Since his childhood, Prince Harry has lived with the label of ”
Spare “. Which means in French “
substitute “. A term that refers to
his position behind his older brotherPrince William, in the order of succession to the British throne.
This concept also gave its title to the prince's memoirs. He explains how this status shaped his life and his vision of the world. According to Harry, this label was assigned to him from birth. He says his father, King Charles, said to Princess Diana after her birth: “
Now we have an heir and a replacement, the job is done. »
Prince Harry: an eternal replacement?
Harry's memoir explores this aspect of his life. Not only as a member of the royal family, but also
in his relationships and in his life choices. Like his departure for the United States and his marriage to Meghan Markle. Harry hoped to find a new freedom of role leaving the royal framework for California.
But according to a body language expert consulted by the
journal The Sunthe prince would have ended up occupying a similar place of ” supporting role » in his own relationship. Indeed, Judi James, body language specialist, affirms that Harry's role in his relationship with Meghan Markle often appears to be in the background. She almost places it in “ substitute » near his wife.
The cover of Time where Prince Harry remains in the background
According to her, a striking illustration of this dynamic is visible on the cover of the magazine Time where the couple appears together. Meghan Markle takes center stage with a posture of power. While Harry is in the background, a hand on his shoulder, almost hidden. For Judi James, this choice of staging evokes the image of a hairdresser proudly showing off his work. The famous customer occupying the center of attention.
Additionally, on this cover, Meghan Markle wears an eye-catching white outfit. Prince Harry appears in a more discreet black ensemble. The expert notes: “Meghan dominates two-thirds of this photo. Legs spread in a powerful posture. While Harry seems more passive with one leg behind. » This choice of posture and clothing suggests, according to her, that Harry is placing himself in a secondary position. Almost as if he accepted this role of ” Spare » in his relationship with Meghan Markle.
photo credit: Shutterstock There are many photos where Prince Harry is removed from the photo.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle: a couple of leaders
James goes on to explain that Harry and Meghan Markle both possess potential to “ leader » in their relationship. Yet a notable contrast persists in the way they embody their status. Harry, raised among royalty, always benefited from a symbolic status of prince. A title that naturally attracts attention without needing to stand out. On the other hand, the Hollywood actress has learned to build her notoriety. And to stand out in a world where status must be asserted.
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For the expert, this contrast between Meghan's education and that of Harry plays a determining role in the dynamics of their relationship. “Meghan is used to shining in public, she knows how to captivate crowds, whether on stage or on the red carpet” explains Judi James. She adds that Harry, for his part, always evolved in a regulated universe, where his behavior and his appearances were managed by the royal staff, sometimes leaving him uncomfortable in situations of strong media exposure. So when they appear together, Meghan seems to naturally take the leadership role, while Harry takes a more subdued role, a dynamic that the expert attributes in part to his years living as a ”
Spare ».
