Wow, I have a lot of thoughts about this book. I will try to keep it brief due to a character limit and how I like to rage about things.

The first point I would like to make is regarding the family dynamic. I believe strongly that members of the British Royal Family aren't particularly cuddly. I believe that his mother was very affectionate, and once she died, everything was very stiff and formal. As a history major who studied European history, I can say that I have read in my studies that this is a pretty common practice for European royals. Couple that with the fact that you know your father cheated on your mother with someone who is hideous inside and out, AND that you were birthed as a plan b and spare parts for your heir sibling...I can see why he has issues with his family members. Not only that, spare children have historically been able to live more adventurous lives. I can see where that would be a bone of contention for William, who must live a pretty formal, stuffy life. It seems as though several members of this family are worried more about public opinion than creating and maintaining relationships of substance with each other, and that is sad.

The second point I would like to touch on is Harry's military service. He has never said that he is not from a life of privilege, nor that he has not benefited from that. He still went through the same training as everyone else when he joined the military. Yes, people helped him because of who he was, but he worked hard. He loved being in the military. He did things that any servicemember would have to do. He enjoyed working with veterans, and still does. He has done a lot for them. It annoys me that people try to downplay his experiences and charity work.

My third take away from this book is about his relationships. He has been with other girls before his current wife. Those girls were relentlessly hounded by the press. He was born into a life in the public eye, and any girl he chose to be with would have to understand that they would be lumped in by comparison. Following these girls around and showing up to their families homes is really disgusting behavior. I cannot imagine what it must be like to date or marry someone that is famous in any capacity. I feel that his wife gets a lot of unfair treatment. I have to admit I do not know a lot about her, but I do not think she deserves the constant vilification that she has gotten in the media. People blame her for Harry leaving the UK. It seems as though he is a grown adult and can make his own choices. He did not ask to be born, for the life he was given, for his trauma from the media and his family, and certainly not to have nonsense spread about him and his wife. His wife was very clearly in a dark place, and having been through this similar situation multiple times, he chose what was best for him and his family. He never said he would stop being a public figure or doing charity work...he just asked for the harassment to stop and for his family to accept and love him. Why are people so vapid about this?

My fourth, and last point, is going to be about the paparazzi. In the US, we all know how they harass celebrities. In fact, many celebs have advocated against these people photographing and harassing their children. Imagine the lies we have all read at the grocery store. TMZ is a particularly vile paparazzi machine. They pick the bones of everyone, releasing autopsy reports, filming people in clear distress (ie Britney Spears), harassing people on the street at all hours, following them in cars. Imagine how many articles you click to feed that interest in entertainment and celebrity. Celebs choose to be public figures, but they do still have the right to only share what they want. We do not have the right to every detail of anyone's life, only what they choose to share. Why would it be any different in Europe? People love to know about famous people, and gossip about their romantic relationships, pregnancies, and if they are doing drugs. It is very obvious that the media had a big role in his mother's death, or at least the obvious misery in her life. All of this was public fodder, and a little kid was in the spotlight. People feel entitled to him. I also believe that the media will say anything for a story, especially if motivated by people with ulterior motives, and I think that has certainly been the case for him. Wanting a more private life where everything is not blasted all over the place does not mean he is now seeking attention. He can do appearances, shows, and whatever else that he chooses to do that is scheduled press. He is simply asking for people to stop following him all over the place (and his wife and kids) and let them live their lives without gossip about who is feuding and what they ate at a cafe. None of this makes him a whiney, awful person like so many people want to say. It's these keyboard warriors and TikTok people that feel like they are entitled to tell someone how to live their life and that their experiences mean nothing and they should shut up and endure something they hate or that hurts them. It really reminds me of animals at Sea World. Be miserable, but perform for me because I said so. If you are one of these types, please take a genuine look at yourself.

I do not believe that Harry is whining, or begging for attention. He is sharing his personal feelings and experiences. Some of those have been thrown all over for inaccuracy, but we all know that witness statements aren't always accurate. Just because some details are incorrect, does not mean that his personal experiences, life, and feelings are invalid. I rarely rate anything five stars, but I am rating this. I enjoyed the book, and I applaud the courage it has taken to be accountable for actions in the past, and honest and introspective. He is very candid about his poor behavior, such as wearing the Nazi costume and his racial slurs. People drag him for that, but think about how many words and phrases we say (especially in the South) that have a direct line to slavery and the treatment of Natives. We do not know we are ignorant until we learn we are ignorant. He has apologized, learned, and is not hiding his stupidity. He is very open and honest about how his mother's death, his family emotional emptiness, petty arguments, and their unwillingness to understand and have honest conversations has affected him. He has been very honest about how the constant barrage of cameras every time he walks down the street affected him and his friends. I think he is probably the most honest and emotionally stable member of his entire family. The book was well written, and an exceptional read.