Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could use his memoir as “potential lever if they want something from the royal family”, a royal expert has claimed.
Richard Fitzwilliams said that with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, you “don’t know what coming next” and this made it “difficult”.
News of the memoir, which was announced this week, has led many to speculate that it could heap further criticism on the Royal Family.
Prince Harry said the memoir will be an “intimate and heartfelt”, “wholly truthful” memoir and would be written, "not as the prince I was born but as the man I have become".
It is believed Harry received a £14.5 million advance and it was announced he is donating the proceeds to charity.
The book, which is currently untitled and is to be published by Penguin Random House, will cover his life in the public eye, including his time in the military, along with his life as a family man.
Scheduled to be published globally in late 2022 the timing of its release - coinciding with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee - has also raised eyebrows.
Mr Fitzwilliams said: 'It's so far in the future, it's a potential lever if they want something from the Royal Family.”
However, Mr Fitzwilliams has noted a sound of caution regarding the “literary memoir” and said the potential “explosive” revelations in the memoir will impact relations between the Firm and the Sussexes.
In the run-up to publication he said the memoir is something the royals "will be bearing in mind when dealing with the Sussexes between now and then".
Some commentators have said the move is “disrespectful” to the Queen and will overshadow what should be a celebratory anniversary marking her 70th year on the throne.
There has also been interest in Prince Harry’s choice of ghostwriter, JR Moehringer, who has a skill in unpicking complex father-son relationships.
The spotlight could well focus on Harry’s relationship with his father, Prince Charles which Harry has admitted has had its difficulties.
However, Fitzwilliams added that while Harry is “exorcising his demons” he is still sixth in line to the throne and is a “significant royal” even if he's not a working royal.
He also called into question just how accurate Harry’s account will be, citing the Oprah Winfrey interview with the Sussexes some of which did not pass the “fact check”.
The royal commentator said that the Sussexes often cast themselves as “victims” and have regularly gone “public” but he is not sure quite what is driving the couple.
Fitzwilliams added: “He [Harry] has talked a lot about healing, but what do the Sussexes want from the Royal Family?'
