Why can’t you imagine Harry as the heir? What makes William extra special? He has a bad temper. He hit Harry. He comes off as having his own issues. He was treated differently from birth than Harry. Both of them are regular people. None of them have any qualifications that make them exceptional. None of them have proved themselves to have specific skills or talents. Harry could very easily be the heir and William the spare. They would both be controlled by the British parliament and an elaborate system of courtiers. In an age of democracy the monarchy is an anachronism
It would be like our American President today and his VP.... I feel for ya, I really do.. especially how it's his own family he's dishing... that's sad. But sad to say, that is how the mentality level of our society today is, POOR ME FOR BEING BORN! Some don't even know what a male or female is, so so sad to see what has happened in our world today.
NG Oh bless, are you upset that your most favourite person in the whole wide world is not universally loved! As has been proven, Harry and Meghan are liars, so I wouldn’t believe Harry’s version of events. According to Harry, Charles and William were shouting at him in front of the Queen. You should be asking why nobody agreed with him then, or now.
@@0301nghosh according to Harry... there is no evidence for that. Harry is however a self-professed alcoholic and drugaddict who often got into drunken fights on the street. He is known for his temper and agression.
Every time I hear of Harry's whining about being "Spare", I'm reminded of a conversation reported by George Johnston at the end of "My Brother Jack". While traveling in Europe in the 1950s, Johnston met an English aristocrat who lamented "you have no idea what it's like to be the second son, of a second son' To which Johnston replied "and you have no idea what it's like to be the second son of a Melbourne Tram driver". There are 8 Billion other people in the world who aren't going to be King. Get over it.
IF HARRY HAD GIVEN THIS SOME THOUGHT HE WOULD HAVE REALISED THAT HIS GRANDMOTHER HAD BECOME QUEEN BECAUSE SHE WAS THE ELDEST DAUGHTER OF A SPARE. HER FATHER, KING GEORGE VI WAS THE SPARE TO DAVID (EDWARD VIII ) WHO ABDICATED TO MARRY THE LOVE OF HIS LIFE. WITHOUT THE ABDICATION HARRY MAY JUST HAVE BEEN THE SECOND SON AND NOT EVEN A PRINCE.
@@ssv7195 It's plotted against his car to get the throne purple monkey dishwasher now? He tracked it then flew over, likely showing off to his father. At no point does it appear he intended to kill him
You are absolutely right. The other thing that has always bother me about Harry’s narrative is the “born to royalty, and not have a choice but to follow in the family’s footsteps “ complaint. There are so many people in the world that have to continue family’s business, and traditions, whether they are forced to by necessity, or by their family, or they just do it because it’s all they know how to do. He is not the unique!!
Well said. We all have that honour if we look at it in the right light. I am blessed to have been born into the family I was & am still part of. None of us had the choice of family, but we all have a choice in how we live our lives. Light or Darkness!. To the fullest or to our detriment. ❤
Also Princess Anne's children were a perfect precedent for Harry to follow had he had the mind to do it! He was a ditherer, and plodded along behind William, even though he knew it wasn't what he wanted. I don't think he knew WHAT he wanted if he couldn't BE William.
And so many are born to poverty and have so very few options. Or are born female in a patriarcal culture etc. I mean, he was born into privilege, status, money, and public standing. Is it always easy? I am sure it isn't but can we agree it has it's perks?
Sounds to me like the spare in any case is the one who has it better! A lot is expected of the heir, and heirs tend to believe they're the ones called to continue the legacy. "Spares" are much freer in that regard. And in any case, we all get our lot in life one way or another. Quit whining, H.
They could like EVERYBODY ELSE born to a royal family does if the rules don’t are to ’difficult’! Do as any royal in Europe, princess MärtaLouise, princess Madeleine, Prince Carl-Philip, princess of Japan, you want more? Leave the royal duties and associate with them in private. Very easy. Meghan pushes Harry to become KING, but neither of them have brains to even become CEO of a local shop🥴
I'm an American with a slightly different take. I haven't read the book and wouldn't read it if it sold for $0.25 at the Goodwill store. (I do enough of my own whining...I don't need Harry to compete with me)! As for the spare thing, we do have a bit of that in the US. The older child (me) always gets the "new" stuff - clothes, toys, etc. We get more privileges (driving, bigger allowances...along with much greater responsibility. There is always controversy with the younger family members, certainly not on the scale of inheriting castles and titles. But we also have a tremendous amount of class warfare in the US - the haves vs. the have-nots. Has always been that way and always will be. I'm a have-not and frankly, that's part of my irritation with that self-serving boy-child. So many of us (worldwide) wondering how we're going to pay our electric bills, buy food, keep a roof over our heads...and Harry whines??? Gives me creepy crawlies.
It happens not only in Royal and aristocratic families but how about industry? Plenty of very wealthy families, America including, that have the first born hopefully step into their father’s ,s shoes to take over. The other children more or less to support the oldest. Murdoch, Packers and Fairfax eg. The Americans seem to further their intentions by naming the first born after the patriarch, for example, calling them Joseph Jr, Joseph II and Joseph III and so on. So it’s correct to say that there are hundreds of families who have “spares”. However, Harry’s narrative about being born so he could be the “spare parts” is psychotic. His mother would have given him a right clip over the ear over that one. Not to mention the hurt he would have caused her.
I think it happens not only in America but all over the world. I think all cultures have that "eldest child/first born" that gets everything kinda way, don't you think. All 2nd born are spares..lol
In so many cultures it is the eldest son who inherits the major part to keep it going. I THINK IT ALSO HAPPENS IN USA& CANADA WHERE THE ELDEST SON INHERITS THE FAMILY BUSINESS RATHER THAN SELLING IT OFF AND SHARING THE PROFIT WITH ALL THE SIBLINGS.
I was thinking the same, in the USA there were and still are what are considered "royal" families, old families like the Kennedy, Bush, etc and new money billionaires' families too and, though I have no idea if this applies to them, there must be examples of "heirs" and "spares" among them....
Same in Japan and most of Asian countries. The oldest child will continue the family root: more responsibilities, less freedom but gain more respect from the other family members. The younger children can do or be whatever they want. They have more freedom, less expectations but have to listen to the older brother/sister. All comes with strengths and weaknesses. if H complains why he’s born second, he should complain to God. Lol
I was stunned when Harry said in that interview that he REALIZED THERE WAS A HIERARCHY!!! Everything has a hierarchy. If you work at McDonalds drive thru you have an assistant manager, a manager, a regional manager, a district manager, and so forth up to the CEO. I totally understand your point. And to your other point, very few if any other boys that age would know that word.
Harry's problem, aside from his wife, is that he thinks he's the only one this has happened to. If he'd paid attention in history he'd have discovered that when William was born, Andrew, who up until that point was spare, was displaced. Edward was also shunted down the line. Let's not forget that females weren't even considered! Princess Anne was relegated to back of the queue by 2 younger brothers. HMTQ only became Queen because her father was spare to Edward who abdicated, but other younger brothers had sons who were overlooked. It's called the rule of succession. Fortunately HMTQ changed the rules of primogeniture to allow Princess Charlotte a rightful place above her younger brother Louis. Harry's own children displace Andrew et al. Thank God William was born first and not Harry the manchild.
The thing is Harry hasn’t been a spare for nearly ten years. He is now fifth in the line of succession. Prince Andrew, who was once a spare, was outraged when his daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie, were stripped of security after they had completed their education. At the time, they were fifth and sixth in the line of succession. In this context, I don’t think it’s about being a spare but more about adolescent resentment, which must’ve been a monumental task for the ghostwriter to sift through.
I am American and I think you've really hit the nail on the head with this analysis. I admit that while personally I enjoyed the book, I did find way too many references to being "the Spare" and this came off as whiny after awhile. Sounds suspiciously to me like the influence of an editor, not a ghost writer.
Very valid insight! A biographer might have put it in context. A ghostwriter is given a hook. An American ghostwriter, under instructions from the American wife, would probably never consider it. I mean, it’s Prince Harry’s identity. He has no other interests or skills.
@@cori295 Oh Megsie Baby continues to wear LOTS of hats as she lays out her groundwork. It started with a fedora on a yacht, and if all works out for her the way she’s planned , it will end with a little black pill box hat with a dainty veil. ( Ala Jackie style) ….She will be looking for the cameras as she lets loose a slow tear drop , down the left side of her cheek! 😪
You are totally onto something that I haven't heard anyone else comment on. I am Canadian , and I have a great affection for the royal family. I enjoy your perspective on the book. I am afraid that even in non royal families, there is a hierarchy. First born gets the bigger room, second born gets to do things first born didn't get to do at the same age, etc.
