Prince William and Kate Middleton 'would never allow' Prince Louis to feel like 'spare' uncle Harry
Prince Louis is the youngest child of the Prince and Princess of WalesKate Middleton and Prince William‘s youngest child, son Prince Louis, is celebrating his seventh birthday today (April 23).
The Prince and Princess of Wales are parents to three kids – Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Louis.
There’s often been discussions on the royal children’s futures within the monarchy. George is second in line to the throne, behind his father William.
This means it’s unlikely Charlotte or Louis will ever be monarch. This has led to concerns, including from their uncle Prince Harry, over them being “spares”.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams has now weighed in on this, revealing that William and Kate wouldn’t allow their youngest kids to feel like “spares”.
Why Prince Harry felt like the ‘spare’
Prince Harry, 40, has often referred to himself as the “spare”, even using the phrase for the title of his 2023 tell-all memoir.
Richard explained that the “spare” phrase is “a cliché and implies someone is basically undervalued because they were born after the heir”.
William and Catherine would never allow Louis to feel that way.
Harry said he felt like the “spare” due to his older brother William always being destined to become king one day.
The Duke of Sussex aired concerns for his nephew Louis and niece Charlotte in 2023. Speaking to The Telegraph after the release of his memoir, Harry admitted: “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.”
Prince William and Kate Middleton ‘will never make Prince Louis feel like spare’
Speaking to Royal Insider, Richard explained that William and Kate “would never allow Louis to feel that way” or Charlotte.
When asked if William and Kate will ensure Louis doesn’t grow up to feel like a “spare”, Richard told us: “This is a question of upbringing and of mental attitude.
“In the days, especially before primogeniture was abolished, the idea of ‘an heir and a spare’ meant the succession was supposedly safe. Harry resented being ‘the spare’ as his memoir made clear.
“William and Catherine would never allow Louis to feel that way.”
Is Princess Charlotte a spare?
No, Princess Charlotte isn’t considered a “spare”. Although her older brother George is destined to be king one day, it’s said that Charlotte could play a role similar to another royal.
Some royal experts have predicted that she could be a strong support for George in the future, like Princess Anne is for her older brother King Charles.
Meanwhile, reports claim that William and Kate are ensuring their two youngest children don’t end up feeling like “spares”. They reportedly want them to have opportunities within the monarchy as they grow older.
What does Kate call Prince Louis?
Kate has often let slip her adorable nickname for Louis – “Lou-bugs”. Awwww!
William and Kate have tried to let their children live somewhat normal lives despite their royal ties.
Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis’ royal futures ‘will depend on their interests’
Richard shared his thoughts on Louis and Charlotte’s futures within the monarchy.
He added to us: “With only four of the royals under 70 and two, the monarch and the Princess of Wales, suffering ill health, so much rests on the shoulders of the Wales’ children. George is the future king with responsibilities which are clarified constitutionally.
Inside Prince William and Kate’s ‘normal’ upbringing for their children
The couple are the future king and queen, with their eldest son Prince George second in line to the throne after his father.
But despite their royal status, Prince William and Kate apparently want their children to enjoy a low-key, normal childhood.
Prince William and Kate's 'normal' upbringing for their children
The Prince of Wales himself referred to his family as "normal". Speaking to the BBC in 2016, William said: "As far as we are concerned within our family unit, we are a normal family.
"I love my children in the same way any father does. I hope George loves me the same way any son does to his father. We are very normal in that sense.
"There'll be a time and a place to bring George up and understand how he fits in, in the world.
"But right now it's just a case of keeping a secure, stable environment around him and showing as much love as I can as a father."
Kate wants to teach her children what her 'parents taught her'
Meanwhile, Kate once said of her kids: "My parents taught me about the importance of qualities like kindness, respect, and honesty. I realise how central values like these have been to me throughout my life.
"That is why William and I want to teach our little children... just how important these things are as they grow up. In my view it is just as important as excelling at maths or sport."
Why the Prince and Princess of Wales downsized their home
In the summer of 2022, Prince William and Kate moved out of their home at Kensington Palace. They now reside at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor with their children. It is much smaller, with four bedrooms.
According to reports, this was because they wanted their kids to have a more "normal" childhood.
Royal expert Duncan Larcombe explained: "There are plenty of other places they could have moved to, but Adelaide Cottage fits with their desire as parents to be a normal family, where there aren’t servants and they don’t have 30 rooms."
“He, Charlotte and Louis are all at Lambrook School at the moment. Charlotte’s and Louis’ futures will depend on their interests, temperaments and the responsibilities they take on.
“It is obviously hoped they will be carrying out royal engagements as they are the future of the monarchy. Whether, for example, Louis will spend time in the military and what patronages he will choose, only time will tell.”
Read more: Prince Louis melts hearts in new birthday photo as his cute smile lights up the picture
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