Prince Harry claims William physically attacked him in leaked book
A newspaper claimed to have seen an extract from the Duke of Sussex's upcoming autobiography Spare
Last updated 5th Jan 2023
Prince Harry has reportedly claimed he was physically attacked by his brother Prince William over his marriage to Meghan Markle.
The Guardian has published a leaked extract of Spare, in which Prince Harry alleged the confrontation took place at his London home in 2019.
The Duke of Sussex said it had left him with a visible injury to his back after the Prince of Wales grabbed him by the collar and ripped his necklace before knocking him to the floor.
Harry further claimed William had called the American actress "difficult", "rude" and "abrasive" - comments which the younger brother said parroted "the press narrative" about his wife.
Prince of Wales "swore" and scared Harry, Duke of Sussex claims
According to The Guardian newspaper, the "extraordinary scene" is "one of many in Spare" which is due to be published on January 10.
The newspaper said it was able to obtain a copy of the book despite "stringent pre-launch security around the book".
Its article goes on to say that, according to Harry, his elder brother had wanted to discuss "the whole rolling catastrophe" of their relationship and struggles with the press.
But when William arrived at Nottingham Cottage - where Harry was then living - in the grounds of Kensington Palace, the Prince of Wales was already "piping hot".
"After William complained about Meghan, Harry writes, Harry told him he was repeating the press narrative and that he expected better," The Guardian reports.
"But William, Harry says, was not being rational, leading to the two men shouting over each other.
"Harry then accused his brother of acting like an heir, unable to understand why his younger brother was not content to be a spare."
Insults were then exchanged between the two men, before William claimed he was trying to help, claims which Harry found incredulous, and informed his brother of such, angering William.
So much so, Harry writes, the Prince of Wales swore and stepped forwards, scaring him.
He writes: "(William) called me another name, then came at me. It all happened so fast. So very fast. He grabbed me by the collar, ripping my necklace, and he knocked me to the floor. I landed on the dog's bowl, which cracked under my back, the pieces cutting into me. I lay there for a moment, dazed, then got to my feet and told him to get out."
Harry writes that William urged him to hit back but he refused. Shortly afterwards though, the elder brother apologised.
William had then told his brother not to tell Meghan about the confrontation, resulting in Harry saying: "You mean that you attacked me?", to which William responded: "I didn't attack you, Harold."
Harry said he did not immediately tell his wife but she had noticed "scrapes and bruises" on his back.
There's been no immediate comment from Buckingham Palace.
Harry and Meghan in pictures
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle meet
July 2016: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle met after being set up on a blind date by a mutual friend. The pair went to Soho House's Dean Street Townhouse.
Officially dating
November 2016: Kensington Palace released a statement confirming the couple were dating. Prince Harry also referenced the press coverage surrounding their relationship, noting that a lot of the coverage was sexist or racist. Part of the statement said, "Prince Harry is worried about Ms. Markle's safety and is deeply disappointed that he has not been able to protect her. This is not a game — it is her life and his."
Pippa Middleton's Wedding Reception
May 2017: Harry and Meghan attended Pippa Middleton's wedding reception together. Harry reportedly took a 100-mile round trip to pick her up for the event.
First public outing
September 2017: The couple attended a tennis event at the Invictus Games in Toronto. This was the first time they'd been seen out in public together, and were spotted whispering, smiling, and holding hands.
Engagement
November 2017: Harry and Meghan get engaged; a statement is released from Kensington Palace. They announced their engagement publicly on the 27th, but Harry reportedly proposed earlier in the month at the home.
Christmas together
December 2017: Meghan Markle joins the Royal Family for Christmas, breaking royal precedent as the couple weren't married yet. Fiancés aren't usually part of the royal Christmas occasions, but the Queen invited Meghan along to her Sandringham estate.
Wedding day
May 2018: On the 18th May Meghan and Harry got married at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. Many celebrities attended including Serena Williams and Elton John, and thousands greeted the couple as they arrived at the reception on horse and carriage.
They were legally married at the castle, but Meghan later revealed their vows were said three days before. She said, "The vows that we have framed in our room are just the two of us in our backyard with the Archbishop of Canterbury."
