Fears Prince Harry’s book was ‘sexed up’ with revelations about the royals after publisher rejected first draft
PRINCE Harry had to submit his new book more than once before publishers accepted it — sparking fears it has been “sexed up” with revelations that will rock the royals.
And it emerged the Duke of Sussex begged pals and former girlfriends to speak to his ghost-writer JR Moehringer.
The resulting autobiography Spare, a dig over his position in Prince William’s shadow, was this week given a release date of January 10 after being delayed by the Queen’s death.
It was originally due out this year as part of a £35million book deal, of which Harry has been given an advance of £17.5million.
So it has mised missed the lucrative US Thanksgiving and Christmas markets.
Publishers Penguin Random House have refused to comment, but it is understood Harry, 38, was asked to “revisit” several aspects.
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That will raise concerns at Buckingham Palace that the book could re-ignite rows including royal racism claims, as well as include criticism of senior royals including King Charles and Camilla.
A source said: “The book has been back and forth between Harry and JR Moehringer and the publishers a few times.
“They wanted more than was in the first draft, and then Harry wanted to refine things after the Queen passed away.
“But there has been extra toing and froing that people don’t know about. This is because the publishers wanted more areas covered and more detail on some things that were already included.
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“There is a real concern that that means Harry has had to sex up the book and include revelations that even he might not even be that comfortable with.”
There are fears he will expand on the claim he and Meghan made to Oprah Winfrey that a family member questioned what their son Archie’s skin colour would turn out to be.
The way the book has been promoted has also raised worried about what he has to say about mum Diana’s treatment.
The source added: “That could include hurtful criticism.”
Another publishing source said it is understood Harry was paid an advance to write the book and then a second instalment on delivery of “an acceptable” manuscript.
Harry — who lives in a Californian mansion with Meghan, 41, and their children Archie, three, and Lilibet, one — got in touch with mates back in England and even former girlfriends over the summer.
His former girlfriends include Chelsy Davy, 37, and actress Cressida Bonas, 33, but it is not known if he approached them.
However, it is understood former close associates were stunned to be asked to speak about the most intimate areas of his life, relationships and upbringing.
At least one sent Harry packing — stunned that, after being ordered for years never to speak to the media, they were then asked to contribute to the book.
A source said: “Harry did reach out. Friends and girlfriends were polite and said they would think about it but ultimately most said No.
“It was felt to be kind of ironic that Harry would hit the roof if he ever had an inkling they spoke to the media, but now he wants them to when he needs their help.”
Penguin Random House, thought to have rejected the first draft for being too “touchy-feely”, this week promoted the memoir around Princess Diana’s death in 1997.
They said: “Spare takes readers immediately back to one of the most searing images of the 20th Century; two young boys, two princes, walking behind their mother’s coffin as the world watched in sorrow — and horror.
“As Diana, Princess of Wales, was laid to rest, billions wondered what the princes must be thinking and feeling. For Harry, this is his story at last.”
The Sun told in September how Harry wanted to “refine” sections following the Queen’s death and Charles ascending to the throne.
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But his publishers are said to have “pushed back” against bids to make the memoir “too senstitive”.
We approached publishers Penguin Random House for comment.
Snub on Marines
HARRY appears to have been snubbed after his name did not appear in the statement heralding King Charles as Captain General of the Royal Marines.
The prince, 38, held the ceremonial role from 2017 but lost it when he quit royal duties.
It was reported that Charles warned him about Friday’s 351-word statement knowing it was a “sensitive” issue for his son.
Harry, who did two tours in Afghanistan, is known to have been devastated over losing his military titles in the Megxit deal.