Absutely. And in some cultures, like India and China I think, and probably Africa, the younger brothers and sisters are asked to respect their elder brother or sister who in turn protects the younger siblings. My husband is Indian and the eldest and after his father's passing, he has taken over the family responsibilities. It is a very common thing.
@@loisemccallum5254 the room debate was only in Balmoral, the holiday home if you like. He doesn't mention differences in room size otherwise, so I'm assuming he had a similar room in Kensington.
@Cath This man child is so selfish selfcentered and annoying, he grew up with the best of everything, yet complains daily when other people live daily on struggle street in order to survive
150 % You summarized it perfectly! Thank you!! I am American, and it drives me absolutely INSANE that everything H & M claim is putting the UK culture under the American microscope. It's beyond ridiculous.
I'm from the UK & I think your right. Every one in H's friendship group would reflect this system in some way. He just wanted an angle to justify the jealousy, envy & spite he has for his brother & family. Crazy thing is his Mum would be horrorfied. As soon as she realised she was damaging the monarchy she backed off, she would never hurt William's birthright & she was riddled with pride to be the mother of the future King, she's on record as being snobbish about her own bloodline & teased it was better than Charles (it wasn't but like H she wasn't always that swift about some things). I'm convinced this all comes from H's twisted belief that he's somehow the superior one.
@@Cladina_Green Charlotte's case is a little bit different. Assuming that George is well and healthy (also assuming that the monarchy survives a woke and possibly weak king), she will have nearly certainly the position of the next _Princess Royal_ lined out for her. So _she_ WILL have a purpose and a goal, which is important; and she won't find herself at loose ends. Now what about Louis, though? He's the spare spare... I do hope for him that they have learned from the cases of Andrew and Harry. However, former "spare spare" Edward managed to work things out for himself. Maybe if you can be fairly sure you _won't_ be called up... 🤷
So good to hear your insight in the book. You do have a lovely voice and acsent. It also made me realize that Harry has always held a grudge against William. Goodness, it was not William's fault that he was born first! Meghan was just the fan blowing the flames higher. ❤️🌹🐝
Another American here. Apparently Harry has forgotten that since George was born, he's no longer the spare. All he and Megan need to do is just get over themselves. They're becoming completely irrelevant due to their own actions.
What an astute observation to make about the many other 'heirs' and 'spares' there must have been at Harry's schools. He must have been mixing socially too with many other so-called spares. What a self-centred person!! Loving your comments and insights into this book. Do hope you continue to do many more.
It was said to me years ago that families had three sons. The first, to inherit the estate, the 2nd would take up a military career and the third would enter the clergy. Some money would be set aside for the 2nd to buy a commission and have a reasonable nice life. The third unfortunately would have no expectation of inheriting anything.
Poor "Princess" Lilibet. She's already been tarnished as a nullity in Ginge's opinion. As you rightly say, and I'm glad you picked up on, is that every aristocratic family has one or more spare. At one time you could have been a first born female, but end up fourth in line when 3 younger brothers come along. And yes I agree that an American ghostwriter would not be familiar with the entrenched history of Britain.
I am an American and I was a middle child growing up. And it was made obvious to me while growing up that my mother NEVER wanted a daughter. I had one brother older by 7 years and one younger by 7 years. My mother had the sever year itch.....lol. Anyway, my brothers always got whatever they wanted. My older brother wanted to play golf, so my Mom went into debt getting him gold clubs and all that goes with them. Then he wanted to do fly fishing, she got him all that was needed for that. My younger brother wanted a color TV, this is back in the 60's when color TVs were expensive, well he got one, he wanted a stereo, he got it, he wanted his room to be painted dark purple, he got it. Whatever I wanted though I had to get myself, or when my stepfather was alive, he would see that I got it. But my mother saw me as competition and this was when I was five or six years old. So I don't understand what Harry is griping about. He had it far better then myself and many other kids not being the first born. A friend of my mother's was the 7 child and when he came home from school one day. He found an empty house. And he sat on the stoop until finally his father came and got him. They had forgotten to tell him the family was moving into a new house that day. Imagine how he must of felt.
what a treat to listen to an intelligent dissection of an incredibly stupid line! I applaud you for your discernment. Even non-royal families have presumptive heirs and others. That was the case in MY family, where my younger half-brother inherited the family farm, since we shared our mother, but he was the son of my step-father, whose family had owned the farm for several generations! I never thought of myself as a "spare" but rather knew I had to make my own way in the world, and I did so ... without writing a book and whinging about how unfair life is, because for most of us, life is not unfair! It is what it is, what WE make of it, and most of us certainly have no need to wail about it constantly in public! Dare I say that it is time that Prince H grew a pair! Or could I quote Cher's famous line in "Moonstruck: ... SNAP OUT OF IT, Harry!
The problem with Harry is that he thinks he is better than William. I think he has felt that way all his life. He is being eaten up with jealousy. I can imagine he had those feelings of being deemed a "nullity" and she "spare" by his family. Perhaps back when he was 13, he would have used a different word, but the meaning would be the same. We have jealous spares all over in the European monarchies. An example is prince Joachim of Denmark, the second son of queen Margrethe. Back in school the two brothers, the heir and the spare, were sent to school the same year (Irish twins), so they were classmates. Crown prince Frederik was a laid back, easy going chap, whereas prince Joachim corrected his teachers and other pupils if they forgot his title when addressing him. He would say: "I am P Joachim, remember!"
Anyone who has ever read a British historical fiction is acquainted with second sons and all daughters being excluded from inheriting family estates, titles, and money. I think you're right. The American ghost writer thought it was a "thing" and Harry was the only one ever subjected to the notion.
I agree with the analysis given in the video, but I do think that the ghostwriter being an American should have been no excuse. He should have done more research, dive into history, asked around - that was his responsibility. You cannot write a book that is to be expected a 'best seller' without doing the due research. Any self respecting (ghost) writer would have known there will backlashes if things don't add up. Btw this also goes for Harry, but then again he's not the sharpest tool in the shed, so maybe he chose a ghostwriter who was just like him ... This said, there also is the editor, who has, again, a responsibility for editing a well researched book. So many people were part of the production line, and all of them failed, beginning with Harry himself ...
I agree 100 percent! People in other countries do NOT know, understand OR educate themselves about other cultures and do NOT critically think. Many believe everything they hear or read whether it is in a book, news or gossip! So sad and exploitive!
Brilliant analysis. You are spot on! The UK, and the Commonwealth, are very different culturally from the US. MM, along with many Americans, do not understand the Monarchy, or the Aristocracy, and view them as celebrities, poor seconds to Hollywood. The ghostwriter was reported to be very good, but unless he had lived in the UK, would not understand the culture, and his writing would reflect this. The publisher might have known this, and was mainly targeting an American audience.
EXCEPT except except - the book was not written all at once as no book is. He would have likely been presenting bits and chapters for reading all along. Many readers remarked that they were "reading" and "hearing" Markle's voice in the words, too. So what he wrote was allowed, encouraged, approved, and PRINTED. That means he captured what Harry and his wife wanted in the narrative.
From what I heard, rumours have it that MM had the ghostwriter fired at some point and it was she who wrote about a third of the book. In many parts of the book the style used is similar to her writings, very girlish, flourish, immature, dramatic and leading to a specifically desired narrative (for her own benefit). I heard all this from other reviewers, whom I trust and respect, but I only "read" snippets of the book here and there, not the entire book, so I cannot, personally, confirm it. Perhaps TVRS could confirm if parts of the book seem to be written in a different style, I'd appreciate her opinion very much indeed.
