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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Spare summary
Prince Harry
A Tell-All Memoir of the British Royal Family and the Institution
19 mins
Brief summary
Spare by Prince Harry is a deeply honest and intimate memoir of his life, his struggles, and his journey towards finding purpose and duty in the Royal family. It sheds light on the pressures of royal life and the importance of mental health.
Table of Contents
Spare
Summary of 6 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 6
As a royal, but also “the Spare,” Harry has had a uniquely abnormal life.
On the day of Harry’s birth, Prince Charles allegedly said to Diana, “Wonderful! Now there’s an Heir and a Spare.”
William was the firstborn – the heir to the throne – while Harry, the second son, was “the Spare.”
Presumably, Charles’s comment was a joke. But Harry’s parents and grandparents often talked about him in this way, making it clear that he was the back-up.
From an early age, Harry knew exactly what his role was. He was aware that his father and brother, who were first and second in line to the throne, could never take the same flight, in case the plane crashed. But there were no such rules for Harry. The Spare could be, well, spared.
Harry says that he took no offense at this. He accepted his role in the family. But now, as an adult, reflecting on his family and his identity, he realizes just how abnormal his life has been.
For instance, take his relationship with his father. Charles is not just Harry’s father, but also his boss and his banker. Or at least, he was, until Harry’s exit from royal life – we’ll get to that later. The point is, it’s not a typical father-son relationship.
It’s true that when Harry was growing up, there were some normal, loving moments between them.
Harry has fond memories of his father comforting him when he was a child. He used to be afraid of the dark, and at bedtime, Charles would sit beside him, gently tickling his face until he fell asleep. And he always called Harry his “darling boy.”
But for the most part, Harry recalls his father being a distant parent, who found communicating difficult. Charles preferred to tell his son how proud he was through letters, left on Harry’s pillow, rather than face-to-face.
And Charles wasn’t much of a hugger. In that, he seems to have taken after his mother, Queen Elizabeth. Apparently, she once swerved to avoid a hug from Diana – quite the awkward moment for them both!
But a lack of physical affection was far from Harry’s only issue growing up. Because of his royal status, every attempt to lead a normal life was thwarted in some way.
At school, he had armed bodyguards down the hall. When he was a teenager, they were waiting for him outside the pub, too.
It’s hard to live anything resembling a normal existence when you have to be escorted by bodyguards everywhere you go. Public transport is out of the question, though Harry did take the Tube once, on a school trip.
As an adult, Harry managed to enjoy occasional moments of freedom. For example, he would go to the supermarket on his own.
But each outing was planned like a military operation. He would go in disguise – a loose coat and a low baseball cap – and at different times of day, to throw off the press. He even memorized the layout of the store, so he could get in and out as quickly as possible.
Lack of freedom and privacy have been recurring issues in Harry’s life – a cause of stress and frustration. But of course, nothing has impacted him quite like the events of that night in August 1997.
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What is Spare about?
Spare (2023) is Prince Harry’s highly anticipated memoir, which offers unprecedented insight into life as a royal. With remarkable candor, Harry reflects on his mother’s death, his complex relationships with other family members, and his battles with the press.
Spare Review
Spare (2022) by Prince Harry is a thought-provoking exploration of finding purpose and rediscovering oneself after facing life's challenges. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With unprecedented honesty, the author shares his personal journey, providing a rare glimpse into the life of a member of the royal family.
- Through his experiences, Prince Harry offers insights on mental health, resilience, and the importance of compassion, making the book relatable and inspiring.
- The book delves into issues such as racial injustice, climate change, and the role of the media, sparking important conversations and encouraging readers to reflect on their own impact on the world.
Who should read Spare?
- Fans of the British royal family
- People who have mixed feelings about the royal family
- Anyone who wants to know Harry’s side of the story
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Spare FAQs
What is the main message of Spare?
The main message of Spare is to use our privilege to make a positive impact on the world.
How long does it take to read Spare?
The reading time for Spare varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Spare a good book? Is it worth reading?
Spare is worth reading because it offers a unique perspective on privilege and encourages us to take action.
Who is the author of Spare?
The author of Spare is Prince Harry.
What to read after Spare?
If you're wondering what to read next after Spare, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking
- Napoleon the Great by Andrew Roberts