Prince Harry, long regarded as the "spare" in comparison to his older brother Prince William, has delved into his feelings of being second-best in his forthcoming memoir, fittingly titled "Spare." Currently occupying the fifth position in the line of succession, behind William and his children, Harry opens up about his sentiments regarding his royal status.

 

In his memoir, Harry shares a poignant moment from his past when his mother, Princess Diana, gave birth to him. He recounts his father, now King Charles, expressing that "his work is done" upon having both an heir and a spare. These reflections are part of Harry's broader narrative, where he has been candid about his challenging experiences within the royal family.

 

Tom Quinn, the author of "Guilded Youth: An Intimate History of Growing Up in the Royal Family," offers insights into Harry's motivations. Quinn suggests that Harry's vocal expressions of discontent are fundamentally tied to his desire for a more substantial role within the monarchy. "All Harry's complaining is really about the fact that he's not number one, he doesn't have a bigger role," Quinn observes.

 

Quinn also explores the intriguing possibility that Meghan Markle's American background played a pivotal role in her connection with Prince Harry. "I think that's why he clicked with Meghan because she comes from a society where if you work hard and you're talented, you can get to the top," Quinn notes. This allure of the American Dream might have resonated deeply with Harry, who had long been aware of his perpetual position as the "spare" in comparison to his brother.

 

However, Quinn also speculates that Meghan's American perspective could have contributed to her struggles within the confines of the Royal Family. "It's obvious when you think about it, but I think she thought she could come into the Royal Family and be the star," Quinn suggests, "And of course, she [Meghan] couldn't because the monarchial structures are medieval, they're rigid."

 

Meghan's perceived inability to conform to royal traditions may have been precisely what attracted Harry, who was eager for a break from convention. Yet, their differences quickly led to their exclusion and scrutiny within the royal circle. Notably, Prince William is reported to have made Meghan feel like a "convicted felon" due to her background as an actress. William himself reportedly harbored concerns that Meghan "would find it difficult" to integrate into the royal milieu, highlighting that "she's an actress, after all, Harold. Anything can happen," as conveyed in Harry's memoir.