I do agree that Harry is not alone in being a secondary child. It’s been the same throughout the British monarchy for hundreds of years. We in fact need look no further that his own aunt and uncles for living examples of those who are also “spares”. On the other side of that coin, however, William is similarly burdened. He also had no say in his given role within the monarchy, William is designated as the future king with no recourse in the matter unless he too were to abdicate his responsibilities like his brother. You are right also that it’s not just the British monarchy under this system, it is an inherited issue throughout the British aristocracy and throughout many European cultures and even beyond. It is the same for every family-owned business, father-to-son, and for many wealthy families also. I think JR Moehringer is an educated man and already appreciates that. His job, however, was to write Harry’s story as Harry wanted it and told with every article that was included in it, and that’s what the writer has done. The real issue is that Harry was always a selfish and needy child, equally overly spoilt and neglected. And then his mother died giving him more of the things that had already spoilt him. If he hadn’t been born as the brother of the future king he would have had some other problem or issue with which to take umbrage. He did seem to have gotten over his issues when Catherine came onto the scene, however that changed greatly for the worse once he met Meghan Markle. She has made it a priority to feed his every weakness, neediness and sense of futility and entitlement. I can’t therefore necessarily blame the American system against the British one. Harry himself has taken a very bad turn in life, yet we can see that he already had the propensity for selfishness, vindictiveness and entitlement lining up in him from quite early on.
Children are not born with a “blank slate “. They arrive with their basic personality intact. It can be molded, modified somewhat and channeled, but they are who they are. And it’s noticeable very early on.
I must admit I was extremely surprised when I realized how little Harry knows or cares about his own family's history. I understand that he may not have been interested as a teenager but surely at some stage he would've cared? He is supposed to be a living symbol of the UK's culture after all, the pinnacle of the system the people there live by. Instead he seems to treat his own country with disdain since he met his 'soul mate' 🙄I totally agree that it could've been a different book if it was written by someone British because it just comes across as brash in my opinion. No offence to any Americans.
@@virginiav.1172 “brash” describes a behaviour, not a nationality. I would not have assumed the word described Americans in particular as I’ve heard it used to describe non-Americans.
Very interesting observation about the "spare" issue. I'm a Canadian very proud of and attached to my British roots, but i live in California (only about a half hour from Montecito, btw). I have noticed SO many times that Meghan's rhetoric is directed at a US audience, and she often banks on them not understanding various aspects of British life -- and indeed often the listeners don't know enough to grasp what she's just done.
Great insight. Harry is stuck in "victimhood". William felt the same pain at losing his mother. In all families one child will get a better deal than the others e.g. the only son or daughter, the youngest, the most vulnerable. The point you raise is so spot on, had this been written by a UK ghost writer it could have been so different.
Your conclusion is important to state. I grew up in a wealthy American area with many grand estates built before WWII as vacation homes by European aristocracy. The massive land and huge homes were kept in tact, within original families, until approximately the 1990’s when it appeared the heirs no longer wanted to maintain them from a distance or the American laws allowed divorces to gain access to these old properties. The result was selling off parcels of the land to developers and worst of all, dividing homes into legal sellable condos. There are many of these examples throughout the USA and with imagination, one can usually see the grandeur of what was originally created. In the UK, there is a willingness, importance and knowledge to maintain the old estates and thus people understand the reason behind property passing to a single heir. Often it’s a great burden to the heir. It prevents the heir from entirely living abroad as one requires to be on site for significant observation and presence in the community. Although I greatly appreciate the preservation of old grand estates, I wouldn’t want that burden of responsibility upon me. Due to my experience of growing up among European wealth, and the importance of large properties to be kept within families, I understand your comment. Commonly, in the US, when the last parent passes, the children equally divide assets and thus, homes and land are sold at that time. Trust attorneys encourage siblings to sell properties saying “it’s best for all if everything is sold”. Truly, a quite different way of looking at inheritance and family history. The US is a younger country and sadly, very few understand family legacy and the pride and duty of preserving it. Your comment is important, and I suggest you speak more on this topic. Perhaps Americans will be interested in understanding this difference in more detail. I suspect, there has been conversations between Meghan and Harry about his inheritance. She thought she married someone who will inherit a fortune and sadly for her, she calculated wrong. Meghan is an embarrassment, on the world stage, of the worst qualities of an American woman. Is Harry brainwashed in believing his family legacy means nothing, and like most Americans, willing to see the family legacy for cash, destroying it in the process?
Hello, I'm American, living in the Commonwealth. I started following the Markle situation about 6 mos ago when I became aware of the Narcissistic Abuse, which is a hook for me as I'm recovering from being victimized. As I got addicted to the Megxit TH-camrs I learned about the Royal Family and British Culture. I realized that there is a big blind spot with Americans when it comes to British Culture. I saw it in myself and was happy to be learning. And I noticed this cultural ignorance in other Americans -friends, family and some commentators. When the book came out, bearing that title, I saw this situation coming. I could see that the word "Spare" was being played up for drama and misunderstandings were happening. Harry is too stupid and selfish to take up his proper role as a cultural ambassador. He is too broken down by Meghan's Narcissistic Abuse to have an intact sense of identity. Meghan understands all of this and she plays on American ignorance all the time. There are many lies she has told which Americans don't see through so easily (although they are starting to get it.) I can see that she has designed her statements to play on American ignorance. It's a strange choice, to use an American ghostwriter. It's stranger yet that Harry is allowing his life story to be defined and used by power hungry abusive grifters. But that's Narcissistic Abuse.
I’m Australian, I couldn’t agree more. You got it in one. I haven’t read the book as the excerpts sound so dreadfully turgid. So I was delighted to find this neat encapsulation of the issue.
Now, now, friend. I disagree. Americans have been cultivated to be ignorant historically, surely. That serves a political purpose (in ALL countries, actually, as it is easier to lead the ignorant) and I have no disagreement with that. However, even in America, we understand first borns and hereditary rights. Moreover, this take makes it all about the writer. This is Harry's story! He shared the feelings, thoughts, and biases (intentional or not). The writer's only job was to capture it. Rest assured, what he wrote was read through-out the project. It was read and edited and APPROVED by Harry and his destructive wife. This is Harry's narrative. He has said so. He has said he is proud of the book, and so relieved it is out there. Harry's version of Harry's life - not made up by the writer but designed to sell a narrative and perpetuate a historical argument that didn't seemingly exist before Harry's marriage.
@@kalicanterbury8085 I agree with you. Being from Eastern European ancestors, I understand the hierarchy of first born, second born, etc., and I’m even seeing it living in front of me today through a friend who is a first born US citizen, governed under parents who treat him and his brother totally different because of their birth order. And it’s shameful that Harry can’t have more appreciation or respect for his family, considering the history and the impact that they have made. I’ve watched those shows about celebrities doing their family trees and exploring their DNA results. Most are amazed and humbled at the historic journeys, that each of their ancestors took.
@Kali Canterbury Kali, thankyou for your correction. I certainly was not using the word 'ignorant ' in an insulting or derogatory way. So sorry...'unknowing, unthinking ' ( might that be better? :) ) for a large percentage of any population. As soon as I sent my comment, I thought, "Oh dear, I should not have generalised." I stand corrected thankyou. Such are texts when one can't see the other's facial expressions.
I got into the whole thing of, "courtesy titles" by reading the Lord Peter Whimsey mysteries. The fictional Lord Peter is the second son of the equally fictional Duke of Denver. His older brother succeeds to the title; and the brother's son has the courtesy title of, Lord St. George. _Lord Peter (Whimsey)_ is all that's left for the second son of the late duke. 😉 But hey, _he_ wasn't moping! 😉 Harry, even as "only" the second son, at least is a prince and a royal Duke. Not a bad deal, in my opinion.
There’s a hierarchy in every family, like it or not. I can’t change my birth order and certainly never considered complaining about it 😂. Harry would make the worse employee in any company at any level, he’d also be incapable of running a substantial company of any type. You did a fabulous job of hitting the nail on the head once again. They’ve become a joke to most Americans (an insult to his home country) and I doubt it’s a place from which they can ever recover. Harry was well adjusted to his role until a manipulative woman with no understanding of Britain or the Royal family convinced him that he should be unhappy. She wanted him dependent upon her and separated from his family. Rather sick.
I only discovered your channel last week & I've enjoyed the episodes very much. This one is particularly good because you have been so astute and intuitive. I'm an English woman so I àppreciate the subject of inheritance. Britain has an old culture , retaining a considerable amount of traditions that only we make sense of
I believe the phrase 'heir and spare' was coined by a very outspoken American heiress who married an English hereditary Duke or Earl. It didn't originate with the Royals as a phrase, but many spares have inherited titles, thrones, estates, etc. throughout history. Nevertheless, several titled authors of autobiographies have described second children/sons of titled families who have struggled with finding roles for themselves in life, including Lady Glenconner and Lady Colin Campbell who I think both married second sons.
