Is the life of 'the spare' really so bad, Harry?
Three cheers for whoever came up with the title of the Duke of Sussex’s upcoming autobiography, Spare. It’s punchy – and it evokes a sense of sadness. Is this how Harry has always felt? Like a disposable spare part? The ‘heir and the spare’ describes the first in line to the throne and the ‘reserve’ monarch. It may sound cruel – and perhaps it is – but as soon as hereditary systems were established, queens and kings recognised that to ensure continuity and stability for their monarchy, it was necessary to have a healthy male heir and one in reserve should the eldest one die – which they often did. Spares
