MONTECITO, USA – Prince Harry’s tell-all memoir, Spare, has proven to be a financial juggernaut, earning the Duke of Sussex an estimated $27 million since its release on January 10, 2023.
The memoir shattered records in the United Kingdom, selling 400,000 copies in its first three days and becoming the fastest-selling non-fiction book in the country’s history.
Published by Penguin Random House, the memoir offers intimate insights into Harry’s life as a royal and his eventual departure from the monarchy, touching on deeply personal and controversial topics that dominated global headlines.
A $40 Million Publishing Deal
The Daily Mail reported that Prince Harry received a $20 million advance as part of a $40 million multi-book deal inked in June 2021.
This lucrative agreement is believed to include three additional works beyond Spare.
Renowned author Richard Osman, speaking on his podcast The Rest Is Entertainment, speculated on Harry’s earnings, describing them as “impossible to overestimate.”
“It’s been one of the most successful books of all time,” Osman said.
“He got a $20 million advance, which he’s already earned out on the hardback sales alone. Forget other rights like audiobooks or future formats—this is just hardback money.”
Behind the Numbers
Osman broke down the financial dynamics of publishing, explaining how advances and royalties work.
“You don’t make a penny until your publisher earns back the advance. Once that’s achieved, royalties start to flow,” he said.
He estimated Harry’s earnings at approximately $26–$27 million from the hardback alone, a figure set to rise as the paperback and other editions continue to sell.
“When the paperback comes out, it’s just money rolling into the Sussexes,” Osman added.
Readers had to wait until October 2024—21 months after the hardcover debut—for the paperback edition of Spare.
Despite speculation that it might include additional revelations, the paperback mirrored the original, offering no new content.
A Publishing Sensation
The success of Spare underscores the global fascination with the British royal family and Prince Harry’s journey.
Its record-breaking sales reflect not only the public’s curiosity but also the enduring profitability of royal narratives.
For Penguin Random House and Prince Harry, Spare has proven to be a financial and cultural phenomenon, setting a high bar for the remaining books in Harry’s publishing deal.
As Osman aptly put it, “This book is a cash machine.”