As I am not part of a famous or wealthy family, I can't really understand their struggles, but I do understand that they are the results of NOT accepting your specific place in life, NOT being grateful for what you have, which in most cases this amounts to "very much", and being jealous and focusing only on what you don't have. I think that the second sons and daughters should appreciate their freedom of choice in life and the goodness of life that offered them money, a good name and so many opportunities. Just a few thoughts and my opinions, of course...
@@journeysintothelight2133 I would say the real problem is the extreme hierarchy that values people only on basis of their social status and not on their talents and accomplishments
All very good points and I agree with you that the American ghostwriter fundamentally doesn't understand British culture and traditions nor do many Americans. I'm still absolutely certain that Rachel's hands are all over this book as well. It's so obvious with the fantastical Disney type stories that are peppered throughout the book and in particular chapter 3 all about Rachel. Sparry is nothing but a professional victim!!!
I am from America and I my whole life have been excited about someday visiting London. I finally did and I loved it. The Palace, parks, castles and all the things we didn’t have in America. Unless the ghost writer was English or the book was done in England their isn’t anyone who could have captured what it is to be from royalty. I do love your videos.
You are right. I looked for parallels in the story of Cain and Abel but they're not really there apart from the jealousy and the fact that one of the brothers has gone into exile, albeit West not East. The similarities are interesting, suggesting that filial fracture is not unusual.
I'm an American who started school in Europe. You're absolutely right that most Americans have no clue what European history is all about and the whole structures and different levels of society.
Still slogging it through the book and really didn't want to 'not like' him, but it is hard to not curl my lip a little as he repeatedly goes on about how everybody is against him...though they didn't actually SAY anything, Harry just assumed they felt that way because they asked him a question or said something that he 'interprets' as jealousy or spite. And I am so sick of what a hard life he has, while in the next paragraph saying how he and friends were planning their next month of travelling around and partying before he had to get dragged back to some horrid 'royal appointment', which is actually his JOB. He talks about getting no money to shop for clothes...which is also ridiculous because he apparently must attend functions and is representing the crown so he can't be going dressed in Target brand, can he? Those terrible paps would surely expose him for that. Just ridiculous. He seems to measure his value through the eyes of the media, to the point of obsession....which, through his life people have continually pointed out, yet he doesn't take it on and do something about it.....Like not reading ALL the negative stories, which everyone knows, have no merit, but taking what they say personally. I know it can be a difficult lesson, but it's one we ALL have to navigate at some time in our lives, and that is, 'You can't control what other people say about you. You just have to be true to yourself, and the rest will fall into place.' He also says nothing positive about his brother and really puts shade on everyone around him. From his perspective, he has been, basically, an orphan who has been attacked, unfairly, by everyone in his family and the press, for most of his sad, lonely, deprived life, as a body-parts storage facility for his nasty, mean and jealous brother.
yes! you're the only reviewer who has read this book with a critical eye.... perhaps bc you dared to read it well and twice !👏👏👏 Everyone else look for the headline bits. Thankyou it must have bn hardwork😂
Indeed, I agree, these very short videos are the best video reviews of this book I've watched until now. Insightful, relevant, revealing, excellent work. Of course, as I had not read the book, it did helped watching other people's reviews to have a clue of what TVRS talks about, but for those who have read the book her reviews are outstanding. Thank you, TVRS!
You brought a different perspective about the heir/spare issue being an accepted norm in the aristocracy and an American author perhaps focussing on it as if only Harry was a spare. Additionally, women have been overlooked for centuries if there was a son in the family.
Hi Shauna, As a 74year old English woman, a history and English language buff, I hadn't heard the word 'Nullity' before reading this article (I haven't read 'Spare' and nor will I) OMG, his head is in a worse state than I thought. I really don't think there's any hope left for him. I really do feel sorry for Charles and William and I wonder how much they knew before letting him go to America? I know they did try to talk him out of marrying M and also tried to talk him out of going but he wouldn't listen.
Brilliant point, thank you. I am an American and I have been making a similar point about this book according to what I call “right order.” Most people with a working brain that has not been ruined by propaganda recognize that there is a natural hierarchy: of ability, of functions, of organization in nature and so on. This hierarchy is all around us if we only care to observe it. The British aristocracy is modeled on it. I do not find that offensive in any way; it’s another system of social organization. Harry is too dim to recognize that and Meghan is using the issue to promote herself in a crass way.
I’m British, I’ve listened to Spare, I know families ( very wealthy historic families) who have educated their children at Eton. I had some sympathy for Harry ( tho not much) as I too am second child whose mother died suddenly early aged 36 ( I was 10) Today you drew my attention to the cohort that Harry would have been at educated with. SO many spares!! He would have been schooled and lived alongside more spares ( 2nd 3rd and 4th children) than Heirs! He would have always had much more in common with the rest of the pupils than William. Personally I suspect his insecurity comes from a lingering ( possibly irrational) doubt about whether his father is his father. It was a topic oft referred to in the press during his very tender years.
Totally agree with your analysis. And don’t forget, there were several past British Kings who were spares but did become King for example Henry VIII, George VI etc
Spot on! I love how you point out these bits of insight out of his book or any media publication. I would think that as an American writer - Moeringer would still have been aware of the concepts you put forth. He is an educated man, but this is the only angle he could find to sell this book to an American audience. He should have realized, culturally, all families are a hierarchy. Harry has made it very clear that he didn't care & still doesn't care about his family history. It seems that there should be new letters patent to include so many details to allow a person to be in & remain in the line of succession. IMO, It shoud not just be based on birth order.
You have a point with "Spares" in the aristocracy. i have never thought of that before. I must mention the memories you have evoked with the copy of Daktari on the shelf behind you. I used to love that programme as a child, although if I saw it today, I would probably wonder what i liked about it. Which is often the way when you look back on things.
Wow, you have a really valid point there. And, your right, that’s how it works here in the UK. Harry makes it sound as he’s the only person to be affected by his situation, he’s not. I can’t imagine how Princess Anne felt when she was old enough to realise that being a female took her right to be the ‘spare’. How devastating must that have been. Harry’s nothing but a whinger. I just wish he and his awful wife would just shut up and get on with their lives quietly. 💐💐💐
And Princess Anne would have been “the spare” until first Prince Andrew and then Prince Edward were born. Did we see her spitting the proverbial dummy and whining as each brother bumped her further and further from the throne? No we didn’t! She’s worked hard for the Monarchy, all the while knowing that “The Throne” would never be hers.
@@qhluvr77 Because she loves her country, mummy and brother. She is her Father’s daughter, she doesn't whines about anything she gets on with the work and keep her private life private. From her interviews you can understand that she understand her has privileged life and work very hard justify it to herself.
I agree with your idea. We America’s don’t get it. Like you said. I haven’t read the book and won’t. So Thank You for reading and sharing your thoughts.
Really enjoying your reviews. You are certainly right about the ghost writer, I never thought about that explanation. Unfortunately I could never read it, even being a lifelong avid reader, so it's lovely to listen to you.
Andrew is also a spare, but he has never complained . Anne never complained either. It's Meghan who put that thought in his head. She has addled his already addled brain.
OMG, thank you for raising such an interesting point regarding the other "spares". I had missed this point that there are literally hundreds of "spares" in the UK
It's not just aristocracy but anyone who owns a family farm or small business that can only support one family. There are millions of families across the world where this happens. That's why it doesn't work for most people.
You are right! That book was written by someone who had no understanding of British culture. One person commented that Harry ceased to be a spare when Prince George was born. Anyone who knows British history can name a number of ‘spares’ in line for the throne. Americans would tend to think of two brothers as equals not heir and spare. The same story told by a Brit would have been totally different, as long as megsy was not allowed to do the final edit.
I have read a lot of romance novels over the years and some of them were British historical novels. The heir and the spare is common from Barons to Dukes. If there were no male heirs the property belonging to the family reverted to the crown (which is part of the reason Harry’s Father owns so much property (not personally but as the crown). Usually the second son went to the military and the third to the church. The second son would also inherit from the Mother’s side, which Harry did. Much of the land “owned’ by aristocrats is entailed (owned by the crown and must be passed down and can’t be sold). It must however be maintained by the aristocrats who ‘own’ it. This frequently leaves aristocrats “land poor”. POOR Megan! She should have done a little more research before marrying her Poor inept prince! Incidentally, many now go into business since it is no longer frowned upon by their peers to actually work. I hope Harry learns this. If he becomes a citizen he could deliver pizzas!
