Prince Harry holds 'lucrative control' over Spare as hopes for film adaptation are crushed

Harry holds 'lucrative control' over Spare as hopes for film are crushed

Netflix
Dorothy Reddin

By Dorothy Reddin


Published: 19/07/2024

- 14:59

Spare was released worldwide in January 2023

Prince Harry holds "lucrative control" over Spare, as hopes for a film adaptation have been crushed according to sources.

Spare, the Duke of Sussex's memoir, was released worldwide in January 2023, and quickly became the fastest-selling nonfiction book ever on its first day of publication.


The book made headlines due to details of his rift with his brother, Prince William, and for his remarks about his time in Afghanistan, including the number of people he had killed while in action.

According to sources in The Mail, Harry cannily controls the lucrative film, television and stage rights to his memoir.

Prince HarryHarry holds 'lucrative control' over Spare as hopes for film are crushedNetflix

This prevents anyone from dramatising Spare, apart from the duke.

Prince Harry, 39, likely insisted on this being the case to prevent anyone from portraying his late mother, Princess Diana, or his wife, Meghan Markle, in a way that does not concur with his views.

A cinematic version of Spare would likely be explosive, as the book contains attacks on King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William and Princess Kate.

It is not known if a film or stage adaption is on the cards for Prince Harry, however, the duke does have a lucrative deal with streaming giant Netflix.

Prince Harry SparePrince Harry wrote a tell-all memoir called Spare in January 2023PA

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex signed with the company in 2020 after stepping down as working royals.

Prince Harry is currently working on a programme that delves into the world of professional polo.

Polo holds personal significance for the Duke of Sussex, as he is a long-time enthusiast of the sport.

Filmed primarily at the US Open Polo Championship in Wellington, Florida, the series offers an intimate look into Harry's world, reflecting his deep connection to polo, a sport he has enjoyed since childhood alongside his brother, Prince William.

Meghan Markle and Prince HarryThe Sussexes' docuseries, Harry & Meghan, was released in December 2022 Netflix
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry

Meghan and Harry pictured in Florida during the filming of the duke's upcoming polo series

PA

Miloš Balać, an Emmy award-winning filmmaker known for his work on sports, pop culture, and politics, is set to produce the series.

Alongside Balać, Harry's friend Nacho Figueras, a renowned Argentinian polo player, has confirmed his involvement.

Meghan Markle, 42, is also preparing to unveil a documentary that celebrates the pleasures of cooking, gardening, entertaining, and the bonds of friendship.

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