In a recent development that has sent shockwaves through the royal family, Prince Harry's memoir, "Spare," has reportedly tarnished the pristine image of Prince William and Kate Middleton, according to royal author Christopher Andersen. The memoir, which was released earlier this year, has been described as a "bitter pill for the royal family to swallow," particularly for King Charles III and the Prince of Wales.
In the book, Prince Harry presents his brother, Prince William, as somewhat of a bully, a portrayal that Andersen suggests has not only wounded William personally but also threatened to tarnish his and Kate Middleton's image. Despite the controversy, the new Prince and Princess of Wales remain popular, as indicated by recent polls. However, Andersen believes that the rift between the brothers appears to be permanent.
Prince Harry's memoir delves into the complex relationship between the brothers, describing Prince William as his "beloved brother and arch-nemesis." The Duke of Sussex recounts instances of jealousy, intense arguments, and a sense of alienation during their time at Eton College. One of the most striking revelations is Prince William's alleged request for Harry to pretend they didn't know each other at school, a request that Harry claims he complied with.
Andersen describes the situation as "sibling rivalry on steroids," a dynamic that King Charles III would prefer not to see repeated in the future. The author also highlights the importance of Prince Harry's memoir in shedding light on the feelings of those who are a few steps away from the crown. He suggests that Harry's feelings of being ignored, dismissed, and irrelevant, and ultimately being used as a scapegoat, are shared by others in similar positions.
The memoir also serves as a reminder to Prince William and Kate Middleton about the dynamics among their own children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Andersen suggests that the couple will need to ensure that their children do not feel sidelined or ignored, particularly as they grow older and face the pressures of royal life.
The author also points out that Prince George is the first future monarch being raised in the era of social media, raising questions about how the young royals will navigate their privacy in the digital age. This is a new challenge for the royal family, as anyone with a cellphone can potentially take an embarrassing picture.
Prince Harry, who admitted during promotional interviews for "Spare" that he was no longer on speaking terms with Prince William and King Charles III, was invited to his father's coronation on May 6. It remains unclear whether he had a private moment with his family before the ceremony.
