In his 2023 memoir, Spare, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, offered personal insights into various chapters of his life, including the early years of his relationship with his brother’s future wife, Catherine, Princess of Wales. One notable moment in the book was Harry’s candid recollection of his first meeting with Catherine, describing her in warm and positive terms.
The account provides a glimpse into how the early relationship between Prince Harry and Princess Catherine began—marked by kindness, humor, and mutual respect.
A Positive First Impression
Prince Harry met Catherine Middleton when she was dating Prince William, now the Prince of Wales. In Spare, Harry described being introduced to her in a casual setting prior to her official entry into the Royal Family. During this time, William invited Harry to join them at a themed costume party, which Harry admitted he was reluctant to attend.
Despite his hesitance about the party’s theme, Harry wrote that he immediately took a liking to Catherine. He described her using three words: “carefree, sweet, kind.”
These descriptors, as shared in the memoir, offer an early glimpse of the friendship that would develop between the Duke of Sussex and his future sister-in-law. He also noted her interests in photography, fashion, and art, and mentioned that she had spent time studying in Florence, Italy—experiences that shaped her artistic sensibilities and cultural awareness.
A Sibling-Like Bond
As Spare further reveals, Prince Harry regarded his brother’s future wife not just as a member of the Royal Family but as someone he felt genuinely close to. At one point in the book, he wrote that he considered Catherine to be the sister he never had but always wanted. He described enjoying making her laugh and appreciated her easygoing nature, which brought a sense of fun to family gatherings.
This closeness was also evident during Prince William and Catherine’s wedding in 2011, which Prince Harry attended as best man. He wrote that he was happy to see William marry someone he admired and trusted, and he described Catherine as a good match for his brother.
Their positive dynamic, as documented during those years, contributed to a sense of unity and warmth that many observers associated with the younger generation of royals.
Life Changes and a Shift in Relationships
While Spare describes many positive interactions during the early years of the Waleses’ marriage, Harry’s memoir also addresses the changes in family dynamics that unfolded after his own marriage to Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and the couple’s subsequent decision to step back from royal duties in 2020.
Following their move to California, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex began pursuing independent charitable and media ventures through their organization, Archewell. The transition was accompanied by increased public and media scrutiny, as well as interviews and a Netflix documentary series in which the couple discussed their experiences within the institution.
During the 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan addressed rumors regarding her relationship with Catherine, particularly in the lead-up to the Sussexes’ wedding in 2018. The Duchess clarified a widely circulated story about a disagreement over Princess Charlotte’s bridesmaid dress and stated that Catherine later apologized, which Meghan accepted.
While Spare and public interviews have acknowledged tensions between family members, both Prince Harry and Meghan have also expressed appreciation for moments of kindness and connection within the Royal Family, including those involving Catherine.
Public Appearances and Changing Roles
In the years following their departure from official royal duties, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have taken on new roles as public figures focused on philanthropy, storytelling, and mental health advocacy. They have continued to support causes through their Archewell Foundation and have released content with Netflix, Spotify, and Penguin Random House.
Meanwhile, Prince William and Princess Catherine have assumed more senior royal responsibilities under King Charles III, taking on a growing number of public engagements in the UK and abroad. As the Prince and Princess of Wales, they continue to focus on key areas such as early childhood development, mental health, and environmental sustainability.
Their roles within the monarchy have evolved as they prepare for future leadership positions, with Catherine emerging as a prominent figure in modern royal diplomacy and service.
Royal Events and Public Interest
Although Prince Harry and Princess Catherine have not been seen together publicly in recent years, both remain subjects of high public interest and are consistently followed by global audiences. Royal watchers often take note of their appearances at events such as Trooping the Colour, Remembrance Sunday, or state banquets.
It is not unusual for extended royal families to experience shifts in personal dynamics, especially in the context of changing roles, geographic distance, and media attention. What remains clear is that Prince Harry’s early memories of Princess Catherine, as described in Spare, reflect genuine appreciation for her character and the bond they once shared.
The Importance of Verified Sources in Royal Coverage
Stories involving the Royal Family continue to receive significant media attention around the world. As interest grows, it becomes even more important to distinguish between verified, firsthand accounts and speculative reporting.
In the case of Prince Harry’s recollections, the memoir Spare provides a publicly available, firsthand narrative. Statements made during the Oprah interview and other official channels such as the Archewell Foundation website, Kensington Palace, or verified social media accounts also serve as reliable sources for public statements and historical context.
Responsible reporting on the Royal Family involves focusing on facts, confirmed statements, and respectful discourse—especially when it relates to family relationships and personal histories.
Conclusion: From Fond Beginnings to a New Chapter
Prince Harry’s early impressions of Princess Catherine, as documented in Spare, offer a reminder of the close bond that once existed between members of the Royal Family. While relationships may have evolved over time due to personal decisions and changing roles, the foundation of mutual respect and shared history remains an important part of the broader royal narrative.
As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex continue their life in the United States and the Prince and Princess of Wales fulfill their roles within the monarchy, public interest in their journeys is unlikely to diminish. However, reflecting on verified and respectful accounts—like the warm words Prince Harry once wrote about Catherine—provides a more thoughtful perspective on the lives behind the headlines.
