The author added that the Prince and Princess would be careful ‘not to overwhelm’ George, who is only 11 years old, but stressed that ‘it’s very important, given that the late Queen is no longer here, to have that continuity going forward’. It’s something that’s clearly been playing on the minds of the royal couple lately, as their children grow up quickly – with Princess Charlotte, who recently turned 10, proving a particular concern. The Wales family are reportedly striving to navigate the complexities of Charlotte’s unique position, where she must always play second fiddle to her older brother. With Prince Harry‘s latest comments proving just how sidelined a ‘spare’ can feel, they are keen to ensure their daughter’s future does not follow the same trajectory as her uncle’s.
The family are also aware of the difficult role held by Princess Charlotte who, like Prince Harry, is in the vulnerable position of being the ‘spare’
Karwai Tang
‘The late Queen Elizabeth was always very conscious of that extraordinary and challenging role of the No. 2,’ royal biographer Robert Hardman, author of The Making of a King, told People magazine. ‘That’s why she had a particular soft spot for Margaret, for Andrew and Harry. She understood being second place in a strictly hierarchical family and institution has its challenges,’ he continued. ‘Everyone is conscious of that.’
Being the ‘spare’ is a vulnerable position, fraught with potential pitfalls – that Prince Harry has expressed all too clearly. In Spare (the Prince’s memoir, which the Prince even candidly named after his unofficial role) Harry reflected on the pain and identity struggles tied to his position in the family. ‘I was the shadow, the support, the Plan B,’ he wrote. ‘I was brought into the world in case something happened to Willy.’ He shared that this tension led to a pointed rivalry with his brother, as well as moments where he felt undervalued. ‘My family had declared me a nullity. The Spare. I didn’t complain about it, but I didn’t need to dwell on it either. Far better, in my mind, not to think about certain facts,’ he wrote.