Prince Harry wrote a whole memoir about his life as a “spare” in the Royal Family, however one expert now believes he may also be a “spare” in his own marriage. After quitting royal life in 2020, the Duke of Sussex, 40, criticised on multiple occasions the hardships of life as a royal, along with his wife Meghan Markle, 43.
Three years after leaving the UK and setting up a new home in Montecito, California, the prince released his own memoir, “Spare”. In the 2023 book, Harry explained how he believes his role in the monarchy was to be there in case something happened to his older brother Prince William. Writing in his controversial memoir, Harry said: “I was brought into the world in case something happened to Willy.”
However, while Harry has now distanced himself from his original royal role and carved his own path, a royal expert believes that he may now be the spare in his own marriage.
Speaking to MailOnline, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams said that since moving to America five years ago, the duke hasn’t yet found his own way, and does not share the “ruthlessness” that Meghan has.
While Meghan has been setting up numerous business ventures, including her brand As Ever, Harry has still very much focused on his charity work, which is not too dissimilar to what his royal life looked like.
Mr Fitzwilliams said: “Harry is increasingly finding himself as the spare in a relationship with Meghan which undoubtedly involves mutual affection, but where their priorities differ widely.”
He continued: “Invictus means a lot to him, it was a joy to see him at the WellChild Awards last year. He genuinely enjoyed being with the children, it seemed as though the ‘old Harry’ was temporarily back.
“However, though often emotional, he lacks Meghan’s ruthlessness, which was so apparent in the Oprah interview.”
While it is rumoured Harry could be launching his own commercial venture, no further details have been released about this. Meanwhile, Meghan has had a busy first half of 2025, launching her Netflix show “With Love, Meghan”, her podcast Confessions of a Female Founder, and her lifestyle brand.
Both Harry and Meghan have spoken fondly about their life in America, including in Montecito where they live with their children Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four.
