PRINCE Harry jokingly pointed to his controversial memoir Spare when asked for recommendations at a bookshop, it is reported.

The Duke of Sussex made the joke while opening a new bookshop with his wife Meghan Markle near their California home.

 
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on their summer trip to ColombiaCredit: Getty

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Meghan at the Godmothers bookshop in Summerland, CaliforniaCredit: lauralynnejackson/Instagram

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Harry’s memoir features prominently on the shop’s ‘Our Local Authors’ displayCredit: BackGrid
They were joined by their close friend Oprah Winfrey at the Godmothers bookshop in the posh oceanside town of Summerland.

Chat show host and Finding Nemo star Ellen DeGeneres was also at the launch party, as was Netflix chief Ted Sarandos.

Harry “silently pointed to his memoir Spare” when asked if he had a book recommendation, Town & Country reports.

The prince wore an open-necked white shirt with chinos, a brown belt, slip-on brown suede shoes and a friendship bracelet.

Meghan wore a white Ralph Lauren tank top along long white trousers, a silver necklace and a chrome clutch bag.

Harry’s memoir features prominently on the shop’s “Our Local Authors” display along with Meghan’s children’s book The Bench.

He is thought to have inspired the bookshop’s name with a throwaway quip at the launch party for Spare last year.

Unveiling the controversial memoir, Harry called Oprah Winfrey, Victoria Jackson and Jennifer Rudolph Walsh his “fairy godmothers”.

When Jackson and Walsh decided to start the shop together, Oprah said: “There’s really only one thing you can name it – Godmothers.”

Meghan was seen embracing Oprah, who interviewed her and Harry for a bombshell TV special in 2021.

Harry swapped handshakes and hugs with his California pals at the event.

When the founders gave a speech, Meghan put her hand to her mouth and said: “Woo!”

Godmothers founder Jackson said she has known the couple since they moved to California after quitting royal duties in 2020.

She said: “Seeing them be able to come here and be in a safe space, it’s what we want it to be..

“Their support, and the light that it will shine on Godmothers, is pretty extraordinary.”

Meghan returned to the bookshop on Saturday dressed in a black linen Monaco jumpsuit.

She said: “Thank you for not just creating the space, but for holding the space for so many people to feel seen through the pages.

“Either in laughter, or grief, or in feeling less alone.”

But Meghan made a dash after the event – saying she had to make dinner for her kids Archie and Lilibet.

Harry ‘plotting UK comeback’

PRINCE Harry has reportedly asked former aides to help him plan a comeback from his US exile and spend more time in Britain.

The Duke of Sussex, 39, is said to be consulting people “from his old life” after growing frustrated with American PR experts.

Harry reportedly plans to spend more time in the UK in a bid to repair his relationship with King Charles.

The strategy could see a “rehabilitated” Harry stage a partial return to royal life.

But insiders said Harry and Meghan are not seeking a permanent return from California.

A source told the Mail: “Harry is turning away from all sorts of Hollywood publicists and is seeking counsel from his old friends and associates.

“He is clearly reaching out thinking, ‘I need to do something different because what I’m doing is clearly not working’.”

The source added: “In short, Prince Harry is rethinking the way he operates.”

Harry has reportedly sent WhatsApp messages to a number of old friends in the UK.

The prince’s former private secretary Edward Lane Fox has reportedly been tipped to plot a comeback.

But Lane Fox said: “It’s not something I’ve got a view on I’m afraid.”

Harry has reportedly decided not to update his memoir Spare for its paperback edition, which is due to come out on October 24.

He will not be doing any interviews to promote the paperback, it is understood.

Friends are said to believe Harry’s comeback could succeed if it staged with zero publicity or “fuss”.

It is feared that Harry’s relationship with his brother William is beyond repair.

But King Charles is reportedly open to spending more time with his son.

It comes after The Sun revealed William and Harry stood “virtually back to back” at their uncle’s memorial service.

Harry secretly dashed from his US home to the service for Lord Robert Fellowes, who was married to Princess Diana’s sister Jane.

But the Duke of Sussex and his brother did not exchange a word at Thursday’s memorial in the Norfolk village of Snettisham.

One mourner told The Sun: “They were only five yards from each other.”

William and Harry chatted to mourners as they mingled at their uncle’s memorial service.

At one point the princes were standing “virtually back to back” at the wake.

But both left separately without seemingly exchanging a word, onlookers said.

The Sun revealed Harry, 39, jetted in secret from the US after previously saying he could not attend due to security fears.