Prince William and Kate Middleton are reportedly taking deliberate steps to ensure that their younger children, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, do not feel overshadowed by their older brother, Prince George, who is next in line to the British throne.
According to Fabulous, the Prince and Princess of Wales are committed to fostering a strong bond between their children, aiming to avoid the feelings of isolation that Prince Harry previously expressed about his role as “The Spare.”
Royal expert Phil Dampier told the publication that William and Kate want their children to view George as “first among equals,” rather than as a distant, more important figure.
“I think William and Kate see George as primus inter pares—first among equals,” Dampier explained. “Obviously, he is the most important one.” While George’s future as King is undeniable, Dampier believes that Charlotte and Louis will also play significant roles in the royal family.
“Yes, he is the future King, but the way things are going, Charlotte and Louis may have major roles in the future,” he said. “Certainly, the royal family will need them as they are getting thin on the ground.”
Dampier pointed out that Kate Middleton’s own upbringing played a role in shaping this approach. “Kate has always been close to her siblings, and she wants her children to share the same sort of bond,” he noted.
The expert suggested that this approach could help Charlotte and Louis avoid feeling like “extras” within the royal hierarchy, unlike Prince Harry, who has spoken openly about struggling with his position as the second-born son.
“Prince Harry always felt like ‘The Spare,’ but perhaps that won’t happen with Charlotte and Louis,” Dampier said. “There are two of them, and they will support each other, as well as George.” The strategy reflects William and Kate’s modern approach to royal parenting, ensuring that all three of their children feel valued and essential within the monarchy.
With the British royal family undergoing shifts in its structure, the Waleses are reportedly keen to create a future where all three children play meaningful roles—without the burden of feeling secondary to the heir.