Former royal nannies have come forward to challenge Prince Harry’s assertions regarding the origin of his controversial nickname, “spare,” in an excerpt from his memoir, “Spare.”
The Duke of Sussex recently revealed that it was his father, King Charles, who initially referred to him as a spare upon his birth.
In this resurfaced revelation, Prince Harry delves into his relationship with the monarch and recounts King Charles’ reaction to Princess Diana giving birth to their second son after Prince William.
According to Prince Harry, King Charles remarked to Princess Diana, “Wonderful.
Now you’ve given me an heir and a spare, my work’s done.”
This disclosure has sent shockwaves through royal enthusiasts worldwide, as the harsh nickname has been a longstanding source of contention for Prince Harry.
However, a source close to former nannies has disputed the claims, stating that there is no record of King Charles using the term “spare.”
The source further emphasized that the King had expressed a desire for a daughter, casting doubt on Prince Harry’s recollection of events from his infancy.
The Guardian newspaper highlighted Prince Harry’s deep-seated resentment towards the spare label, which permeates his memoir.
Throughout the book, Prince Harry reflects on his upbringing, education, royal and military career, relationships with his family, including his parents and brother, and his life with Meghan, from courtship to parenthood.
The title of the memoir, “Spare,” has sparked discussions, with many interpreting it as a bold choice symbolizing Prince Harry’s sense of being overlooked and undervalued within the royal family.
In his memoir, Prince Harry also criticized King Charles’ readiness for single parenthood, suggesting that his father lacked the necessary qualities and preparation for such a role.
This assertion has drawn criticism from royal editor Matt Wilkinson, who deemed it unfair towards King Charles.
Wilkinson shared his observations on The Sun’s show Royal Exclusive, recounting instances where King Charles displayed affection towards his children, alongside Princess Diana’s more extroverted nature.
Wilkinson referenced a particular moment when Diana and Charles disembarked from the Royal Britannia, illustrating the stark contrast in their interactions with the public.
He recounted an incident where Diana’s warmth and spontaneity overshadowed Charles’ reserved demeanor, painting a vivid picture that resonated globally.
Additionally, Wilkinson highlighted the challenges of single parenthood, noting that few individuals, whether mothers or fathers, are fully prepared for such a responsibility.
Overall, Prince Harry’s memoir has ignited debates and skepticism surrounding his portrayal of King Charles and the dynamics within the royal family.
As the narrative unfolds, differing perspectives emerge, shedding light on the complexities and intricacies of royal life and family relationships.