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.
-
With the Mystery of the Morgan House Solved, Will 'No Good Deed' Return for Season 2? Here's What We KnowThe dark comedy could be Netflix's latest hit to get the anthology treatment.
-
Prince William Reveals the One Embarrassing Christmas Tradition He's Totally Against"Some people don't even own one."
-
These Are a New Yorker's Favorite On-Sale Winter Jacket Styles18 under-$300 finds that will make your outfit.
-
Prince William Reveals the One Embarrassing Christmas Tradition He's Totally Against
"Some people don't even own one."
-
Why Kate Middleton and Prince William's Decision to "Take the Lead" Is a "Relief" For King Charles, Royal Expert Explains"We have had a glimpse of the future..."
-
Buckingham Palace Responds After Royal Family Maid Is Arrested at "Out of Control" Christmas Party"I've never seen one person get that crazy during a night out," a source claimed.
-
Prince William and Princess Kate are Experiencing "Calm Before the Storm" as They Prep for Throne"They are next in line for the biggest job of their lives," a source says.
-
Every Time the Royal Family Broke Protocol in 2024, From Minor Rule Changes to Huge MistakesMeet the usual suspects: King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Kate Middleton.
-
Queen Camilla's Son Reveals He "Learned a Long Time Ago" to Stay Out of Prince William and Prince Harry's "World"Tom Parker Bowles said "it was appalling what they went through."
-
Royal Expert Says King Charles Finds it "Tough" to "Play Second Fiddle" to Prince William These Days"Time and again recently, William has grabbed the headlines."
-
Prince William Is Allegedly Still "Very, Very Angry" About Royal Rift, But Kate Middleton Is Pushing For "Reconciliation""Never give up hope, there's always a chance."
