Prince Harry’s Book Deal: A Royal Flop?

Let's take a moment to reflect on the whirlwind surrounding Prince Harry's much-discussed four-book agreement with Penguin Random House.

Initially, this deal, rumored to be worth a staggering £40 million, generated excitement akin to a royal wedding.

Yet, as time has passed, it seems this contract has soured, much like milk left out in the sun.

Harry's memoir, Spare, did indeed make headlines, raking in £20 million and breaking records as the fastest-selling memoir ever.

However, the question on everyone's lips is: where are the remaining three books?

The original plan hinted at a leadership book focused on charity, a wellness guide from Meghan Markle, and a mysterious title rumored to delve into the concept of engryptus—whatever that may entail.

Fast forward two years, and we find ourselves in a void, with no updates or manuscripts in sight, leaving PRH in a state of bewilderment.

While Spare initially flew off the shelves, selling 1.4 million copies on its first day, the reality soon set in.

Local supermarkets were seen discounting Spare to £5, and thrift stores reportedly turned away donations due to an overwhelming surplus of unsold copies.

To top it all off, it was named the most returned book of 2023.

Even the paperback release didn't fare any better, flopping harder than Harry's attempts at polo.

Royal commentators have begun to wonder if the four-book deal was more of a gamble than a solid agreement.

Perhaps it was more of a “let's see how this goes” situation rather than a commitment for multiple titles.

After all, no publisher would throw millions at an author lacking the ability to produce content.

It's likely that PRH had a clause allowing them to publish additional works if Harry could deliver something worthwhile.

So, why the delay in Harry's output?

One theory suggests a lack of motivation; writing requires dedication, and Harry hasn't exactly built a reputation for his work ethic.

Moreover, what more could he possibly write about?

He aired the family's secrets in Spare, leaving little room for a sequel without it feeling like a rehash.

Public interest appears to have waned, with many feeling they've heard enough royal drama for a lifetime.

As for Meghan, her supposed wellness book seems unlikely unless it's retitled How to Alienate a Family in Ten Steps.

This leads to speculation that she might be biding her time for a potential divorce, possibly waiting to pen her own tell-all, free from the need to share profits with Harry.

Imagine the juicy details she could spill about their tumultuous journey.

Meanwhile, PRH must be anxiously hoping for some redemption from this chaotic deal.

They have every right to demand a refund, as the four-book arrangement has devolved into a single-book saga, with no signs of additional content on the horizon.

Perhaps this experience will serve as a lesson for publishers in the future, reminding them to think carefully before investing millions in a couple whose primary talent seems to be voicing grievances.

As for Harry and Meghan, they continue to navigate their way through life, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and unmet expectations.