Harry's deal is for four books and one won't come out until after Queen's death

Prince Harry's lucrative book deal has been revealed to actually be for four books, and the second one won't be released until after the Queen has died.

According to The Mail, industry insiders have revealed Harry's 'tell-all' that was announced this week is only the "tip of the iceberg". No doubt, this is news Buckingham Palace isn't all that happy to hear.

Sources told the publication the Duke of Sussex oversaw a bidding war and told publishing houses to start around $33 million with rumours it ended up at $54 million.

The deal will see one book released next year, which is when it's the Queen's platinum jubilee, and the second will be released after her death.

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As part of the deal with Penguin Random House, Harry's wife Meghan Markle is reportedly set to pen a "wellness" guide. The subject and author of the fourth book is unknown.

According to the publication, two publishers flew out of London to see Harry in California, while others took part in the auction via video call.

"He conducted negotiations – he had a very 'take it or leave it' attitude," a source said.

"Those involved were actually very shocked by his approach, which was to look at them coldly and state his demands... In Britain, publishing is still a rather 'gentlemanly' industry. It’s high stakes, but is still conducted in very genteel terms."

The source also added, "The final contract was actually for a four-book deal, with Harry writing another 'when his granny dies'. Meghan will write a wellness-type book and people are unsure what the fourth will be. But what is most shocking, frankly, is Harry’s suggestion that the second book won’t be published until the Queen is no longer here."

They said people will no doubt be wondering why Harry doesn't want to publish the book until the Queen dies, "The very idea of this unexploded bomb, hanging about waiting for the Queen to pass, is just extraordinary and may strike many as being in very bad taste."

The royal family is likely very concerned about the books, which Harry is working on with Pulitzer-winning ghostwriter JR Moehringer. It's believed they've already been working on it for up to a year.

The publisher describes the book as: "A blurb from the publisher stated: “In an intimate and heartfelt memoir from one of the most fascinating and influential global figures of our time, Prince Harry will share, for the very first time, the definitive account of the experiences, adventures, losses, and life lessons that have helped shape him."

In a statement, Harry said: "I'm writing this not as the prince I was born but as the man I have become.

"I've worn many hats over the years, both literally and figuratively, and my hope that in telling my story - the highs and lows, the mistakes, the lessons learned - I can help show that no matter where we come from, we have more in common than we think.

"I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity to share what I've learned over the course of my life so far and excited for people to read a first-hand account of my life that's accurate and wholly truthful."

The royal family are still reeling from Harry and Meghan's bombshell interviews, particularly their chat with Oprah Winfrey.

The news of the second book not being released until his 95-year-old grandmother is gone won't do much to ally their fears about the nature of the book. It would also suggest Harry doesn't care as much about what his father Prince Charles and brother Prince William think.

Penguin Random House has said the "proceeds" of the book will be donated to charity, but it's unknown if this includes the royalties and the advance.

The Mail reports Harry's office made attempts to contact his family hours before the story of his memoir broke.

They report that Charles was particularly surprised by the book.

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