Kate Middleton and Prince William do Not Want Princess Charlotte to Face the 'Spare' Struggles Prince Harry Faced
- Victor Nwoko
- May 7
- 3 min read
As Princess Charlotte celebrated her 10th birthday on May 2, Prince William and Princess Kate are increasingly mindful of the unique path that lies ahead for their daughter. As the second child of the Prince and Princess of Wales, Charlotte occupies a complex position within the royal hierarchy — a place filled with both privilege and emotional challenges.
Charlotte, now third in line to the British throne behind her father and older brother Prince George, enters her second decade of life amid conversations about how best to prepare her for the future. Her role as the “spare” — a term historically used to describe a younger sibling of the heir — carries deep implications. The emotional and psychological weight of such a role has been highlighted in recent years by her uncle, Prince Harry, who shared his own experiences in his memoir Spare.
“I was the shadow, the support, the Plan B,” Harry wrote, detailing how he often felt overlooked or undervalued within the royal structure. His candid reflections revealed internal family struggles and underscored the delicate nature of being the younger sibling to a future monarch.
Royal historian Robert Hardman emphasized the late Queen Elizabeth II’s awareness of the burden that comes with being second in line. “The late Queen was always very conscious of that extraordinary and challenging role of the No. 2,” Hardman said. “That’s why she had a particular soft spot for [her sister] Margaret, for [her son] Andrew and Harry. She understood being second place in a strictly hierarchical family and institution has its challenges.”
Prince William, as a future king and a father, is especially attuned to the importance of making royal life more balanced and less daunting for his children. “He regards one of his most important duties as not just preparing to be King himself but making the whole royal existence approachable and not scary for all his children,” said Hardman.
Charlotte, born in 2015, made history from the start. Thanks to the Succession to the Crown Act 2013, she became the first female royal not to be displaced in the line of succession by a younger brother. This legislative change marked a modern step for the monarchy and ensured that Charlotte retained her rightful place, despite the birth of her younger brother, Prince Louis.
Looking to the future, Charlotte may one day be granted the title of Princess Royal — a title currently held by her great-aunt Princess Anne. Though it is the monarch’s decision to bestow the title, it is not automatic, and Charlotte could choose to decline it. Royal observers note that titles like this can either be viewed as outdated or as cherished symbols of royal tradition.
As William and Kate, who celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary on April 29 with a visit to Scotland, continue to navigate their roles as working royals and parents, they remain committed to raising their children with a thoughtful blend of public duty and private normalcy. A family friend noted, “Getting the family right is absolutely critical, particularly in terms of what the nation expects of them.”
Charlotte is being raised in a monarchy that is adapting to change, shaped by generational transitions, global scrutiny, and evolving public expectations. Her future will likely reflect the modernization efforts led by her parents — efforts that prioritize emotional well-being, individual identity, and a sustainable approach to royal life.
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