Prince Harry Reveals He’d Buy His ‘Everyday Casual Clothes’ on Sale at TK Maxx While Living in the U.K.

Prince Harry shares in Spare that he got a thrill from bargain hunting during his bachelor days.

The Duke of Sussex, 38, made the surprising revelation in his sweeping memoir, released Tuesday. In the text, Harry mixes reflections on milestones with glimpses into his everyday life — which used to include runs to TK Maxx for clothes while he was living in the U.K.

TK Maxx and its American equivalent, TJ Maxx, are known for their deep discounts on clothing, homewares, gifts and more, and Harry writes that he enjoyed popping in to shop during special sales.

Harry explained in Spare that he was given a clothing allowance each year from his father, King Charles, but the money was to be used for formal wear. “For my everyday casual clothes I’d go to TK Maxx, the discount store. I was particularly fond of their once-a-year sale, when they’d be flush with items from Gap or J.Crew, items that had just gone out of season or were slightly damaged,” he wrote.

MAX NASH/AFP via Getty

The Duke of Sussex said that the trendiest merchandise would often be stocked on the first day of the sale, and “with two hundred quid you could look like a fashion plate.” He had to be strategic about going unrecognized, however, and would go to the store 15 minutes before it closed, quickly sifting through the racks for any gems.

“If I found something promising I’d hold it up to my chest or legs, standing in front of a mirror.

I never dawdled over color or style and certainly never went anywhere near a changing room,” Harry wrote. “If it looked nice, comfortable, into the bucket it went. If I was on the fence about it, I’d ask [bodyguard] Billy the Rock. He delighted in moonlighting as my stylist.”

Since Spare was published and Harry’s secret shopping trips made news, TK Maxx debunked claims that the store has sales.

“Whilst we’re delighted Prince Harry is a big fan, we thought we should explain we don’t actually do sales,” a spokesperson told the Daily Express in a story published Wednesday. “Instead, we offer great value, style and savings all year round.”

However, many Twitter users retorted by sharing photos of sale promotions at TK Maxx.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert/CBS

Prince Harry is known for favoring bracelets and wears a wedding ring.

While appearing on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Tuesday, he showed the host the sentimental necklace he says was broken when Prince William physically attacked him during a fight in 2019.

“There is a lot of talk about the physical fight that the two of you had, where he pushed you down in the kitchen and broke the dog bowl when you fell on it,” Colbert said. The host referenced a much-discussed passage from Spare about the altercation that Harry says took place alleges took place at his old home of Nottingham Cottage during an argument about Meghan Markle.

Pointing to the book, Colbert asked, “It says he broke your necklace. Which necklace was this that he broke?”

Pulling out the black cord tucked under his shirt, Harry said, “This one, which is now fixed,” and explained the significance of the three silver charms.

“I’ve got my kids’ heartbeats, which my wife gave me,” he said of the sentimental pendants etched with cardiograms for son Archie Harrison, 3, and daughter Lilibet Diana, 19 months.

Jenna Jones

For more from PEOPLE‘s exclusive interview with Harry, check out this week’s issue, on newsstands Friday

“And I friend of mine in Botswana made this for me, which has got tiger’s eye on it,” he added.

Botswana is a special place for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who took a trip together there in 2016 for their third date.

Tiger’s eye is a naturally occurring, golden-brown variety of quartz said to promote clarity in the wearer. A key piece in his collection, Harry appears to be wearing the same necklace on the cover of Spare and PEOPLE’s latest issue, which he covers.

In the exclusive, accompanying interview, Prince Harry told PEOPLE why the future feels bright.

“I’m looking ahead and am optimistic for what’s to come. I have a beautiful and blessed life — one that comes with a platform, and with it responsibility that Meghan and I plan to use wisely,” he says. “I feel I am exactly where I am meant to be and exactly where we [my family] are meant to be.

I don’t think I could have written this book otherwise.”

hawkers listed on couponmatrix.ukirobot listed on couponmatrix.ukmissy-empire listed on couponmatrix.ukoutdoor-and-country listed on couponmatrix.uksnowdome listed on couponmatrix.ukvue-cinema listed on couponmatrix.uk
hawkers listed on couponmatrix.ukChoose Hawkers for stylish sunnies that don't cost the earth. You'll find slick frames from up and coming designers shaking up the market - and with a Hawkers discount code from us, your next pair could cost even less! Sick of paying an arm and a leg for good quality sunglasses, the Hawkers crew have sought to bring together top designs at affordable prices - the future's bright with these cutting edge styles.
irobot listed on couponmatrix.ukiRobot is like a personal cleaning assistant to help you storm through chores without lifting a finger. Controlled by an app, these automated robot vacuums and mops do all the hard work for you: they’ll learn the layout of your space and won’t need to be rescued from obstacles, so you can put your feet up with one chore ticked off. An iRobot discount code from Groupon can put the cleverest technology into your life without costing the earth. Be sure to check out our round-up of the best iRobot coupons and turn your home into a smart home for less.
missy-empire listed on couponmatrix.ukWelcome to Missy Empire, for the girls who like to rock their own style with attitude. With a large selection of casual wear, swim wear, night wear and all-round every wear, Missy Empire is the one stop outlet for all your fashion clothing and accessories and now, with your Missy Empire discount codes, you can enjoy fast fashion for less. Love being you with the fashion range from Missy Empire.
outdoor-and-country listed on couponmatrix.ukOutdoor and Country is the home of the best British brands such as Barbour and Fairfax, alongside innovative international labels. Whether you’re a city slicker or a country dweller, the Outdoor and Country collection blends contemporary flair with timeless tradition. Explore enduring styles for men, women, and children meticulously crafted for outdoor adventures. Elevate your outdoor wardrobe with an exclusive Outdoor and Country discount code from Groupon, with the added perks of free delivery on orders over £35 and free returns.
snowdome listed on couponmatrix.ukThere’s no need to wait until winter descends to get your fix of snow. Just drop by the UK’s first real snow skiing venue, SnowDome, and enjoy the magic of an indoor winter wonderland at any time of the year! Browse our collection of SnowDome vouchers to cut the cost of entry, lessons and more. Whether you’re looking to brush up on your skiing skills, learn to snowboard or relax in an apres ski spa, SnowDome will tick all your boxes.
vue-cinema listed on couponmatrix.ukWhile we all love watching the latest Netflix Original from the comfort of our sofa, you can’t beat the uninterrupted movie magic you experience at Vue Cinema. Vue offers a diverse selection of films and entertainment for everyone, whether you’re seeking a family-friendly movie to keep the kids entertained on a rainy day, choosing between Barbie and Oppenheimer with a coin toss or eagerly anticipating the premiere of the next Marvel blockbuster. In addition to movies, Vue also features live theatre and dance performances streaming live from the West End. Take a seat in the plush, comfortable chairs, grab some buttery popcorn and immerse yourself in the latest blockbuster or beloved cult classic. For avid moviegoers, Vue Cinema offers some fantastic savings through Groupon, where you can apply a Vue discount code to enjoy amazing discounts, such as 2-for-1 Vue tickets and tickets starting at just £5.