First pregnancy annoucement
October 2018: 5 months after their wedding, the royals announce Meghan is pregnant with the couple's first child. They decide to live slightly further away from the royal family, moving from Kensington Palace to Frogmore House.
Travelling across the world
October 2018: Meghan and Harry toured across Australia, New Zealand Fiji and Tonga for 16 days. They took part in various traditional ceremonies, met with youth mental health organisations and multiple foreign leaders.
Baby Archie is born
May 2019: Prince Harry and Markle's son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, is born. They didn't follow royal tradition, skipping the post-birth photo-call on the hospital steps. Archie didn't receive a royal title and the photo-call happened three days later.
Meghan and Harry announce suing of Associated Newspapers
October 2019: The couple announce they're suing Associated Newspapers after the Daily Mail published a private letter Meghan sent to her father.
Harry's statement read, "Though we have continued to put on a brave face—as so many of you can relate to—I cannot begin to describe how painful it has been."
A Mail on Sunday spokesman said: "Specifically, we categorically deny that the Duchess's letter was edited in any way that changed its meaning."
Travelling
September 2019: The couple tour Malawi, Angola, and South Africa. They took Archie with them, visiting various famous sites. While in South Africa they met with Graca Machel, Nelson Mandela's widow.
They spent a few days in Botswana a couple of weeks later, a particularly special place for them. Meghan's engagement ring has a centre jewel from a conflict-free diamond supplier in Botswana alongside two diamonds from Princess Diana's collection.
Stepping back
January 2020: Harry and Meghan release a statement announcing their decision to be "financially independent" and take a "step back" from the royal family.
Final engagements
March 2020: The pair return to the UK for their final engagements as senior royals. Photographed by Samir Hussein on the 5th March at London's Endeavour Fund Awards.
Commonwealth day
March 2020: On 9th March, Prince Harry and Meghan attended the annual Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey on Commonwealth Day.
Cutting ties
April 2020: Meghan and Harry decide to cut ties with some British tabloids. They announce they will no longer like to respond or engage with them.
Home in California
July 2020: Harry and Meghan purchase their first home together in Santa Barbara, California.
Meghan wins her case
February 2021: Meghan Markle wins her case against Associated Newspapers on the 14th February.
In the statement, she thanked Harry, and others, for their support.
A spokesperson for the newspaper said, "We are very surprised by today's summary judgment and disappointed at being denied the chance to have all the evidence heard and tested in open court at a full trial."
Another baby on the way
14th February 2021: The couple announce they are expecting their second child. A spokesperson for the couple confirmed that Archie was going to be a big brother.
Coming away from the Royal Family
19th February 2021: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle confirm to the Queen that they will no longer work on behalf of the royal family. The Buckingham Palace statement read, "While all are saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much-loved members of the family."
Meghan and Harry shared a statement which said they "remain committed to their duty and service to the U.K. regardless of official role."
Oprah Winfrey interview
March 2021: Meghan and Harry are interviewed by Oprah Winfrey on the 7th March. A 'sit-down, tell-all' interview which aired in the US and the UK. Their first sit-down interview since leaving the Royal Family.
Prince Philip's funeral
April 2021: On the 17th, Prince Harry attended the funeral of Prince Philip while Meghan Markle stayed in California. It was reported that Meghan had intended to go, but was not given clearance to fly due to her pregnancy.
Prince Philip died on the 9th April, aged 99.
Harry shared in a statement, "Meghan, Archie, and I (as well as your future great-granddaughter) will always hold a special place for you in our hearts".
Baby Lilibet is born
4th June 2021: The couple's daughter and second child, Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor is born.
According to the couple's statement, Lilibet was born on the 4th at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in California. They also said she was named after the nickname of her great grandmother, The Queen.
Her birth was announced on the 6th June, but without the usual royal birth fanfare or press photo call.
Meghan's book is published
June 2021: On the 8th, Meghan's children's book "The Bench" is published. The book is inspired by a Father's Day poem she wrote for Prince Harry. It tells the story of a father and son's relationship from a mother's perspective.
Meghan's 40th birthday
August 2021: On the 4th, Meghan celebrated her 40th birthday at their home in California. To mark the occasion she launched 40x40, a campaign encouraging people around the world to spend 40 minutes supporting women re-entering the workforce.