Prince Harry Says His ‘Conscience Is Clear’ Over Memoir and Media Battles

 

Prince Harry has defended his memoir Spare, saying his “conscience is clear” and that he did not air “dirty laundry in public.” Speaking to The Guardian during a visit to Kyiv, Ukraine, the Duke of Sussex said his intention was to share a difficult message in the “best way possible.” The remarks follow a brief meeting with his father, King Charles, their first in over a year. Harry stepped back from royal duties in 2020 alongside his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and has since spoken openly about strained family relationships, most notably in a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey and the 2022 Netflix series Harry and Meghan.

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While in Ukraine, Harry laid a wreath in Maidan Square to honour victims of the ongoing conflict with Russia. His trip focused on the Invictus Games Foundation, which supports wounded veterans in rehabilitation. The prince emphasised that people with disabilities deserve admiration, not pity, saying his work with Invictus gave him renewed purpose after leaving the military. He described the war as “all so unnecessary” and praised the resilience of Ukrainian veterans. He also shared that boxing helps him cope with stress and that despite feeling attacked by sections of the British press, he still feels “love” from the public.

Alongside his work with Invictus, Prince Harry is engaged in ongoing legal battles against the British tabloid press. He is currently suing Associated Newspapers, the publisher of the Daily Mail, over allegations of unlawful information gathering, including phone hacking. He joins other high-profile claimants such as Sir Elton John and Baroness Lawrence. Associated Newspapers has denied the accusations, calling them “preposterous smears.” Harry stressed that the lawsuits are “not about revenge” but “about accountability.” Earlier this year, the publisher of The Sun newspaper agreed to pay him substantial damages to settle a separate long-running case.

Reflecting on recent years, the prince admitted he had faced “very stressful” times and had learned painful truths. He also noted that the last four years have been filled with challenges, from media battles to family tensions. Despite relocating to the United States, Harry underlined his continuing affection for the UK, saying he hopes to visit more often. He added that in the year ahead, “the focus really has to be on my dad.” His comments suggest a desire for reconciliation while balancing his personal commitments and global projects. Through Invictus, his legal fights, and his public appearances, Harry continues to shape his role outside the Royal Family.

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