I really enjoy your commentaries. I very much enjoyed the points you have made here. There are families all over the world that groom their eldest sons (and/or daughters) to carry on family tradition, to become "the heir", leaving the younger ones to forge their own usefulness and roles in life without grudges. Watching and listening to this actually reminded me of the Kennedy family. My parents were English, but I was born and raised in the US, although I no longer choose to live there. There are many prominent US families whose dynastic projections are no different to any of the monarchies around the world.
Very good point regarding the fact that Prince Harry would have grown up surrounded by 'spares'. The coining of the term 'the heir and the spare' is attributed to Consuelo Vanderbilt, who was one of the fabulously wealthy American 'dollar princesses' who married into the British aristocracy during the Gilded Age. I doubt that anyone in the Royal Family ever used the phrase and I certainly don't believe that anyone was so cruel as to use it in front of Prince Harry. I expect that he learned the phrase via fantasy series The Crown.
This "spare" thing is not just for the UK but around the world. Not in royalty but usually the eldest son will become the ceo of the father’s company and the other siblings usually work along side them. Harry is TOO FULL OF HIMSELF and being married to someone that is only looking out for HER OPPORTUNITIE$ makes us all sick of hearing about their selfishness! Take the title back by declaring him treasonous and that will end their marriage for sure and get them out of the limelight that they so desperately look for!
Great insights on the abundance of spares in the UK! Another important point is the disadvantage of an American ghost writer v. one from the UK who would be more cognizant of peerage customs.
Excellent comments - I am thoroughly enjoying your programmes. I agree with Abigail, thank goodness Harry wasn't the heir! One has to wonder what will happen to the poor sap.
The same occurred to me… sooo irritating so obtuse, it just did not ring true!So after 2 listens I sent it back to audible… it’s message of “spareness” was just poorly executed, no acknowledgement of the economic reasoning behind hereditary inheritance, absolutely zero acknowledgement of all the other “spares” in the British upper class! It was soooo lacking in insight even of the huge discrepancy of responsibility between himself and William and thus between all eldest children and their younger siblings… it missed its mark totally for me! Plus all the disgusting 🤢 entitled whining… such a spoiled NULLITY
I agree with you. You have made more sense of this absurdity than any other. I do think Harry wants what he cant have. BTW, in America we do have first born heirs and have had them for a long time - having gotten that culture from the English that we were born from. This applied especially for lands inherited.
Absolutely correct! We Americans don't really accept the culture of heirs, spares, etc. even though it serves the British culture. It's a great point that an American ghost wrote the book with underlying cynicism about that. What is worse--Meghan does not accept it either and never even gave it a thought when she joined up!
As you say, an Americans perspective is not the same as an English or possibly British perspective would be, just as an English writer writing about aboriginal Elders would be very different from an Australian perspective. So many think that because we speak the same language, that we think and behave in the same way, which in a lot of things we do, but we certainly have just as many differences too.
Good morning fellow Queenslander. Nullity!! I have Never in all my years ever heard such a word existed! You are quite right and you explain and articulate it so well. This Tome is far from being Harry's book. Too many outside influences have had a hand in this book.
Thank you for reading this I couldn’t but thank you so much. 💗💕👍👏🇦🇺 enjoying the show so much. Remember two of the last kings were shares that’s what I don’t get about this part. You are so right
I think the issue is less about protocol and more about sibling rivalry. Plus I imagine there was the shadowy figure of Harry's wife lurking behind the ghost-writer's shoulder, prodding him to put in as many barbs as possible out of a desire for vengeance. Harry's behaviour towards this teacher was something to be ashamed of - I hope he was (I haven't read the book yet, as I don't intend to give them any of my money - I'm sure there'll be loads of copies at the car boot sales this summer). It shows just how stupid he is that he wasn't interested in his own family history, even though as the spare he might one day have needed to know about it. But he is no longer the spare, so why call his book that? And as others have commented, thank goodness he isn't.
Several important Kings and Queens of Britain were spares, including his great-grandfather. At thirteen, Harry would have been extremely important because William had no heirs. That false note rung by “nullity” unraveling the problem of belief is so astute! Wouldn’t a really good publishing company have recognized this problem? So many of these “narrative disjunctions” occur in that book. They wanted a worldwide audience, so why not use a better ghostwriter and some British editors? They paid Harry enough. What a puzzle.
The heir and the spare works in ordinary families. I am not the eldest but I was our parent's executor. When submitting the will I had to indicate if there was an older sibling and they were written to to see if they supported a younger sibling being the executor. Fortunately we all communicated and kept everything in the loop, but I could see some families would have objected.
@@thekingsdaughter4233 I didn't until I got to that section on the submission form. I did it all online and posted off the original will. I didn't make it easy for the Probate Office as I made them write a formal letter and not just email or telephone. My sibling did ring and ask what it was all about when they got the letter. Bearing in mind our parent wrote their will in 1982 and never changed it and all of us were adults in that year.
If you would like to view the playlist for this series you can find it here:
th-cam.com/play/PLHtjd5sKD71j1qP1QmMO7VOSHl_qgqffo.html
We in the UK thank God every day that Harry wasn't the heir, can you imagine?...
Why can’t you imagine Harry as the heir? What makes William extra special? He has a bad temper. He hit Harry. He comes off as having his own issues. He was treated differently from birth than Harry. Both of them are regular people. None of them have any qualifications that make them exceptional. None of them have proved themselves to have specific skills or talents. Harry could very easily be the heir and William the spare. They would both be controlled by the British parliament and an elaborate system of courtiers. In an age of democracy the monarchy is an anachronism
It would be like our American President today and his VP.... I feel for ya, I really do.. especially how it's his own family he's dishing... that's sad. But sad to say, that is how the mentality level of our society today is, POOR ME FOR BEING BORN! Some don't even know what a male or female is, so so sad to see what has happened in our world today.
NG
Oh bless, are you upset that your most favourite person in the whole wide world is not universally loved!
As has been proven, Harry and Meghan are liars, so I wouldn’t believe Harry’s version of events.
According to Harry, Charles and William were shouting at him in front of the Queen.
You should be asking why nobody agreed with him then, or now.
@@0301nghosh according to Harry... there is no evidence for that. Harry is however a self-professed alcoholic and drugaddict who often got into drunken fights on the street. He is known for his temper and agression.
@@0301nghosh I fully support Prince William
Every time I hear of Harry's whining about being "Spare", I'm reminded of a conversation reported by George Johnston at the end of "My Brother Jack".
While traveling in Europe in the 1950s, Johnston met an English aristocrat who lamented
"you have no idea what it's like to be the second son, of a second son'
To which Johnston replied "and you have no idea what it's like to be the second son of a Melbourne Tram driver".
There are 8 Billion other people in the world who aren't going to be King. Get over it.
I love that! What a great story.
What a fantastic story, thank you for sharing!
Gotta read ?My Brother Jack".George Johnston is my name too, and I like his wit.
IF HARRY HAD GIVEN THIS SOME THOUGHT HE WOULD HAVE REALISED THAT HIS GRANDMOTHER HAD BECOME QUEEN BECAUSE SHE WAS THE ELDEST DAUGHTER OF A SPARE. HER FATHER, KING GEORGE VI WAS THE SPARE TO DAVID (EDWARD VIII ) WHO ABDICATED TO MARRY THE LOVE OF HIS LIFE. WITHOUT THE ABDICATION HARRY MAY JUST HAVE BEEN THE SECOND SON AND NOT EVEN A PRINCE.
Absolutely true!
Harry wouldn’t be here, Charles would have married Camilla!!
I think he knows that he can still get the throne... Just like he plotted against his dad's car
@@ssv7195 It's plotted against his car to get the throne purple monkey dishwasher now? He tracked it then flew over, likely showing off to his father. At no point does it appear he intended to kill him
@@dianemcdonough1058 Or he would be here but look like a cross between Charles and Camilla😉
You are absolutely right. The other thing that has always bother me about Harry’s narrative is the “born to royalty, and not have a choice but to follow in the family’s footsteps “ complaint. There are so many people in the world that have to continue family’s business, and traditions, whether they are forced to by necessity, or by their family, or they just do it because it’s all they know how to do. He is not the unique!!
Well said. We all have that honour if we look at it in the right light. I am blessed to have been born into the family I was & am still part of.
