Prince William is reportedly determined to shield his younger children, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, from the 'built-in cruelty' of the heir and spare system, according to royal author Tina Brown. Writing in her Substack column, Brown claims the Prince of Wales is 'preoccupied' with ensuring his second- and third-born children are prepared for independent lives, avoiding the sibling feud that has marked his own relationship with Prince Harry.
The term 'heir and spare' has historically been used to describe the dynamic where the eldest child inherits the title, while the younger sibling serves as a backup. Prince Harry, who referred to himself as a 'spare' in his 2023 memoir, has spoken about the pain of being treated as a 'supporting actor' in the royal family. He previously expressed concern that at least one of William's children might face a similar fate.
William, 43, is said to be focused on providing Charlotte, ten, and Louis, seven, with the resources and opportunities to lead fulfilling lives, independent of their older brother Prince George, 12, who is second in line to the throne. Brown notes that William is 'determined' to break the cycle of 'thwarted freedom' that has affected younger royals in the past.
The centuries-old male primogeniture tradition was abolished in 2013, meaning Charlotte now ranks ahead of Louis in the line of succession. Parenting expert Jo Frost has suggested that William and Catherine are committed to nurturing equality among their children, stating that in their family, it would never be about 'heir and spare'.
