Prince Harry tells old colleague he can't sign a copy of his memoir 'Spare' on camera at Invictus Games

WHISTLER, CANADA: Prince Harry's return to the 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver, British Columbia, included one awkward yet telling exchange involving his bombshell memoir, 'Spare'. 

During a meet-and-greet in Whistler, the Duke of Sussex found himself in a tricky situation when Igor Krystak, Team Ukraine’s Sports Manager from last year’s games, held out a copy of 'Spare' for him to sign.

Prince Harry politely declines to sign a copy of 'Spare' on camera but agrees to do it later 

The moment, caught on video, saw Prince Harry repeatedly declining with a polite but firm, "Not here."

Krystak, who later shared the encounter on Instagram Stories, revealed that Harry had agreed to sign the book—but away from the cameras.

"The book will be signed, but not under the cameras," he wrote, adding that it would be raffled off for charity.

Harry apparently told Krystak to find him later to get the book signed. When Krystak agreed, saying, "Ok, I'll find you later," Harry allegedly added, "I'm here all week."

The exchange immediately sparked speculation that Harry declined to sign the book on camera to avoid fueling more media frenzy around his record-breaking 2023 memoir. 

'Spare', with its bombshell revelations about royal life, recreation drug use, and accusations against Queen Camilla, had already cemented his place as the family’s most controversial figure.

Prince Harry's old colleague Igor Krystak teases charity raffle for Ukraine

As per Newsbreak, Prince Harry refusing to sign a book in public might seem insignificant, but in the world of royal optics, every move is scrutinized.

Reports have suggested that Harry’s decision to dodge the cameras could signal an effort to keep the focus on the athletes rather than his personal narrative.

Or perhaps he simply didn’t want to reignite discussions about his book while standing on the world stage.

Krystak, however, appeared unbothered, even teasing the moment, writing, "Met an old colleague, agreed to sign a book for the raffle for donations. Wait for the announcements, prepare rough money."

While details of the fundraiser remain unknown, it could be connected to Krystak’s project providing mobile washing stations for war-torn Ukraine—an initiative seeking international brand partnerships, Daily Mail suggests.

Meghan Markle cheers on Prince Harry from home amid speculation of separate lives

Meanwhile, Meghan Markle has returned to the couple’s Montecito mansion, leaving Prince Harry to continue his engagements solo.

Though not physically present at the Invictus Games, she made sure to signal her support, posting on Instagram Stories, "A taste of Canada and The Invictus Games for our little ones! Cheering you on from home." 

Alongside the message was a platter of Canadian treats and sports jerseys for their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

Her absence comes amid ongoing speculation that the Sussexes are navigating increasingly separate lives.

From Harry choosing to spend his 40th birthday hiking with friends to Meghan's early departure from the Games, royal watchers have been quick to connect the dots.

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