Prince Harry’s memoir, Spare, has revealed many personal details about his life as a working royal, offering criticisms of several family members, including King Charles, Prince William, Kate Middleton, and Camilla.
His book, which sold over a million copies in its first week, also touches on his relationship with Prince George and his experience welcoming his eldest nephew. Now, a royal expert warns that Harry’s revelations might negatively impact George in the future.
Prince George’s Birth and Harry’s Initial Excitement
When William and Kate introduced their firstborn, Prince George, on July 22, 2013, it was a special moment for the entire Royal Family. As the first child of the next generation, his arrival carried great significance. Harry, thrilled to become an uncle, envisioned himself being actively involved in George’s life—teaching him rugby, sharing stories, and helping him navigate life in the royal spotlight.
Shortly after George’s birth, Harry spoke about his excitement:
“When I saw him [Prince George], he was crying as all babies do, but it’s fantastic to have a new member of the family. I hope my brother knows how expensive my babysitting charges will be.”
Two years later, when Princess Charlotte was born, Harry was stationed in Australia for military exercises but was delighted to become an uncle again.
A Growing Distance Between Harry and His Nephew
At the time of George’s birth, William and Kate moved into Kensington Palace for more space, while Harry took residence at Nottingham Cottage nearby. Initially, he imagined dropping by frequently to visit, spending time with George, and playing with him. However, Harry claims that, despite his expectations, he was never truly invited over.
“I took it for granted that I would be invited to their house at any moment. But the days went by, and it didn’t happen,” he writes in Spare. He reasoned that perhaps they were simply busy with family life, or that things might change once he got married.
This sense of being left out became a recurring theme for Harry, later extending to his relationship with Meghan Markle and their eventual departure from royal life. Since stepping away, Harry and Meghan have openly criticized the Royal Family, particularly in their 2020 Oprah interview and their Netflix documentary series.
The Potential Impact on Prince George
With the release of Spare, Harry’s candid revelations have once again stirred controversy. Some believe his statements could have unintended consequences, particularly for Prince George. Royal expert Angela Epstein argues that while Harry has always shown affection for his nephew, he may not have considered the long-term damage his criticisms could cause.
“As the doting and fun-loving uncle, Harry has always displayed affection for his brother’s three young children,” Epstein explains. “So the possibility that George, as second in line to the throne, could be harmed in any way by the Duke’s rage against the monarchy should surely be a concern to him.”
She warns that George, who is still just a child, may one day inherit a monarchy that has been weakened by Harry’s words. “Sadly, that doesn’t appear to be the case,” she adds. “As a result, George, just nine and barely out of short trousers, may well find himself inheriting a damaged and diminished monarchy.”
Final Thoughts
While Spare offers insight into Harry’s personal struggles and grievances with royal life, it also raises questions about the future of the monarchy and its younger members. Whether or not Prince George will feel the effects of his uncle’s revelations remains to be seen, but some experts worry that the damage may already be done.