Prince William and Kate Middleton's 'plan' for Princess Charlotte being the 'spare'
They may reportedly "rip up the rule book and do it their way"
Prince William and Kate Middleton reportedly have a plan in place to ensure Princess Charlotte doesn’t become a “spare”.
As Princess Charlotte joined her dad, Prince William, for a triumphant night in Basel, Switzerland, celebrating England’s Lionesses in the women’s Euros final last month, it wasn’t just a sweet father-daughter moment; it may have also been a glimpse into a deeper, more intentional parenting approach from the future king and queen.
At just 10 years old, Charlotte appeared composed and confident during the appearance.
But behind her public poise reportedly lies a quiet strategy from Prince William and Princess Kate: to rewrite the royal script for the “spare”.
Prince William and Kate Middleton’s ‘plan’ for Princess Charlotte amid ‘spare’ concerns
For generations, the royal family has wrestled with how to handle younger siblings of future monarchs, the so-called “spares”.
From Prince Harry to Prince Andrew and Princess Margaret, history has shown the consequences of giving these royals no clear role, but holding them to intense public scrutiny.
The result? Seemingly a pattern of scandal, resentment, and emotional fallout.
Determined to avoid that path for their own children, William and Kate are rethinking everything.
William and Catherine, to a certain extent, are going to rip up the rule book and do it their way.
“One of the biggest differences is that William and Catherine put their children first,” said royal historian Marlene Koenig, as reported by The i Paper.
Charlotte’s Basel appearance wasn’t just a fun trip it seems. It was also an introduction to royal duty, showcasing her potential as a relatable, sporty figurehead for young girls.
Ailsa Anderson, former press secretary to Queen Elizabeth II, added: “It’s a logical conclusion to have her there. Women’s football is becoming more and more popular. William and Catherine, to a certain extent, are going to rip up the rule book and do it their way.”
Who are royal ‘spares’?
Prince Harry has referred to himself as “the spare” and even titled his 2023 tell-all memoir the same.
Harry himself expressed worries for his niece, Charlotte, and youngest nephew, Prince Louis, over them potentially becoming spares in the future.
While their eldest brother, Prince George’s future is largely mapped out as a future king, Charlotte and Louis’ roles remain uncertain.
Royal expert Sally Bedell Smith believes Charlotte will have a place in public life. “I think this is an intelligent way to do it,” she told the publication. “I would imagine Charlotte will be part of the picture.”
In contrast, Prince Harry has openly shared how painful it felt growing up in the shadow of his brother. He shared his concerns for William’s youngest kids.
“I know that out of those three children, at least one will end up like me, the spare. And that hurts, it worries me,” he wrote in Spare.
But William, according to Harry, allegedly told him bluntly: “My kids are not your responsibility.”
Many royal commentators believe William and Kate will ensure none of their children feel like “spares”.
Royal Insider has contacted reps for the Prince and Princess of Wales for comment.
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