Prince Harry’s decision to step back from royal duties in 2020 marked a major change in how the public sees him. Although he gave up his official role as a working royal, the idea of him being the “spare,” a key theme in his memoir, still affects how people view him. However, Prince Harry’s role has changed since leaving royal life.
The term “spare” has long been used to describe the younger sibling of the future king or queen, and it comes with certain expectations and limitations. In his memoir, Harry openly talked about this role, sharing how he felt overshadowed by his brother, Prince William. His honest and personal account made the “spare” label stick in people’s minds, even after he officially left royal life.
Recent public events, like the Time100 Summit in New York City, show how the “spare” narrative plays out in real life. As reported by The Mirror, Experts who study body language have watched how Harry and Meghan interact, noting times when Meghan seemed to take charge while Harry appeared to take a back seat. For example, at one point, Harry reached out his hand to help Meghan as they got out of a car, but she seemed to ignore his gesture and instead greeted someone else.
Is Prince Harry still a ‘spare’ in regular life?
The above came with other moments where Meghan appeared confident and Harry seemed quieter, some see this as a real-life example of the “spare” dynamic affecting their public life. However, not everyone agrees with this interpretation. While some believe these observations show Harry still struggling with the “spare” identity, others see things differently.
The couple’s red carpet poses, where they stand close together with their bodies touching, suggest a strong connection rather than distance. Additionally, Meghan has publicly praised Harry as a supportive husband, which points to a relationship built on partnership and respect, not just the “spare” narrative.
The situation is complicated because the “spare” label isn’t just a simple title. It’s a story shaped by Harry’s personal experiences, how the media portrays him, and how the public interprets his actions. Originally, the term reflected his place in the royal family, but now it represents a mix of his personal identity, public image, and the changing nature of his relationship with his wife.
The long-term effect of the “spare” label on Harry’s public image is important. Even though he no longer has an official royal role, the story of his past and his relationship with his brother still shape how people see him. This label could distract from his achievements and charity work, possibly limiting his influence and how seriously people take him.
Moving past this label isn’t just about rejecting it. He will need to consistently work on redefining his public image through meaningful projects and careful public relations.
Published: Apr 25, 2025 12:20 pm