The royal family were tonight caught completely unaware by Prince Harry’s announcement he is writing a memoir on his life as a royal.
Sources close to Prince Charles were "surprised" at the news.
Palace aides did want to answer questions as Prince Charles and Duchess of Cornwall attended a reception at the Duchy of Cornwall Nursery, in Lostwithiel.
One said: "We are more likely to answer questions next year when this memoir is due to be published."
Another when told the news tonight said "oh gosh".
Clarence House did want to comment.
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A senior Clarence House aide added: "The Prince of Wales loves his children very much and remains focussed on his work to ensure we have a sustainable future for the next generation including his own children, and grandchildren."
Tonight it was announced Prince Harry has been secretly writing a memoir for nearly a year, with American “power ghostwriter” J. R.
Moehringer promising to deliver a “wholly truthful and accurate” account of his life and Megxit when published at Christmas or early in the new year.
In a statement confirming the book, the duke 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.”
Pulitzer winner Moehringer, 56, has previously written memoirs for tennis legend Andre Agassi and Nike co-founder Phil Knight, as well as his own autobiography, “The Tender Bar,” which is currently being made into a movie by George Clooney.
The transcript for Harry's book was due to be handed in next month but due to the birth of the couple’s second child, Lilibet and other commitments, it has now been pushed back to October.
A blurb from publisher Penguin Random House read: “In an intimate and heartfelt memoir from one of the most fascinating and influential global figures of our time, 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, on that shows readers that behind everything they think they know lies an inspiring, courageous and uplifting human story.’"
They promised the book would be “an honest and captivating personal portrait”.
