Prince Harry’s memoir, Spare, has sparked considerable discussion around his reflections on early life and schooling, offering a glimpse into his formative years. His privileged upbringing began at Mrs Mynors Nursery School in Notting Hill and continued through Wetherby Prep School and Ludgrove Prep School. At just eight years old, he transitioned to boarding school, where he received significant support from staff, exemplified by a distinctive nightly ritual for younger boys. According to Harry, this involved matrons caring for the boys by washing their hair three times a week, a practice he detailed vividly. He wrote, “I can still see the long row of white baths, each with a boy reclining like a little Pharaoh, awaiting his personalised hair wash.”

This elaborate grooming ritual was part of a broader system designed to cater to the students’ needs, with each boy receiving individual attention—including a towel embroidered with his school number, personalising the experience further. For older boys who had reached puberty, there were separate facilities, which further illustrates the continuity of care provided in this unique environment. In a world where such attention to personal grooming can seem peculiar, the reflection serves to highlight the privileges and comforts of Harry’s childhood, while also acknowledging the complexities of growing up under the watchful eyes of both family and staff.

Following his time at Ludgrove, Harry attended Eton College, where he experienced a stark shift in his relationship with his brother, Prince William. Speaking candidly to television host Anderson Cooper, Harry recounted his disappointment at William’s aloofness during their years at Eton. With a hint of personal hurt evident in his tone, he described William’s request to “pretend we don’t know each other” as deeply impactful, suggesting that the bond between the brothers faced significant strain during these formative years. This revelation adds a layer of understanding to Harry’s later choices and his perception of familial loyalty.

The reflections in Spare are not solely focused on Harry’s early experiences at Ludgrove and Eton; they also highlight ongoing tensions within the royal family. While his time at boarding school afforded him privileged comforts, the emotional landscape of those years was fraught with challenges. Harry’s narratives about feeling isolated foreshadowed the estrangement that would later characterise his relationship with the royal family.

Overall, Spare serves as an intimate lens into Prince Harry’s life, bridging the gap between royal privilege and personal struggle. His anecdotes, from hair-washing rituals to complex brotherly dynamics, paint a vivid portrait of a young prince navigating both a sheltered upbringing and the challenges of familial expectation.

Source: Noah Wire Services