Prince Harry seemingly complained about being a spare to his big brother, Prince William, in his book Spare. He isn't the only member of the royal family to grow up as spare, and one royal expert praised Princess Anne for the way she handled the position.
Princess Anne Is Reportedly The 'Perfect' Example Of A Spare
Royal author Robert Hardman, author of Queen of Our Times: The Life of Elizabeth II, had nothing but praises for King Charles' younger sister following the release of Prince Harry's controversial memoir Spare, Daily Mail reported. The book contains secret and intimate details about the royal family, including Prince Harry's grievances for being a spare in the royal household.
"She is an example of how, even if you are clearly earmarked for a peripheral role, it doesn't mean you can't make a contribution," Hardman told The Times.
The royal expert credited Prince Philip for providing the Princess Royal with "solid parental guidance." He added that a good spare doesn't listen to what the press is saying about them nor takes too many projects. Instead, a spare should focus on what they can do well and where they can "make a difference," which is what Princess Anne is exactly doing.
According to Hardman, Princess Anne "saw the perils of royalty" and understood the perks of her own situation, including making the role her own.
Princess Anne has been dubbed the hardest-working royal for years. She has become among the royal fans' favorites due to her commitment and dedication to her duties.
More About Princess Anne
Princess Anne is a skilled horsewoman. She won the individual championship at Burghley in 1971 and was voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year. She also won a place in the 1976 Montreal Olympics as a three-day eventer in the British equestrian team.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip's only daughter was also nominated for Nobel Peace Prize by President Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia in 1990 for her work as the president of the charity Save The Children.
Her Majesty honored her daughter with the senior title of Princess Royal in 1987. The title is traditional but not automatically given by the sovereign to their eldest daughter.
What Did Prince Harry Say About Being Prince William's Spare
Prince Harry said in Spare that he had heard the word "spare" growing up in the royal household. He claimed that he was briefed by his father, King Charles, mom Princess Diana, grandfather Prince Philip and even grandmother Queen Elizabeth that he was "the shadow, the support, the Plan B."
"I was brought into the world in case something happened to Willy," Prince Harry wrote.
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"I was summoned to provide back-up, distraction, diversion and, if necessary, a spare part. Kidney, perhaps. Blood transfusion. Speck of bone marrow. This was all made explicitly clear to me from the start of life's journey and regularly reinforced thereafter."
What can you say about the way Princess Anne and Prince Harry handled their being a "spare" in the royal household?
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