According to Prince Harry writing in his shock memoir Spare, then-Prince Charles told Princess Diana after she gave birth to their youngest son, "Wonderful! Now you've given me an heir and a spare—my work is done."
Though we will never know whether this exchange truly happened or not, it illustrates one certainty among the British Royal Family: Over the course of history, there was often a "spare" who was pitted against the heir to the throne, and who became rebellious as a way to create their own identity.
This was the case with Princess Margaret, then with Prince Andrew, and now famously with Prince Harry. But for one royal expert, Prince William and Princess Kate are doing their utmost to not let this happen among their own children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
"William and Catherine are determined to break the heir and the spare cycle," Kinsey Schofield told the Daily Star.
"I don't believe the word 'spare' has ever been uttered inside their home to describe one or more of their babies. It is just not on their radar. They wanted to have a large loving family."
Instead, the Prince and Princess of Wales are preparing their children for royal life as best they can.
"William and Catherine are teaching their children about royal responsibilities through doing them," Schofield continued.
"You will notice how poised and prepared the children seem to be during large royal engagements. You can tell that Princess Charlotte takes great pride in her family and responsibilities. [It reminds] me of the Princess Royal."
This preparedness was definitely visible on the kids' last public appearance during their grandfather's Coronation on May 6.
-
The 2024 Met Gala Is Almost Here—Here's How and When to Stream It LiveArmchair fashion critics, it's our time.
-
Why Youthforia's New Foundation Is Under FireThis isn't the way to do inclusive shades.
-
Dutch Princess Says She Found “Freedom” In Spain After Threats Forced Her to Move“A touching demonstration of friendship at a difficult time,” her father, King Willem-Alexander, said.
-
Another European Royal Is Set to Abdicate the Throne—Though When, Exactly, Remains UnclearThis follows the shocking abdication of Queen Margrethe of Denmark earlier this year.
-
King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands Shares Swoon-Worthy Story of How He Met His Wife, Queen Maxima, in Spain 25 Years AgoHe raised a glass to the country during a state banquet at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam, held in honor of King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain.
-
Royal Family Is Up Against Its “Biggest Crisis” Since the 1936 Abdication, Expert Says“It’s been quite shocking.”
-
King Charles and Princess Kate’s Aligning Cancer Battles Show “The Cracks Turning Into Craters” for the Monarchy, Royal Author SaysThe King always wished for a “slimmed-down monarchy”—but not like this.
-
The Reason Members of the Royal Family Aren’t Allowed to Eat Sandwiches with Square Corners Goes Way, Way BackRoyal family protocol weirdness is possibly nowhere more pronounced than in their interesting food rules.
-
Meghan Markle's New Brand Is "No Different" From What King Charles, Other Royals Have Done for Decades: ExpertHer new venture has predictably received criticism ahead of launch.
-
Omid Scobie: Princess Kate’s Photoshop Scandal Exposes Just the Tip of the Iceberg of “Years of Deceit, Coverups, and Lies”His comments come after news agency AFP said Kensington Palace is no longer a "trusted source."
-
Your Next Must-Watch Royal Film Hits Netflix on April 5, and the Trailer Was Just Released‘Scoop’ depicts Prince Andrew’s catastrophic November 2019 BBC 'Newsnight' interview.
