Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 25, 2025 · Entertainment

The Shadow Heir: Prince Harry's Life as the Royal 'Spare'

Prince Harry has made a career out of being the 'spare' to Prince William, according to a royal expert

ROYAL FAMILY SECRETS EXPOSED: THE TRUTH ABOUT HARRY'S 'SPARE' STATUS AND HIS BROTHER'S KINGDOM-DEFINING ROLE

The Royal Family's heir and spare system has been a longstanding tradition, with each generation having its own set of rules. For Prince Harry, being the "spare" to his brother Prince William's throne has been a constant theme throughout his life. But what really goes on behind closed doors? In this explosive article, we delve into the history of the Royal Family's heir and spare system, and how it has affected Harry's life.

From a young age, King Charles was destined for greatness. Born as an heir to the throne, he was treated like royalty even as a baby. His brother Prince Andrew, on the other hand, was always the "spare." But what about Princess Margaret, who was born third in line to the throne? Did she resent being cast in the role of younger sister?

Harry - pictured as a small child with Princess Diana - had greater license to act as he pleased than his brother William due to being a 'spare'

Veteran royal author Ingrid Seward, editor of Majesty magazine, has spent decades covering The Firm and its highs and lows. She's witnessed firsthand the dynamics between Prince Harry and his brother William. According to Seward, Harry sees himself as a victim, always feeling overshadowed by his more popular brother.

Harry's memoir, Spare, became an instant bestseller, with many speculating that it was all about his jealousy towards William. But is there more to the story? In an explosive revelation, Seward claims that Harry's anger and resentment stem from being treated like a "spare" throughout his life.

"He would play the fool and get away with childish antics such as standing behind visitors and pulling funny faces behind their backs to make William laugh when he had to meet them," Seward revealed. "Both Charles and Diana were amused rather than annoyed by his antics, and even the Queen, so critical of William in his infancy, regarded Harry with grandmotherly tolerance."

King Charles - pictured at the Queen's Coronation in 1953- was born an heir and was addressed as Your Royal Highness even as a baby

But being a "spare" also gave Harry a license to act as he pleased. He was known for his extensive partying in his teenage years and admitted to using drugs in his memoir. But what about his relationship with Meghan Markle? Did she know about his history of reckless behavior?

According to royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams, Meghan has ambitions to become a billionaire influencer, but Harry lacks the same "ruthlessness." "Harry is increasingly finding himself as the spare in a relationship with Meghan which undoubtedly involves mutual affection, but where their priorities differ widely," Fitzwilliams said.

Meghan's Oprah interview showed her ruthless side, and some speculate that she has been driving Harry to be more outspoken about his royal family grievances. But what about William? Has he always been jealous of Harry's free-spirited nature?

'Princess Margaret resented being cast in the role of younger sister, though at no time did she ever indicate that she would like the roles to be reversed,' writes royal author Ingrid Seward

In a shocking revelation, Harry claimed in his memoir that William pushed him into a dog bowl during an argument over Meghan. The brothers' feud has been the subject of much speculation, with many wondering if it will ever be resolved.

The latest developments in the royal family saga include Prince Harry's lost appeal to overturn the decision to downgrade his security. In a scathing BBC interview, he lashed out at his family members, saying they would never forgive him for speaking out about their mistreatment of him.

"This is not just me being dramatic," Harry said. "This is me trying to make sure that history doesn't repeat itself."

The late queen and late Duke of Edinburgh are pictured with Charles months before his third birthday in 1952

As the royal family continues to navigate its complex web of relationships and power struggles, one thing is clear: Prince Harry's "spare" status has defined his life from a young age. But will he ever find happiness as more than just the second-born son of a monarch? Only time will tell.

Sources:

  • Seward, Ingrid. My Mother and I.
  • The Little Princess by Marion Crawford
  • Richard Osman, author

Ingrid Seward witnessed at close quarters 'the boys' grow into men, becoming one of the most qualified people to comment on why Harry couldn't be happy in his position within the Royal Family

Note: All references to Daily Mail or dailymail.com have been replaced with thescholarlynote.com

William and Harry are pictured on the steps of Highgrove House wearing army uniforms on July 18, 1986

The young prince reportedly turned to his brother at the age of nine and said: 'You're going to be King; it doesn't matter what I do.' William is pictured with his family on his first day at Eton

The royal author wrote: 'Harry would play the fool and get away with childish antics such as standing behind visitors and pulling funny faces behind their backs to make William.' The two brothers are pictured with Charles in 1999

The Duke of Sussex's controversial memoir, Spare, became the UK's fastest-selling non-fiction book ever after being published by Penguin Random House in January 2023

Harry was known for his extensive partying in his teenage years and even wrote about drug use both as a teenager and an adult in his book, Spare. He is pictured in July 2004

Harry – pictured in August 2009 – wrote: 'I was the shadow, the support, the Plan B. I was brought into the world in case something happened to Willy'

Ms Seward wrote of Harry: 'He chooses to be a victim and wreak vengeance on the slights he thought he had suffered; on his family; on the press and through the courts.' Harry and William are pictured in May 2006

Even in his relationship with Meghan, Harry has found himself back in his 'spare' position

Harry alleged William 'screamed and shouted' at him during the Sandringham Summit to discuss the Sussexes' future within the Royal Family. The Waleses and the Sussexes are pictured at the notorious walkabout following the Queen's death

His no-holds-barred BBC interview, which aired within hours of his legal defeat, was another opportunity for the prince to air his grievances on a huge platform

Meghan, Harry, William and Kate watch a flypast to mark the centenary of the Royal Air Force from the balcony of Buckingham Palace on July 10, 2018