Notes on Prince Harry's Interview on The Late Show

Introduction

• Guest: Prince Harry
  • Husband, father, military veteran, activist
  • Lives in Southern California with his wife Meghan, two kids, and three dogs

Book Discussion

• Book Title: Spare
• Main Theme: Intimate memoir detailing Harry's life experiences, family dynamics, and personal struggles
• Harry discusses various names he is called:
  • Birth name: Henry
  • Commonly called: Harry, Haz (by his wife), Baza, Bazaroonie
• Acknowledges the nerves of being public about the book after leaks

Context of the Book

• Harry emphasizes the importance of context in understanding his memoir
• Critique of the British press for sensationalizing his story and stripping context
  • Claims the press has a history of dishonorable behavior towards him and his family
• Discusses a dangerous narrative around his time in the military, specifically the portrayal of his kills in Afghanistan
  • Clarifies that he does not boast about it, but rather reflects on the weight of those experiences

Family Dynamics and Press Relations

• Harry feels there is an active campaign by the British press and possibly the royal family to undermine his book
• Discusses the role of unnamed palace sources in spreading derogatory information
• Reflects on how the public feeds into the press's behavior and the obligation to discuss this relationship

Personal Reflections

• Speaks about the trauma of losing his mother and the absence of emotional support within the royal family
• Emphasizes the difficulty of dealing with grief and unresolved trauma
• Shares insights on how therapy has helped him communicate better and seek healing

Experiences in the Military

• Describes the military as a refuge and source of purpose
• Discusses his work with veterans and reducing suicide rates among them
• Reflects on how his military experiences shaped his identity and current perspectives

Family Relationships

• Talks about the fractured relationship with his brother, Prince William
• Shares a humorous anecdote about an embarrassing moment involving frostnip

Mother’s Influence

• Discusses how he feels his mother’s presence in recent years
• Speculates about how different family dynamics might be if his mother were alive
• Shares that he sees his mother’s traits in his children, particularly the strong ginger gene

Conclusion

• Expresses hope for healing and understanding through sharing his story
• Encourages the audience to reconsider their consumption of media narratives about his family
• Promotes the idea of seeking therapy as a means of personal growth and healing
• Book "Spare" available now.