None of us had the choice of family, but we all have a choice in how we live our lives. Light or Darkness!. To the fullest or to our detriment. ❤
Also Princess Anne's children were a perfect precedent for Harry to follow had he had the mind to do it! He was a ditherer, and plodded along behind William, even though he knew it wasn't what he wanted. I don't think he knew WHAT he wanted if he couldn't BE William.
And so many are born to poverty and have so very few options. Or are born female in a patriarcal culture etc. I mean, he was born into privilege, status, money, and public standing. Is it always easy? I am sure it isn't but can we agree it has it's perks?
Sounds to me like the spare in any case is the one who has it better! A lot is expected of the heir, and heirs tend to believe they're the ones called to continue the legacy. "Spares" are much freer in that regard.
And in any case, we all get our lot in life one way or another. Quit whining, H.
They could like EVERYBODY ELSE born to a royal family does if the rules don’t are to ’difficult’! Do as any royal in Europe, princess MärtaLouise, princess Madeleine, Prince Carl-Philip, princess of Japan, you want more? Leave the royal duties and associate with them in private. Very easy. Meghan pushes Harry to become KING, but neither of them have brains to even become CEO of a local shop🥴
I'm an American with a slightly different take. I haven't read the book and wouldn't read it if it sold for $0.25 at the Goodwill store. (I do enough of my own whining...I don't need Harry to compete with me)! As for the spare thing, we do have a bit of that in the US. The older child (me) always gets the "new" stuff - clothes, toys, etc. We get more privileges (driving, bigger allowances...along with much greater responsibility. There is always controversy with the younger family members, certainly not on the scale of inheriting castles and titles. But we also have a tremendous amount of class warfare in the US - the haves vs. the have-nots. Has always been that way and always will be. I'm a have-not and frankly, that's part of my irritation with that self-serving boy-child. So many of us (worldwide) wondering how we're going to pay our electric bills, buy food, keep a roof over our heads...and Harry whines??? Gives me creepy crawlies.
Yes they seem to be tone deaf when it comes to how tough people have it!
It happens not only in Royal and aristocratic families but how about industry? Plenty of very wealthy families, America including, that have the first born hopefully step into their father’s ,s shoes to take over. The other children more or less to support the oldest. Murdoch, Packers and Fairfax eg. The Americans seem to further their intentions by naming the first born after the patriarch, for example, calling them Joseph Jr, Joseph II and Joseph III and so on. So it’s correct to say that there are hundreds of families who have “spares”. However, Harry’s narrative about being born so he could be the “spare parts” is psychotic. His mother would have given him a right clip over the ear over that one. Not to mention the hurt he would have caused her.
I think it happens not only in America but all over the world. I think all cultures have that "eldest child/first born" that gets everything kinda way, don't you think. All 2nd born are spares..lol
@ Susan B. 👏👏👏 👌What a great comment! 😊
@@rowena11ful Spot on iam from Africa.
Heirs and spares are all over the world in every culture and family👏🏻👏🏻❤️🇨🇦
In so many cultures it is the eldest son who inherits the major part to keep it going. I THINK IT ALSO HAPPENS IN USA& CANADA WHERE THE ELDEST SON INHERITS THE FAMILY BUSINESS RATHER THAN SELLING IT OFF AND SHARING THE PROFIT WITH ALL THE SIBLINGS.
Definitely happens in farming families.
I was thinking the same, in the USA there were and still are what are considered "royal" families, old families like the Kennedy, Bush, etc and new money billionaires' families too and, though I have no idea if this applies to them, there must be examples of "heirs" and "spares" among them....
Same in Japan and most of Asian countries. The oldest child will continue the family root: more responsibilities, less freedom but gain more respect from the other family members. The younger children can do or be whatever they want. They have more freedom, less expectations but have to listen to the older brother/sister. All comes with strengths and weaknesses. if H complains why he’s born second, he should complain to God. Lol
@@hanaichi3324 Agree! I have said this to friends….he should complain to God! And even in royal families in Asia, there are heirs and spares.
I was stunned when Harry said in that interview that he REALIZED THERE WAS A HIERARCHY!!! Everything has a hierarchy. If you work at McDonalds drive thru you have an assistant manager, a manager, a regional manager, a district manager, and so forth up to the CEO. I totally understand your point. And to your other point, very few if any other boys that age would know that word.
Harry's problem, aside from his wife, is that he thinks he's the only one this has happened to. If he'd paid attention in history he'd have discovered that when William was born, Andrew, who up until that point was spare, was displaced. Edward was also shunted down the line. Let's not forget that females weren't even considered! Princess Anne was relegated to back of the queue by 2 younger brothers. HMTQ only became Queen because her father was spare to Edward who abdicated, but other younger brothers had sons who were overlooked. It's called the rule of succession. Fortunately HMTQ changed the rules of primogeniture to allow Princess Charlotte a rightful place above her younger brother Louis. Harry's own children displace Andrew et al. Thank God William was born first and not Harry the manchild.
Beautifully written
The thing is Harry hasn’t been a spare for nearly ten years. He is now fifth in the line of succession. Prince Andrew, who was once a spare, was outraged when his daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie, were stripped of security after they had completed their education. At the time, they were fifth and sixth in the line of succession. In this context, I don’t think it’s about being a spare but more about adolescent resentment, which must’ve been a monumental task for the ghostwriter to sift through.
I am American and I think you've really hit the nail on the head with this analysis. I admit that while personally I enjoyed the book, I did find way too many references to being "the Spare" and this came off as whiny after awhile. Sounds suspiciously to me like the influence of an editor, not a ghost writer.
👏😊
Or the wife.......
@@collettchaney120
indeed the wife is the editor😆
Very valid insight! A biographer might have put it in context. A ghostwriter is given a hook. An American ghostwriter, under instructions from the American wife, would probably never consider it. I mean, it’s Prince Harry’s identity. He has no other interests or skills.
@@cori295 Oh Megsie Baby continues to wear LOTS of hats as she lays out her groundwork. It started with a fedora on a yacht, and if all works out for her the way she’s planned , it will end with a little black pill box hat with a dainty veil. ( Ala Jackie style) ….She will be looking for the cameras as she lets loose a slow tear drop , down the left side of her cheek! 😪
You are totally onto something that I haven't heard anyone else comment on. I am Canadian , and I have a great affection for the royal family. I enjoy your perspective on the book. I am afraid that even in non royal families, there is a hierarchy. First born gets the bigger room, second born gets to do things first born didn't get to do at the same age, etc.
Absutely. And in some cultures, like India and China I think, and probably Africa, the younger brothers and sisters are asked to respect their elder brother or sister who in turn protects the younger siblings. My husband is Indian and the eldest and after his father's passing, he has taken over the family responsibilities. It is a very common thing.
Families alone the first born gets the biggest bedroom the largest share of the inheritance etc.
@Irene Dhakde so true.
@@loisemccallum5254 the room debate was only in Balmoral, the holiday home if you like. He doesn't mention differences in room size otherwise, so I'm assuming he had a similar room in Kensington.
@Cath This man child is so selfish selfcentered and annoying, he grew up with the best of everything, yet complains daily when other people live daily on struggle street in order to survive
150 %
You summarized it perfectly!
Thank you!! I am American, and it drives me absolutely INSANE that everything H & M claim is putting the UK culture under the American microscope. It's beyond ridiculous.
Meghan is single-lensed: “me, myself and I”
And toxic.
I'm from the UK & I think your right. Every one in H's friendship group would reflect this system in some way. He just wanted an angle to justify the jealousy, envy & spite he has for his brother & family. Crazy thing is his Mum would be horrorfied. As soon as she realised she was damaging the monarchy she backed off, she would never hurt William's birthright & she was riddled with pride to be the mother of the future King, she's on record as being snobbish about her own bloodline & teased it was better than Charles (it wasn't but like H she wasn't always that swift about some things). I'm convinced this all comes from H's twisted belief that he's somehow the superior one.
How very disappointing for Harry....he's Not the only Spare!? 🎯
He probably hasn't realised that yet 🙄
Has he realized yet that Charlotte is now "the Spare"?
