It’s recently been claimed that the Prince and Princess of Wales plan to raise their three young children in a way that tries to avoid the “emotionally stunted pitfalls” of the past
Prince William and Kate Middleton may have a plan to help Princess Charlotte avoid a pitfall suffered by her uncle, Prince Harry, it has been claimed. William and Charlotte were seen last month (Sunday, July 27) enjoying the Lionesses’ triumph at the Women’s Euro 2025 final at St Jakob‐Park in Basel, Switzerland.
One expert suggests that Charlotte’s presence at the match indicates a new approach to an age-old issue concerning Royal siblings. This problem has allegedly affected Prince Harry, Prince Andrew, and even Princess Margaret, Queen Elizabeth’s late sister. It revolves around the concept of the “spare” Royal who feels “overlooked and purposeless”.
In an article for the I, royal commentator Richard Palmer suggested that the Waleses are keen to prevent any one child from receiving preferential treatment, thereby sidestepping the “spare” issue.
He elaborated: “In a Royal Family traditionally focused on the need to create an heir to the throne, and then a spare just in case something goes wrong, the Waleses want their children to have emotional security instead of giving special treatment to the chosen one.”
The parents, in contrast to King Charles, are prioritising their children over Royal duties. Furthermore, Royal insiders informed Richard that Charlotte “has inherited her mother’s poise and an inner strength and confidence”.
The decision to bring her to witness the Lionesses’ Euros triumph could signal preparation for her future role.
American Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith suggests the young princess could well undertake official duties on behalf of the sovereign in this so-called “slimmed-down” Royal Family, potentially involving sports.
She told the i Paper: “I think this is an intelligent way to do it. I would imagine Charlotte will be part of the picture. I’m not so sure about Louis.”
The phrase “Spare” will likely strike a chord with Royal observers as it served as the title of Harry’s explosive 2023 memoir.
In the book, Harry shocked the world by revealing private details about his relatives.
Subsequent reports suggested that these disclosures had probably damaged the Duke of Sussex’s bond with his family, particularly his father, King Charles, and brother, Prince William.
Harry famously withdrew from his royal duties and relocated to Montecito, California, alongside his wife, former actress Meghan Markle, and their two children, Archie and Lilibet.
Last week, rumours emerged that the Prince and Princess of Wales may relocate from Adelaide Cottage to a new residence at Fort Belvedere on Windsor’s Home Park Estate.
However, Hello’s Royal editor, Emily Nash, remains rather doubtful about these claims, observing that she’d been informed “they’ve been very happy” at Adelaide Cottage.
She mentioned they were: “Enjoying precious time together as a family of five, with no live-in staff and with easy access to Lambrook, the Berkshire school attended by Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.”
However, she didn’t dismiss the possibility of a future relocation, noting that William, with his substantial Duchy of Cornwall funds, could easily purchase a property.
Indeed, Emily pointed out there’s a “precedent” for such a move, citing examples like the late Queen gifting Gatcombe Park to Anne, Sunninghill Park to Andrew, and Bagshot Park to Edward.
