PRH to publish Prince Harry memoir

Penguin Random House has bought global rights to "a literary memoir" from Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, "tentatively scheduled" for publication in late 2022, the publisher has confirmed.

The book, billed "an intimate and heartfelt memoir from one of the most fascinating and influential global figures of our time", will be published in print and digital formats by Transworld in the UK, by Random House in the US and in Canada by Random House Canada, with additional publishing territories "to be announced at a later date". An audiobook edition will be released simultaneously by Penguin Random House Audio. The release date is "tentatively scheduled for late 2022", the publisher said, with terms "not disclosed" and Prince Harry "donating proceeds to charity".

The PRH announcement said: "Prince Harry will share, for the very first time, the definitive account of the experiences, adventures, losses, and life lessons that have helped shape him. Covering his lifetime in the public eye from childhood to the present day, including his dedication to service, the military duty that twice took him to the frontlines of Afghanistan, and the joy he has found in being a husband and father, Prince Harry will offer an honest and captivating personal portrait, one that shows readers that behind everything they think they know lies an inspiring, courageous, and uplifting human story."

Prince Harry said: “I’m writing this not as the prince I was born but as the man I have become. I’ve worn many hats over the years, both literally and figuratively, and my hope is that in telling my story—the highs and lows, the mistakes, the lessons learned—I can help show that no matter where we come from, we have more in common than we think. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to share what I’ve learned over the course of my life so far and excited for people to read a firsthand account of my life that’s accurate and wholly truthful.”

Markus Dohle, c.e.o. of Penguin Random House, commented: “All of us at Penguin Random House are thrilled to publish Prince Harry's literary memoir and have him join the world-renowned leaders, icons, and change-makers we have been privileged to publish over the years. Prince Harry has harnessed his extraordinary life experience as a prince, a soldier, and a knowledgeable advocate for social issues, establishing himself as a global leader recognized for his courage and openness. It is for that reason we’re excited to publish his honest and moving story.”

PRH published The Bench, a children's book from Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, in June, with the Puffin imprint publishing in the UK and other territories. Thus far it has sold 6,045 copies for £54,769 via Nielsen BookScan's UK TCM.

Meanwhile Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand's Finding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of a Modern Royal Family (HQ) has sold 60,332 copies for £800,000 via Nielsen BookScan in the UK, and hit the number one spot in mid-August 2020.