Prince Harry is facing fresh embarrassment after his bombshell memoir Spare landed an unexpected — and eyebrow-raising — title: Britain’s most popular book to read in the bathroom.
According to a new survey by tissue brand Cushelle, the controversial royal tell-all topped the list of books Brits reach for while sitting on the toilet. Yes, really.
The 2023 memoir, which stirred global headlines with its explosive claims about the royal family, has now found a second life — as what many are calling the ultimate “bathroom read.”
Coming in behind Spare were Toby Young’s How to Lose Friends and Alienate People, George Orwell’s 1984, and Stephen Hawking’s A Brief History of Time. Nick Hornby’s Fever Pitch rounded out the top five, with everything from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice to The Da Vinci Code also making the cut.
But it’s Harry’s deeply personal memoir that’s grabbing attention for all the wrong reasons.
Experts say there’s actually a reason why Spare fits the bill — and it’s not exactly flattering.
Behavioral psychologist Jo Hemmings explained that people tend to reach for books that are easy to dip in and out of during short bursts of alone time.
“The bathroom is one of the few places where people feel removed from pressure,” she said. “A memoir like Spare works perfectly — it’s conversational, emotional, and easy to pick up for a few minutes at a time.”
She even pointed out the irony in the title itself, suggesting it doubles as a nod to “spare time.”
The study also revealed some surprisingly relatable habits. Brits reportedly visit the bathroom around six times a day, spending just over five minutes per trip — which adds up to nearly a full week every year.
And it’s not always about necessity.
Nearly one-third of parents admitted they’ve faked bathroom breaks just to escape their kids. Others confessed to hiding from partners or coworkers — turning the bathroom into a mini sanctuary away from the chaos of daily life.
“Modern life is overwhelming,” Hemmings added. “The bathroom has become a socially accepted place to pause, reset, and grab a moment of privacy.”
Cushelle is even leaning into the trend, launching what it claims is the world’s first fully flushable magazine — printed directly on toilet paper and designed to be read and… disposed of.
As for Prince Harry, the latest ranking is unlikely to help his already rocky public image — especially as criticism around his and Meghan Markle’s post-royal life continues to swirl.
From headline-grabbing memoir to bathroom staple, Spare just added one of the most unexpected titles yet to its legacy.
And this one might be the hardest to flush away.