The Duke of Sussex told his family mere moments before the news was reported that he was releasing a book. Signing a deal worth $20million (£14.6million), royal aides fear that Meghan may ghost-write the stories of Harry’s life. Set to be released in late 2022, the book is set to share Prince Harry’s “intimate and heartfelt” moments as well as a “definitive account of the experiences, adventures, losses, and life lessons that have helped shape him,” according to publisher Penguin Random House.

Harry said he was writing his memoir “not as the prince I was born but as the man I have become.”

Meghan released her book, The Bench, about a father and son’s love in June 2021, with the same publisher that Harry has chosen for his book. 

Royal experts have said Harry’s autobiography is a “moneymaking exercise at the expense of his blood family”.

Insiders had also predicted it would be “a book by Harry, as written by Meghan.”

The book has come as a shock to the Royal Family as he has been secretly working with Pulitzer-winning ghostwriter J. R. Moehringer for a year.

Biographer Phil Dampier wrote in the Daily Express: “They will be in despair that Harry – doubtless prompted by Meghan – just won’t leave it alone for a while.

“His family will be bracing themselves for more criticism, more ‘poor me’ introspection and more excuses to justify his decision to quit royal life.”

Harry, 36, did not tell his brother, Prince William, or father, Prince Charles, about his decision to release a book, despite flying to London from California to unveil a Diana statue in Kensington Palace this month. 

READ MORE: Royal Family LIVE: Harry risks US backlash with memoir move

Harry and Meghan chose to step down from royal duties in 2020 and are currently living in California with their two children.

Prince Harry explained: “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.”

Harry’s use of the word “mistake” has confused some royal experts as it shows he is taking some reflection on Megxit or how they could have done it differently. 

CEO of Penguin Random House, Markus Dohle said: “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.”

Prince Harry has signed up to the book deal despite repeatedly asking for his family’s privacy to be respected.

The book will cover Harry’s childhood, his military service including his time in Afghanistan, and his life as a husband and father; he wants to present himself as a mature family man who has learned from his mistakes and become a wise old sage.

Another source claimed that the announcement had provoked much eye-rolling, saying: “I think everyone is just tired of being angry when it comes to those two. They have spent the last 18 months doing everything they promised Her Majesty they wouldn’t do – making a living off their previous lives and status as members of the Royal Family. It’s depressingly predictable, unfortunately.”

The first draft of the book is due in October. 

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