Prince Harry is in England for the funeral of his grandfather, Prince Phillip. After the funeral, Harry waits in Frogmore Gardens, the royal burial ground, to meet his father, Prince Charles, and his brother, Prince William. Harry senses his late mother’s presence and believes that Princess Diana would want him to reconcile with his family. When his father and brother arrive, Harry tries to explain his reasons for stepping away from royal life and leaving the country 15 months earlier. He and his brother argue, and their father begs them to stop. Prince Harry is shocked that his family doesn’t seem to understand. His inability to fully express himself prompts his decision to write a memoir.

In 1997, Harry spends the summer at Balmoral Castle. His mother, Princess Diana, is in Paris with a male friend. The old nursery at Balmoral was converted into two bedrooms. Harry is allocated the smaller room because he’s the “Spare” (third-in-line to the throne), while Prince William is the “Heir” (second-in-line).

Harry’s father wakes him up in the early hours of August 31, 1997. Prince Charles tells his son that Princess Diana has died in a car accident. The royal family goes to church the following day.