In a stunning revelation from his autobiography, the Duke of Sussex has unveiled the surprising source of the nickname “Spare,” which has been widely associated with him since birth.
Many assumed that his older brother, the Prince of Wales, was the one who labeled him as such, given the traditional royal hierarchy.
However, in a twist that no one saw coming, the Duke clarified that it was actually their father, King Charles III, who first referred to him by this term.
Born on September 15, 1984, the Duke of Sussex describes himself as having been cast in the role of “the backup plan” for the royal family.
In his own words, he came into the world as a “shadow” and “support,” meant to be there if the heir ever found himself in a bind.
The Duke elaborated, stating that throughout his life, he felt like a diversion or even a replacement for his brother.
This perspective paints a rather poignant picture of his early existence within the royal framework.
The momentous declaration came as a shock to many, especially considering the widespread belief that the Duke’s brother would have been the one to coin the term.
Instead, it was during the initial hours of his life that King Charles reportedly told Princess Diana, “Wonderful!
You have finished my job; you have given me an heir plus an extra.” This remark, while seemingly innocuous, has taken on a deeper meaning in light of the Duke’s recent comments.
Andrew Morton, the biographer known for his work on Princess Diana, offered further insight into the late princess’s views on her sons.
According to Morton, Diana portrayed her younger son not merely as a backup but as a supportive figure for the Prince of Wales.
In her conversations, she expressed a desire for the Duke of Sussex to have a different path, one that did not involve being a mere spare part or organ donor in the royal machinery.
Interestingly, the discourse around the Duke’s autobiography doesn’t end with its title.
Observers have raised eyebrows over the absence of a paperback edition for “Spare,” which was released in January 2023.
Reports suggest that Penguin Random House, the publisher, is holding back on the paperback version, waiting for the Duke to provide fresh anecdotes or revelations before they proceed.
This delay raises questions, especially since it’s been more than four years since the Duke stepped back from his royal duties.
With the royal family reportedly distancing themselves from him during public appearances, the chances of him gathering new stories seem slim.
This estrangement may leave the Duke in a difficult position, as he searches for material to satisfy his publisher’s demands.
The royal family dynamics have always been complex, and the Duke’s candid reflections only add layers to the narrative.
As he navigates his identity outside of the royal spotlight, his experiences resonate with many who feel the pressures of familial expectations.
The notion of being a “spare” can be interpreted in various ways, and the Duke’s perspective sheds light on the emotional toll that such labels can impose.