Prince Harry is dubbed the spare, while Prince William is known as the heir.

Growing up, the royal siblings learned early on that their paths were going to be different. In the book “Harry: Conversations With the Prince,” royal author Angela Levin said that the Duke of Sussex is actually the luckier one.

Even though Prince William is slated to be the King of Britain in the future, it is Prince Harry who gets to enjoy more freedom. The Duke of Cambridge, on the other hand, receives all the glory because of his important role.

“Only when Harry is a lot older will he realize how lucky he is not to have been the eldest,” Levin said.

When Princess Diana was still alive, she wanted to make sure that she was giving her two sons the same treatment even though their destined paths were very different. The late royal was keen on making sure that Prince Harry wouldn’t be overshadowed by Prince William.

Levin said that the Princess of Wales wasn’t a fan of Prince Harry’s nickname as the “spare.” But the moniker has stuck with the public even today.

Prince Charles and Princess Diana also vowed to never make Prince Harry feel that he’s second best. And this may be the reason why the Duke of Sussex has no problem with being pushed down the line of succession.

After his birth, he was third in line to the order of succession. But in recent years, he has dropped to sixth place. During an interview with Levin after the birth of Princess Charlotte, Prince Harry revealed the touching reason why he doesn’t mind being fifth in line in the order of succession.

“The reason I am now fifth is because of my nephew and niece and I could never wish them away. They’re the most amazing things ever,” he said.

After Prince Louis’ birth, Prince Harry dropped to sixth place.

All smiles: Prince Harry at the British High Commissioner's residency
All smiles: Prince Harry at the British High Commissioner's residency AFP / Michele Spatari
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