In a recently unearthed excerpt from his memoir, Prince Harry sheds light on the controversial nickname bestowed upon him by his father, King Charles, upon his birth.
The Duke of Sussex reveals that it was King Charles who first referred to him as "the spare" after Princess Diana gave birth to a second son following Prince William. This revelation has stunned royal enthusiasts globally, as the harsh nickname has long been a point of contention for Prince Harry.
However, sources close to former nannies dispute Harry's recollection, stating that no one heard King Charles use the term "spare." They question how Harry could recall such a statement when he was just an infant.
According to The Guardian newspaper, Prince Harry's resentment towards the "spare" label is evident throughout his memoir. He discusses his childhood, schooling, career, relationships with his parents and brother, and life with Meghan Markle. The title of the memoir, "Spare," has sparked much discussion, with some interpreting it as a reflection of Harry's feelings of being overlooked and undervalued within the royal family.
Furthermore, Prince Harry's claims about King Charles' readiness for single parenthood have sparked controversy. He suggests that his father always seemed unprepared for the responsibilities of parenthood, even though he tried. Royal editor Matt Wilkinson criticizes these claims, stating that they are unfair towards King Charles. Wilkinson recalls moments of Charles' affection towards his children, contrasting them with Princess Diana's more extroverted nature. He suggests that Diana's absence may have contributed to Charles' struggles as a parent.
Wilkinson also highlights instances where Charles' actions were misunderstood, such as during a visit to the Royal Britannia. While Diana garnered attention for her warm gestures, Charles appeared reserved, leading to misconceptions about his parenting abilities. Despite the challenges, Wilkinson emphasizes that few parents are entirely ready for single parenthood, and Diana's presence might have eased the situation for Charles.
