Prince Harry's much-anticipated memoir, filled with juicy revelations, faced a resounding defeat at this year's British Book Awards.
Despite its buzz and anticipation, the memoir failed to secure a single win across all categories it was nominated in. The grand ceremony held in London saw Prince Harry's work eclipsed by a children's writer, a puzzle book, and the memoirs of a former MP.
Released last January, Prince Harry's memoir missed out on the prestigious Book of the Year award, which instead went to a puzzle book crafted by GT Carber. In the non-fiction narrative category, it lost to "Politics on the Edge" by former International Development Secretary, Ro Stewart. Furthermore, it couldn't clinch the coveted Author of the Year title, which was awarded to children's writer Katherine Rundle, acclaimed for her fantasy series featuring impossible creatures.
Prince Harry's memoir delved into controversial topics such as his first experiences, drug use, and private family conflicts. Despite generating considerable sales, with 76,976 copies sold, it failed to impress the judging panel consisting of authors, illustrators, trade professionals, and celebrities like Adrian Charles, Lorraine Kelly, and Maddie Mo. The ceremony at Park Lane's Grosvenor House saw an array of deserving winners, including GT Carber's puzzle book, which claimed the top spot as the Christmas number one.
The nomination of Prince Harry's memoir stirred controversy, with critics questioning its merit. Some viewed it as a mere publicity stunt, given its lackluster narrative and critical reception akin to "Endgame." Its defeat in categories like Non-Fiction Narrative of the Year, losing to a book on politics, was perceived as a setback. The absence of Prince Harry from the event raised eyebrows, with some speculating about his desire for royal treatment akin to Nigeria's royalty.
Despite selling over 700,000 copies across print, ebook, and audiobook formats, Prince Harry's memoir fell short of expectations. Speculations about a paperback release and additional earnings amounted to nothing, reflecting the waning interest in the controversial tell-all. Disappointed reactions flooded social media, with some mocking the memoir's content and questioning its value. One fan remarked, "Whoever bought that book should be ashamed," while another quipped, "Wouldn't pay a cent to read that; might find it in the rubbish."
