EXPRESS
The accuracy of Prince Harry’s new memoir has been called into question after the Duke described the emotional moment he was told the Queen Mother had died – in a way that does not appear to match with reality.
In Spare, the Duke’s new book published today, he evocatively described the scene at his school in Eton, even mentioning the “warm weather” on the day when he received the news over the phone. However, reports at the time indicate that the 17-year-old Prince was actually skiing on the icy slopes of Switzerland when he was told of his great-grandmother’s death.
Harry wrote in his memoir: “At Eton, while studying, I took a call. I wish I could remember whose voice was at the other end; a courtier’s, I believe.
“I recall that it was just before Easter, the weather was bright and warm, light slanting through my window, filled with vivid colours. Your Royal Highness, the Queen Mother has died.”
However, news reports from the time suggest this version of events could not have happened.
When Queen Mother Elizabeth, 101 years old, died in her sleep at Royal Lodge, Windsor, Harry was skiing in Klosters, Switzerland, with his father Charles and brother William.
The Duke was also snapped arriving back in the UK the day after her death on March 30, 2002, which was also after the point at which the news had been made public.