@@Cladina_Green Charlotte's case is a little bit different. Assuming that George is well and healthy (also assuming that the monarchy survives a woke and possibly weak king), she will have nearly certainly the position of the next _Princess Royal_ lined out for her. So _she_ WILL have a purpose and a goal, which is important; and she won't find herself at loose ends. Now what about Louis, though? He's the spare spare... I do hope for him that they have learned from the cases of Andrew and Harry. However, former "spare spare" Edward managed to work things out for himself. Maybe if you can be fairly sure you _won't_ be called up... 🤷
So good to hear your insight in the book. You do have a lovely voice and acsent. It also made me realize that Harry has always held a grudge against William. Goodness, it was not William's fault that he was born first! Meghan was just the fan blowing the flames higher. ❤️🌹🐝
Another American here. Apparently Harry has forgotten that since George was born, he's no longer the spare. All he and Megan need to do is just get over themselves. They're becoming completely irrelevant due to their own actions.
What an astute observation to make about the many other 'heirs' and 'spares' there must have been at Harry's schools. He must have been mixing socially too with many other so-called spares. What a self-centred person!! Loving your comments and insights into this book. Do hope you continue to do many more.
I too hope that she will do more videos about this book. I'm very interested in her opinion.
It was said to me years ago that families had three sons. The first, to inherit the estate, the 2nd would take up a military career and the third would enter the clergy. Some money would be set aside for the 2nd to buy a commission and have a reasonable nice life. The third unfortunately would have no expectation of inheriting anything.
Poor "Princess" Lilibet. She's already been tarnished as a nullity in Ginge's opinion. As you rightly say, and I'm glad you picked up on, is that every aristocratic family has one or more spare. At one time you could have been a first born female, but end up fourth in line when 3 younger brothers come along. And yes I agree that an American ghostwriter would not be familiar with the entrenched history of Britain.
I am an American and I was a middle child growing up. And it was made obvious to me while growing up that my mother NEVER wanted a daughter. I had one brother older by 7 years and one younger by 7 years. My mother had the sever year itch.....lol. Anyway, my brothers always got whatever they wanted. My older brother wanted to play golf, so my Mom went into debt getting him gold clubs and all that goes with them. Then he wanted to do fly fishing, she got him all that was needed for that. My younger brother wanted a color TV, this is back in the 60's when color TVs were expensive, well he got one, he wanted a stereo, he got it, he wanted his room to be painted dark purple, he got it. Whatever I wanted though I had to get myself, or when my stepfather was alive, he would see that I got it. But my mother saw me as competition and this was when I was five or six years old. So I don't understand what Harry is griping about. He had it far better then myself and many other kids not being the first born. A friend of my mother's was the 7 child and when he came home from school one day. He found an empty house. And he sat on the stoop until finally his father came and got him. They had forgotten to tell him the family was moving into a new house that day. Imagine how he must of felt.
what a treat to listen to an intelligent dissection of an incredibly stupid line! I applaud you for your discernment. Even non-royal families have presumptive heirs and others. That was the case in MY family, where my younger half-brother inherited the family farm, since we shared our mother, but he was the son of my step-father, whose family had owned the farm for several generations! I never thought of myself as a "spare" but rather knew I had to make my own way in the world, and I did so ... without writing a book and whinging about how unfair life is, because for most of us, life is not unfair! It is what it is, what WE make of it, and most of us certainly have no need to wail about it constantly in public! Dare I say that it is time that Prince H grew a pair! Or could I quote Cher's famous line in "Moonstruck: ... SNAP OUT OF IT, Harry!
The problem with Harry is that he thinks he is better than William. I think he has felt that way all his life. He is being eaten up with jealousy. I can imagine he had those feelings of being deemed a "nullity" and she "spare" by his family. Perhaps back when he was 13, he would have used a different word, but the meaning would be the same.
We have jealous spares all over in the European monarchies. An example is prince Joachim of Denmark, the second son of queen Margrethe. Back in school the two brothers, the heir and the spare, were sent to school the same year (Irish twins), so they were classmates. Crown prince Frederik was a laid back, easy going chap, whereas prince Joachim corrected his teachers and other pupils if they forgot his title when addressing him. He would say: "I am P Joachim, remember!"
Fascinating! Yes there are lots of examples aren't there!
I think prince carl of sweden 🇸🇪 so good example of 2nd in line
Anyone who has ever read a British historical fiction is acquainted with second sons and all daughters being excluded from inheriting family estates, titles, and money. I think you're right. The American ghost writer thought it was a "thing" and Harry was the only one ever subjected to the notion.
I agree with the analysis given in the video, but I do think that the ghostwriter being an American should have been no excuse. He should have done more research, dive into history, asked around - that was his responsibility. You cannot write a book that is to be expected a 'best seller' without doing the due research. Any self respecting (ghost) writer would have known there will backlashes if things don't add up. Btw this also goes for Harry, but then again he's not the sharpest tool in the shed, so maybe he chose a ghostwriter who was just like him ... This said, there also is the editor, who has, again, a responsibility for editing a well researched book. So many people were part of the production line, and all of them failed, beginning with Harry himself ...
I agree 100 percent! People in other countries do NOT know, understand OR educate themselves about other cultures and do NOT critically think. Many believe everything they hear or read whether it is in a book, news or gossip! So sad and exploitive!
Brilliant analysis. You are spot on! The UK, and the Commonwealth, are very different culturally from the US. MM, along with many Americans, do not understand the Monarchy, or the Aristocracy, and view them as celebrities, poor seconds to Hollywood. The ghostwriter was reported to be very good, but unless he had lived in the UK, would not understand the culture, and his writing would reflect this. The publisher might have known this, and was mainly targeting an American audience.
EXCEPT except except - the book was not written all at once as no book is. He would have likely been presenting bits and chapters for reading all along. Many readers remarked that they were "reading" and "hearing" Markle's voice in the words, too. So what he wrote was allowed, encouraged, approved, and PRINTED. That means he captured what Harry and his wife wanted in the narrative.
From what I heard, rumours have it that MM had the ghostwriter fired at some point and it was she who wrote about a third of the book. In many parts of the book the style used is similar to her writings, very girlish, flourish, immature, dramatic and leading to a specifically desired narrative (for her own benefit).
I heard all this from other reviewers, whom I trust and respect, but I only "read" snippets of the book here and there, not the entire book, so I cannot, personally, confirm it. Perhaps TVRS could confirm if parts of the book seem to be written in a different style, I'd appreciate her opinion very much indeed.
“The long suffering -History teacher- Harry, professional Spare.”
👏🤣
😂😂😂
Brilliant! 👍🏻. I just subscribed! You aren’t only entertaining….you present in the most intriguing intelligent way! 👍🏻👍🏻🏆. Thank you for this!
Thanks and welcome
His friends would of been in the same position
You nailed it
❤🇦🇺
I do agree that Harry is not alone in being a secondary child. It’s been the same throughout the British monarchy for hundreds of years. We in fact need look no further that his own aunt and uncles for living examples of those who are also “spares”. On the other side of that coin, however, William is similarly burdened. He also had no say in his given role within the monarchy, William is designated as the future king with no recourse in the matter unless he too were to abdicate his responsibilities like his brother.
You are right also that it’s not just the British monarchy under this system, it is an inherited issue throughout the British aristocracy and throughout many European cultures and even beyond. It is the same for every family-owned business, father-to-son, and for many wealthy families also. I think JR Moehringer is an educated man and already appreciates that. His job, however, was to write Harry’s story as Harry wanted it and told with every article that was included in it, and that’s what the writer has done.
The real issue is that Harry was always a selfish and needy child, equally overly spoilt and neglected. And then his mother died giving him more of the things that had already spoilt him. If he hadn’t been born as the brother of the future king he would have had some other problem or issue with which to take umbrage. He did seem to have gotten over his issues when Catherine came onto the scene, however that changed greatly for the worse once he met Meghan Markle. She has made it a priority to feed his every weakness, neediness and sense of futility and entitlement. I can’t therefore necessarily blame the American system against the British one. Harry himself has taken a very bad turn in life, yet we can see that he already had the propensity for selfishness, vindictiveness and entitlement lining up in him from quite early on.
I really enjoyed reading your comment! Thank you.
Children are not born with a “blank slate “. They arrive with their basic personality intact. It can be molded, modified somewhat and channeled, but they are who they are. And it’s noticeable very early on.
Great perspective. It’s too bad Harry didn’t want to learn about the amazing living history he is a part of.
It was undoubtedly part of the education that was wasted on him.
I must admit I was extremely surprised when I realized how little Harry knows or cares about his own family's history. I understand that he may not have been interested as a teenager but surely at some stage he would've cared? He is supposed to be a living symbol of the UK's culture after all, the pinnacle of the system the people there live by. Instead he seems to treat his own country with disdain since he met his 'soul mate' 🙄I totally agree that it could've been a different book if it was written by someone British because it just comes across as brash in my opinion. No offence to any Americans.
