Prince Harry's 'worries' for Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte's futures as George 'prepares' for new chapter
Prince Harry spoke about feeling protective over his nephews and niece
As Prince George approaches a pivotal moment in his schooling life, Prince Harry once expressed worries for his brother William’s kids.
In a 2023 interview with The Telegraph, shortly after releasing his explosive memoir Spare, Harry expressed deep personal concerns for the next generation of royals, particularly those not destined for the throne.
As the eldest child of Prince William and Princess Kate, George is second in line to the throne.
A couple of years ago, despite his strained relationship with brother William, Prince Harry revealed that he still felt a lingering sense of responsibility for his niece Princess Charlotte, nine, and nephews George, 11, and Prince Louis, six.
Prince Harry on his ‘worries’ for Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis
Harry said: “And though William and I have talked about it once or twice, and he has made it very clear to me that his kids are not my responsibility, I still feel a responsibility knowing that out of those three children, at least one will end up like me, the spare. And that hurts, that worries me.”
Despite George being second in line to the throne after his father, it’s said that William and Kate are trying to keep their kids’ upbringing as normal as possible.
In recent months, there’s been reports that William and Kate are at odds over which school George will attend when he turns 13.
Eton College – William and Harry’s alma mater – remains a likely contender. However, Kate apparently wants a more relaxed, co-ed option, such as Marlborough College, her former school.
I still feel a responsibility knowing that out of those three children, at least one will end up like me, the spare.
The decision has reportedly caused some tension. Both parents want the best for George as he prepares to enter his teen years.
But while the spotlight is on George’s education, Harry’s remarks highlight the importance of not overlooking Charlotte and Louis. George’s younger siblings may grow up facing the same identity struggles Harry described in his book.
Little is publicly known about Harry’s current relationship with his niece and nephews. However, he once spoke lovingly of his role as an uncle.
Following George’s birth in 2013, Harry said he hoped to help ensure his nephew had a “fun and safe upbringing”.
During Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral service in 2022, Harry and Princess Charlotte shared a tender moment. The two exchanged smiles during the solemn ceremony.
Will Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis become ‘spares’?
Harry’s worry about Charlotte and Louis stems from his belief that the “spare” dynamic can be deeply isolating. This is especially true when younger siblings are raised in the shadow of a future monarch.
Despite William reportedly making it clear to Harry that his children are not Harry’s responsibility, the Duke of Sussex still carries a protective instinct.
Charlotte and Louis tipped to play ‘major roles’ within royal family
However, according to a royal expert, Charlotte and Louis could play major roles within the monarchy. Phil Dampier told The Sun earlier this year: “Prince Harry always felt like ‘The Spare’. But perhaps that won’t happen with Charlotte and Louis as there are two of them. They will support each other, as well as George.”
Meanwhile, royal expert Jennie Bond told the Mirror last year that William and Kate “must be acutely aware of the problems for a royal spare”. She said they will likely do “everything to make Charlotte and Louis feel every bit as special, loved, and valued as George”.
For Harry, watching this all unfold from afar may be bittersweet. He may have stepped away from royal life, however, his words suggest that his heart still holds space for the future of his brother’s children.
Especially the ones who, like him, may one day feel the weight of being royal without being destined for the crown.
Read more: Prince Harry’s plea to Meghan Markle over their ‘full-on’ life with children
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