Prince Harry has revealed his feelings about the nickname given to him by his father, King Charles, expressing frustration over the label in his memoir, Spare.
The book's title references a moment after Princess Diana gave birth to Prince Harry, when King Charles allegedly said: “Wonderful! Now you've given me an heir and a spare - my work is done.” Harry claimed the term stuck and was later used by senior royals, including Queen Elizabeth II.
Resentment detailed in memoir
The Guardian highlighted Harry's longstanding resentment towards the nickname, which he expressed in his memoir. The publication stated: “Harry's resentment of being the 'spare' is the underlying theme of his book, through chapters on his childhood, his schooling, his career as a royal and in the British Army, his relationship with his parents and brother, and his life with Meghan through courtship, wedding and marriage, to their own experience of parenthood.”
Despite the difficult relationship with the royals in recent years, Harry appears eager to reconcile with the King.
Recent reunion with the King
Harry and Charles' relationship remains turbulent, but the pair reunited recently, although many details of the meeting remain unknown. Harry returned to the UK this July on a trip marking the one-year countdown to the Invictus Games, set for Birmingham in 2027. The five-day trip included a private visit at Highgrove House.
Harry was joined by his wife, Meghan Markle, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Queen Camilla was also present. It was the first time the King had seen his grandchildren in four years.
Ongoing family tensions
Harry did not meet with his brother, Prince William, during the trip. His relationship with the royals, particularly William, remains complicated, a topic Harry explores in his memoir.
Harry alleges historic tensions between the brothers, including William's insistence that Harry take things slower with Meghan. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly staying in the UK for an “extended” period.
