Prince Harry’s memoir “Spare” has broken the record for the best-selling non-fiction book of all time.
The Duke of Sussex’s revealing account of the royal family and his personal life sold 1.43 million copies during its first day on sale in the UK, US and Canada. according to Guinness World Records.
Harry’s book sales eclipsed the previous record holder, A Promised Land, written by former President Barack Obama, which sold 887,000 copies on its day of release.
“Spare” details Prince Harry’s contentious relationships with his father, King Charles, and brother, Prince William, and the problems caused by his marriage to Meghan Markle that caused him to leave the royal family in 2020.
The prince also talks about losing his mother Princess Diana at the age of 12, his drinking and drug use, losing his virginity and his time serving with the British Army in Afghanistan.
“Spare” has a cover price of $36, but is widely sold by discount retailers. On Amazon, the memoir was selling for $22.42 on Saturday.
“As far as we know, the only books that have sold more on their first day are the ones starring the other Harry (Potter),” said Larry Finlay, CEO of Transworld Penguin Random House.
“Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows” – the latest novel in JK Rowling’s series – currently holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest-selling book of all time after selling 8.3 million copies – or 345,833 books an hour – when released in July 2007
On Wednesday, Penguin Random House announced that “Spare” had set the record for the fastest-selling non-fiction book in UK history.
The Duke of Sussex has accused the royal family of trying to undermine his memoir.
In an appearance with Stephen Colbert this week, Colbert asked Harry if there was an “active campaign” by the rest of his family “to undermine this book and you?”
“Of course,” Harry replied, adding that it was “mainly the British press.”
When the late-night host asked if the pushback was also “aided and abetted by the palace,” Harry replied, “Again, of course.”
So far, Buckingham Palace has yet to officially comment on “Spare.”
Before Obama held the record for best-selling non-fiction book, his wife, Michelle, held the record after her book “Becoming” sold 725,000 copies on its first day, according to Guinness.
Before “Becoming,” Bill Clinton’s “My Life” held the title after it sold 400,000 copies upon its release in 2004, breaking the record set a year earlier by his wife, Hillary Clinton. Her memoir, Living History, sold 200,000 copies.
