Prince William used three-word ‘secret code’ to Prince Harry mid argument that stopped him in his tracks

Prince William reportedly used a 'secret code' to Prince Harry in an argument, that stopped the Duke of Sussex in his tracks.

Back in 2023, Harry released his bombshell book Spare, which claimed Prince William grabbed and knocked him into a dog bowl on one occasion.

The book lifted the lid on Harry's side of some of the tensions in the royal family over the last few years.

But when the book was released, Harry was criticised by some for publicising matters many deemed to be private.

According to the Duke of Sussex, during one conversation he had with his father, King Charles and his brother, the Prince of Wales, William used a phrase that stopped him - and his father - in their tracks.

Prince William reportedly used a 'secret code' in an argument with Harry (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

Apparently, during one conversation, William 'lunged' at Harry, who wrote in his book: "I waved a hand, disgusted, but he lunged, grabbed my shirt. ‘Listen to me, Harold’.

"I pulled away, refused to meet his gaze. He forced me to look into his eyes. 'Listen to me, Harold, listen! I love you, Harold! I want you to be happy'.

"'Harold, you must listen to me! I just want you to be happy, Harold. I swear I swear on Mummy's life'. He stopped. I stopped. Pa stopped. He'd gone there.

"He'd used the secret code, the universal password. Ever since we were boys those three words were to be used only in times of extreme crisis."

Harry explained that William went on to repeat the three words again, adding: "Willy wasn't quite ready to accept defeat. 'I've felt properly sick and ill after everything that's happened and, and I swear to you now on Mummy's life that I just want you to be happy'.

"My voice broke as I told him softly: 'I really don't think you do'."

It's reported that the pair recently reunited for the funeral of their uncle, Lord Fellowes, Diana's brother-in-law.

Penguin, who published Spare, has recently announced that the book is getting a paperback version in the coming months.

Spare is not expected to have any extra chapters in the paperback version (Karwai Tang/WireImage)

Following the news, some have wondered whether Harry would be sharing any further details or updated anecdotes.

After all, a lot has happened since the book was written.

Often, when a book is released in paperback, it contains updated details or extra chapters.

But it's now been revealed that the paperback version of Spare will not contain any new information, with the contents of the book remaining unchanged.

It's not clear if this was a new decision by Harry, or if it has always been the intention.