Prince William and Kate Middleton have never said this poignant word in their home in order to protect Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis
The word has a long and heartbreaking royal history
According to a royal commentator, Prince William and Kate Middleton have never said the word 'spare' in their home to protect Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis' healthy sibling relationship.
- The word 'spare' is not on Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis' 'radar' according to one royal commentator who believes the word has never 'been uttered inside their home.'
- Prince William and Kate Middleton do not use the word as they are 'determined to break the heir and the spare cycle' and keep their children part of their 'large loving family.'
- In other royal news, Kate Middleton took private parenting lessons ahead of Prince George’s birth.
As Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis enjoy their summer holidays away from school, they may already be thinking about the upcoming new school year and wondering what best new school shoes and school supplies they'll be entering their new classes with.
But while they're enjoying Kate Middleton's favourite creative summer activity and looking forward to the fun tradition that marks the end of The Royal Family’s summer stay at Balmoral, there is one thing that is definitely not 'on their radar.'
The Wales children, who currently sit second, third and fourth in the royal line of succession, have enjoyed a more informal upbringing than most royals as their dad, Prince William, made the promise that he would be a more 'hands on' father than his own one was. And one of the most important decisions he and Kate Middleton have made to this end is to avoid using a loaded and heartbreaking word in their home.
In fact, they have done so well at shielding their kids from the word that one royal commentator believes the children don't even know what it means.
So, what is this awful word? You might not be surprised to hear that it's the word 'spare.'
Royal commentator Kinsey Schofield told The Daily Star, "William and Catherine are determined to break the heir and the spare cycle.
GoodtoKnow Newsletter
Parenting advice, hot topics, best buys and family finance tips delivered straight to your inbox.
"I don't believe the word 'spare' has ever been uttered inside their home to describe one or more of their babies. It is just not on their radar. They wanted to have a large loving family."
While 'spare' may have only just entered the public consciousness thanks to Prince Harry's tell-all memoir of the same title, the word has a long royal history and has been known to break apart many sibling relationships.
The idea behind the royal saying 'an heir and a spare' refers mostly to royal and aristocratic families who need an heir to inherit a title or estate. The first born sibling is the heir, while the younger siblings are 'spares' who can step in on behalf of an heir should anything happen to them.
Perhaps the most famous 'spare' in modern day is, of course, Prince Harry. In his scathing memoir, the Prince shared that, just after he was born, his dad King Charles III joked to his mother, the late Princess Diana, "Wonderful! Now you've given me an heir and a spare—my work is done."
Harry wrote that his 'spare' title followed him through all of his life and he was constantly reminded of his inferiority to his older sibling. He revealed, "They would say it without a spirit of judgement, but straight out. I was the shadow, the supporting actor, the plan B.
"I was brought into this world in case something happened to Willy."
It's likely that Harry's disdain for life as a 'spare' has influenced Prince William and Kate Middleton's approach to both the word itself and how they're parenting George's younger siblings.
Kinsey Schofield explained that the couple are trying to instil royal duty in both Charlotte and Louis in the same way they're imparting it on George to ensure all three children understand their individually important positions.
She shared, "William and Catherine are teaching their children about royal responsibilities through doing them. You will notice how poised and prepared the children seem to be during large royal engagements.
"You can tell that Princess Charlotte takes great pride in her family and responsibilities. [It reminds] me of the Princess Royal."
Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse is a news writer for Goodtoknow, specialising in family content. She began her freelance journalism career after graduating from Nottingham Trent University with an MA in Magazine Journalism, receiving an NCTJ diploma, and earning a First Class BA (Hons) in Journalism at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute. She has also worked with BBC Good Food and The Independent.
-
Why do I crave sugar? Causes of sugar cravings and how to stop them
If you're someone who suffers from sugar cravings you'll know how hard it is to give up the sweet stuff. But you're not alone.
By Debra Waters Published
-
Low sodium diet: the benefits of reducing salt and what foods to eat
By Emily-Ann Elliott Published
-
Pippa Middleton’s key parenting choice that Prince George, Charlotte and Louis are massively benefiting from
An expert has revealed how Pippa's important decision has impacted not only her sister Kate Middleton but also her young nieces and nephews
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Kate Middleton and Prince William’s surprising tactic to keep Prince George, Charlotte and Louis off their screens
The Wales family were spotted enjoying a 'wholesome' family day out in Norfolk - and revealed their brilliant hack for entertaining the kids
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Princess Charlotte is learning how to be ‘the perfect princess and standby queen’ from this surprising relative
Prince William and Kate Middleton reportedly 'couldn't imagine a better role model' for their daughter than her current teacher
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Prince William soothes Prince George with this 'protective' parenting tactic, says Royal expert (did you spot it?)
The Prince of Wales has a 'protective' parenting style and always keeps an eye on his kids and their emotions
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Kate Middleton’s heartbreaking plea to King Charles over Prince George, Charlotte and Louis
The Princess of Wales has never been afraid to stand up for her three young children
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Prince George, Charlotte and Louis set off for holiday spot that holds Prince William’s ‘saddest memories’
As per tradition, the Wales family will head to a very poignant UK holiday destination this summer
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Princess Diana could be about to spark Prince Harry and Prince William’s reconciliation, with adorable 'saved' childhood memory
The two princes shared an incredibly close bond growing up
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Kate Middleton laid out ‘bold’ family priorities in candid conversation with Queen Elizabeth II, new book reveals
The Princess of Wales has always been clear about she plans to raise her three children
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published