Prince Harry's Memoir 'Spare' Tops UK's Toilet Reading Chart
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has achieved an unusual literary accolade, with his memoir Spare being voted Britain's favourite book to read on the toilet. According to new research commissioned by toilet roll brand Cushelle, the autobiography, released in January 2023, is the nation's number one choice for bathroom browsing.
The Top Ten Porcelain Page-Turners
The survey revealed a diverse list of preferred loo reads, showcasing a mix of contemporary memoirs and classic literature. Following Spare in the rankings, How to Lose Friends and Alienate People by Toby Young came second, slightly ahead of George Orwell's dystopian novel 1984 and Stephen Hawking's A Brief History of Time. Nick Hornby's football memoir Fever Pitch completed the top five.
The full top ten list includes:
- Spare – Prince Harry (10%)
- How to Lose Friends and Alienate People – Toby Young (9%)
- 1984 – George Orwell (9%)
- A Brief History of Time – Stephen Hawking (8%)
- Fever Pitch – Nick Hornby (7%)
- Being Jordan – Katie Price (7%)
- The Da Vinci Code – Dan Brown (7%)
- Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen (6%)
- My Autobiography – Sir Alex Ferguson (6%)
- Bridget Jones's Diary – Helen Fielding (6%)
Psychological Insights into Bathroom Behaviour
Behavioural psychologist Jo Hemmings, who contributed to the study, explained the appeal of bathroom reading. "The toilet is one of the few places where people feel briefly removed from demands and social expectations," she said. "They often gravitate toward books that are immersive, conversational or even a little provocative. A memoir like Spare fits that perfectly—it's easy to dip in and out of, emotionally engaging, and driven by personal storytelling. It's no coincidence that its title could also be interpreted as precious 'spare' time!"
Hemmings added that modern life's constant stimulation makes the bathroom a crucial sanctuary. "People are overstimulated and under-rested. The bathroom, uniquely, is a space where boundaries are culturally respected. Behind a closed door, you have permission to pause. They're not just relieving themselves; they're taking a precious moment for emotional regulation."
Brits' Bathroom Habits Revealed
The study uncovered fascinating details about British bathroom behaviour. On average, Brits visit the toilet six times daily, spending just over five minutes per session—totalling approximately seven full days per year. Additionally, respondents admitted to making nine weekly trips purely to escape daily pressures.
Nearly one-third of parents confessed to occasionally pretending they "need to go" to flee their children, while a quarter use bathroom breaks to avoid their partners, and 22% duck out to escape work colleagues.
Regional Variations and Innovative Publication
Regionally, Aberdeen emerged as Britain's biggest bathroom city, with residents averaging 6.3 daily loo visits. Meanwhile, Cambridge residents spend the longest per visit, clocking in at six minutes each time.
To capitalise on these insights, Cushelle unveiled what it claims is the world's first fully flushable magazine. Titled Porcelain, this 30-page publication is printed entirely on Cushelle's soft toilet tissue with flush-friendly ink, allowing readers to read, tear, use, and flush each page individually. Copies are available through giveaways on various Instagram channels including Loos of London and Wilfred Webster Official.
The survey also found that beyond books, people enjoy scrolling for news, reading newspapers or magazines, and even taking phone calls and FaceTime sessions while in the bathroom.
