previously alluded to reporting about himself and his family in interviews, and told James Corden: "I’m way more comfortable with The Crown than I am seeing the stories written about my family, or my wife, or myself. It’s the difference between... that is obviously fiction, take it how you will, but this is being reported on as fact because you’re supposedly news. I have a real issue with that."
His decision to write from a firsthand perspective may be part of his setting the record straight, and also follows a series of interviews he has given in recent months.
He and Meghan spoke to Oprah Winfrey in March, and he also went onto speak about his childhood to Dax Shepherd on his podcast. He and Winfrey then teamed up for a short series about mental health on AppleTV+ in which he revealed more about himself.
It's the second big announcement from Harry and Meghan, his wife, in recent days, despite them being on parental leave following the birth of their daughter Lilibet Diana, who is six weeks old.
On Thursday, Meghan announced she has a new Netflix series in the works, called Pearl, which she is making with David Furnish.
Announcing the programme, Meghan said: "Like many girls her age, our heroine Pearl is on a journey of self-discovery as she tries to overcome life’s daily challenges.
"I’m thrilled that Archewell Productions, partnered with the powerhouse platform of Netflix, and these incredible producers, will together bring you this new animated series, which celebrates extraordinary women throughout history.
"David Furnish and I have been eager to bring this special series to light, and I am delighted we are able to announce it."
Since moving to the US in March 2020, Harry and Meghan have confirmed deals with Netflix and Spotify and use their company Archewell Audio and Archewell Productions to make podcasts, series, documentaries and other programming for the two streaming companies.
Harry, 36, also has a job as chief impact officer for BetterUp, a work coaching company.
And he is part of the Aspen Institute's Commission on Information Disorder.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed their daughter Lilibet Diana on 4 June, and are understood to be taking 20 weeks parental leave, in line with what they offer all their employees at Archewell.
Harry's memoirs follows his wife's release of a book, The Bench, which was based on a poem she wrote for him on his first Father's Day.
He follows other royals in the UK and around the world who have sought to tell their side of the story too.
His mother, Princess Diana, recorded her thoughts from inside Kensington Palace and had them taken out in secret to the journalist Andrew Morton during the early 1990s, and he wrote Diana: Her True Story.
Harry's aunt Sarah Ferguson wrote My Story after she divorced Prince Andrew.
The Queen has of course never written an autobiography but she did give her dresser, Angela Kelly, permission to write The Other Side of the Coin, about life in the palace.
The 1994 Jonathan Dimbleby book, The Prince of Wales, is an authorised biography of Charles.
Princess Michael of Kent published A Cheetah's Tale, about her life growing up in Mozambique, particularly about the bond between humans and animals.
Queen Noor of Jordan, wife of the late Jordanian King Hussein I, wrote Leap of Faith: Memoirs of an Unexpected Life, in 2004.
Harry's memoirs do not yet have a title.
Watch: The Queen's Biography
