The concept of the "spare" has deep historical roots in royal families. Traditionally, the eldest son is the heir apparent, destined to inherit the throne, while the younger siblings are considered the "spares." This designation serves a practical purpose: to ensure the continuity of the royal lineage in case the heir cannot fulfill their duties.
Prince Harry, born on September 15, 1984, into the British royal family, has always been the second in line to the throne after his brother, Prince William. This position inherently places him in a supporting role, with fewer expectations of ascending to the throne.
Being the "spare" can have significant psychological and personal ramifications. Prince Harry has openly discussed the struggles associated with this role, including feelings of inadequacy and the pressure of living up to royal expectations without a clear purpose.
Growing up as the "spare," Prince Harry often found himself overshadowed by his older brother. This dynamic can create an identity crisis, where the individual struggles to find their own path and purpose. For Harry, this has been a recurring theme, leading him to seek out meaningful causes and roles outside traditional royal duties.
Prince Harry has been candid about his mental health challenges, partly stemming from his position in the royal family. The loss of his mother, Princess Diana, compounded these struggles, leading to bouts of anxiety and depression. His openness about these issues has helped destigmatize mental health discussions but also highlights the intense pressures faced by royal family members.
Meghan Markle entered the royal family as a strong, independent woman with a successful career as an actress and humanitarian. Her assertiveness and public presence have sometimes overshadowed Harry, leading to perceptions that he is playing "second fiddle" in their marriage.
The media has often portrayed Meghan as the dominant partner in the relationship, which has affected public perception. This scrutiny has intensified since their decision to step back from royal duties and move to North America, a move seen as heavily influenced by Meghan.
Despite these challenges, Prince Harry has carved out a significant role in public life through his philanthropic efforts. Together with Meghan, he has launched several initiatives aimed at making a positive impact globally.
One of Harry's most notable achievements is the founding of the Invictus Games, an international sporting event for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women. This initiative showcases his dedication to supporting veterans and highlights his ability to create meaningful change.
Harry and Meghan's Archewell Foundation focuses on nonprofit activities and creative media ventures. Through this foundation, they aim to uplift and unite communities, addressing issues such as mental health, racial justice, and gender equality.
