Prince William and Kate Middleton have been cautioned that the experiences of Prince Andrew and Prince Harry should serve as a warning in how they raise their own children. Royal experts are emphasizing that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge should be mindful of the potential pitfalls facing Prince George’s younger siblings, particularly in avoiding the resentment or entitlement that has marked the lives of some royal “spares.”
A royal commentator told the Palace Confidential podcast, according to the Daily Express: “I think Andrew and Harry should both stand as a warning to Prince William and Catherine that how you treat that ‘spare’ is very difficult. We’ve seen in both cases, I would say they’ve grown up with the wrong attitudes, with that bitterness, resentment from Harry, then in Andrew’s case, that sort of weird entitlement.”
The expert added that while William and Kate appear committed to avoiding similar issues, the pressures of the royal hierarchy make it a challenging task. “From everything we’ve heard, William and Catherine are making real efforts to avoid that, but it is hard in that sense when it’s all types of things,” they said.
Royal correspondent Rebecca English further explained the dynamics of being a “spare” in the royal family. “There’s an element of where you come in the pecking order. As a younger child, so moved away from the line of succession; unless there was a major disaster, there was no chance he would ever become king,” she said.
English emphasized that these pressures are shaped not just by birth order but also by the personalities and influences surrounding each royal family member. “He’s growing up with different pressures, and as Richard says, it does come down to personalities and the people around you,” she added.
The warning comes amid ongoing public and media scrutiny of the royal family, particularly regarding the challenges faced by younger siblings who do not inherit the throne. Analysts suggest that lessons from Andrew’s controversies and Harry’s strained relationships should guide William and Kate in fostering a more balanced, supported upbringing for their children.
With Prince George next in line to the throne, and Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis further down, the focus remains on cultivating a royal environment that mitigates resentment and entitlement, while preparing them for the responsibilities and scrutiny that come with life in the public eye.