A new book about the British royal family alleges that Meghan Markle played a significant role in shaping Prince Harry’s perception of himself as an “unwanted spare” within the monarchy, Today’s Esquire reported. The controversial claims, made by royal biographer Tom Quinn in his latest book, Yes Ma’am: The Secret Life of Royal Servants, have reignited debates about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s exit from royal life.
Meghan’s Alleged Influence on Prince Harry’s Perception
According to Quinn, Meghan “convinced” herself that Harry was being treated as “completely unimportant” within the royal institution. The term “heir and spare”—a long-standing phrase used to describe the monarch’s primary successor and their sibling—took on a new significance for Harry, who allegedly came to see himself as nothing more than a backup plan.
“The strongly held view among current and former royal staff is that Meghan felt she was standing up for her husband, telling ‘her truth’ and encouraging him to do the same,” Quinn wrote. However, insiders reportedly viewed this approach as “deeply disruptive” to the royal family’s traditions.
Harry himself has publicly addressed the term “spare,” most notably in his 2023 memoir Spare, where he acknowledged that it was frequently used within the palace to describe his role.
“They would say it without a spirit of judgment, but straight out,” Harry wrote. “I was the shadow, the supporting actor, the plan B. I was brought into this world in case something happened to Willy.”
Harry’s use of “Willy” to refer to Prince William and “Harold” as his own nickname underscored the emotional weight of his position within the monarchy.
The Role of the ‘Spare’ in the Royal Family
The phrase “an heir and a spare” has historically been used to describe aristocratic family structures, emphasizing the necessity of a secondary heir in case the primary successor is unable to fulfill their duties. While this role comes with wealth and privilege, it has long been associated with a lack of clear purpose—a struggle that many royal commentators believe Harry faced throughout his life.
“It’s a non-position,” said Professor Pauline Maclaran from the Centre for the Study of Modern Monarchy at Royal Holloway, University of London. “There’s no clear role apart from shaking hands and being pleasant to people.”
Harry’s frustration with his status became a central theme of his public narrative, leading to his decision to step down from royal duties alongside Meghan in 2020. The couple has since pursued independent ventures in the United States, including their Netflix and Spotify deals, though they have continued to face scrutiny over their handling of royal controversies.
Neither Prince Harry nor Meghan Markle has publicly responded to Quinn’s claims.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.