The word "brash" has been used to stereotype Americans, so it is unfortunate that you chose to use it. And, yes, I am American.
Harry is a jerk
@@virginiav.1172 “brash” describes a behaviour, not a nationality. I would not have assumed the word described Americans in particular as I’ve heard it used to describe non-Americans.
Brilliant analysis 👌🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🇿🇦
Very interesting observation about the "spare" issue. I'm a Canadian very proud of and attached to my British roots, but i live in California (only about a half hour from Montecito, btw). I have noticed SO many times that Meghan's rhetoric is directed at a US audience, and she often banks on them not understanding various aspects of British life -- and indeed often the listeners don't know enough to grasp what she's just done.
Great insight. Harry is stuck in "victimhood". William felt the same pain at losing his mother. In all families one child will get a better deal than the others e.g. the only son or daughter, the youngest, the most vulnerable. The point you raise is so spot on, had this been written by a UK ghost writer it could have been so different.
Your conclusion is important to state. I grew up in a wealthy American area with many grand estates built before WWII as vacation homes by European aristocracy. The massive land and huge homes were kept in tact, within original families, until approximately the 1990’s when it appeared the heirs no longer wanted to maintain them from a distance or the American laws allowed divorces to gain access to these old properties. The result was selling off parcels of the land to developers and worst of all, dividing homes into legal sellable condos. There are many of these examples throughout the USA and with imagination, one can usually see the grandeur of what was originally created. In the UK, there is a willingness, importance and knowledge to maintain the old estates and thus people understand the reason behind property passing to a single heir. Often it’s a great burden to the heir. It prevents the heir from entirely living abroad as one requires to be on site for significant observation and presence in the community. Although I greatly appreciate the preservation of old grand estates, I wouldn’t want that burden of responsibility upon me. Due to my experience of growing up among European wealth, and the importance of large properties to be kept within families, I understand your comment. Commonly, in the US, when the last parent passes, the children equally divide assets and thus, homes and land are sold at that time. Trust attorneys encourage siblings to sell properties saying “it’s best for all if everything is sold”. Truly, a quite different way of looking at inheritance and family history. The US is a younger country and sadly, very few understand family legacy and the pride and duty of preserving it. Your comment is important, and I suggest you speak more on this topic. Perhaps Americans will be interested in understanding this difference in more detail. I suspect, there has been conversations between Meghan and Harry about his inheritance. She thought she married someone who will inherit a fortune and sadly for her, she calculated wrong. Meghan is an embarrassment, on the world stage, of the worst qualities of an American woman.
Is Harry brainwashed in believing his family legacy means nothing, and like most Americans, willing to see the family legacy for cash, destroying it in the process?
I am coming to the conclusion that Harry didn’t need to be convinced about anything but rather found a like-minded partner!
Hello, I'm American, living in the Commonwealth.
I started following the Markle situation about 6 mos ago when I became aware of the Narcissistic Abuse, which is a hook for me as I'm recovering from being victimized.
As I got addicted to the Megxit TH-camrs I learned about the Royal Family and British Culture.
I realized that there is a big blind spot with Americans when it comes to British Culture.
I saw it in myself and was happy to be learning. And I noticed this cultural ignorance in other Americans -friends, family and some commentators.
When the book came out, bearing that title, I saw this situation coming. I could see that the word "Spare" was being played up for drama and misunderstandings were happening.
Harry is too stupid and selfish to take up his proper role as a cultural ambassador.
He is too broken down by Meghan's Narcissistic Abuse to have an intact sense of identity.
Meghan understands all of this and she plays on American ignorance all the time.
There are many lies she has told which Americans don't see through so easily (although they are starting to get it.) I can see that she has designed her statements to play on American ignorance.
It's a strange choice, to use an American ghostwriter.
It's stranger yet that Harry is allowing his life story to be defined and used by power hungry abusive grifters.
But that's Narcissistic Abuse.
Thank-you for your really thoughtful comment. You bought up many really good points!
Very eloquently said, thank you for your comment, I totally agree with you.
I’m Australian, I couldn’t agree more. You got it in one. I haven’t read the book as the excerpts sound so dreadfully turgid. So I was delighted to find this neat encapsulation of the issue.
OMG, the book behind you "Daktari", brings back such great childhood memories.
Totally agree. The American ghost writer was ignorant and it has worked because we outside of UK are ignorant. What you have said makes sense. Thanks
Now, now, friend. I disagree. Americans have been cultivated to be ignorant historically, surely. That serves a political purpose (in ALL countries, actually, as it is easier to lead the ignorant) and I have no disagreement with that. However, even in America, we understand first borns and hereditary rights. Moreover, this take makes it all about the writer. This is Harry's story! He shared the feelings, thoughts, and biases (intentional or not). The writer's only job was to capture it. Rest assured, what he wrote was read through-out the project. It was read and edited and APPROVED by Harry and his destructive wife. This is Harry's narrative. He has said so. He has said he is proud of the book, and so relieved it is out there. Harry's version of Harry's life - not made up by the writer but designed to sell a narrative and perpetuate a historical argument that didn't seemingly exist before Harry's marriage.
@@kalicanterbury8085 I agree with you. Being from Eastern European ancestors, I understand the hierarchy of first born, second born, etc., and I’m even seeing it living in front of me today through a friend who is a first born US citizen, governed under parents who treat him and his brother totally different because of their birth order.
And it’s shameful that Harry can’t have more appreciation or respect for his family, considering the history and the impact that they have made. I’ve watched those shows about celebrities doing their family trees and exploring their DNA results. Most are amazed and humbled at the historic journeys, that each of their ancestors took.
@Kali Canterbury Kali, thankyou for your correction. I certainly was not using the word 'ignorant ' in an insulting or derogatory way. So sorry...'unknowing, unthinking ' ( might that be better? :) )
for a large percentage of any population. As soon as I sent my comment, I thought, "Oh dear, I should not have generalised." I stand corrected thankyou.
Such are texts when one can't see the other's facial expressions.
American Ghost writer: Nutmeg the Duchess of South Parkle
Hear hear! Spot on. I hadn't thought about that! Makes SO much sense. 👍
I got into the whole thing of, "courtesy titles" by reading the Lord Peter Whimsey mysteries. The fictional Lord Peter is the second son of the equally fictional Duke of Denver. His older brother succeeds to the title; and the brother's son has the courtesy title of, Lord St. George. _Lord Peter (Whimsey)_ is all that's left for the second son of the late duke. 😉 But hey, _he_ wasn't moping! 😉 Harry, even as "only" the second son, at least is a prince and a royal Duke. Not a bad deal, in my opinion.
There’s a hierarchy in every family, like it or not. I can’t change my birth order and certainly never considered complaining about it 😂. Harry would make the worse employee in any company at any level, he’d also be incapable of running a substantial company of any type. You did a fabulous job of hitting the nail on the head once again. They’ve become a joke to most Americans (an insult to his home country) and I doubt it’s a place from which they can ever recover. Harry was well adjusted to his role until a manipulative woman with no understanding of Britain or the Royal family convinced him that he should be unhappy. She wanted him dependent upon her and separated from his family. Rather sick.
I only discovered your channel last week & I've enjoyed the episodes very much. This one is particularly good because you have been so astute and intuitive. I'm an English woman so I àppreciate the subject of inheritance. Britain has an old culture , retaining a considerable amount of traditions that only we make sense of
Glad you enjoy it!
I believe the phrase 'heir and spare' was coined by a very outspoken American heiress who married an English hereditary Duke or Earl. It didn't originate with the Royals as a phrase, but many spares have inherited titles, thrones, estates, etc. throughout history. Nevertheless, several titled authors of autobiographies have described second children/sons of titled families who have struggled with finding roles for themselves in life, including Lady Glenconner and Lady Colin Campbell who I think both married second sons.
As I am not part of a famous or wealthy family, I can't really understand their struggles, but I do understand that they are the results of NOT accepting your specific place in life, NOT being grateful for what you have, which in most cases this amounts to "very much", and being jealous and focusing only on what you don't have. I think that the second sons and daughters should appreciate their freedom of choice in life and the goodness of life that offered them money, a good name and so many opportunities.
Just a few thoughts and my opinions, of course...
@@journeysintothelight2133 I would say the real problem is the extreme hierarchy that values people only on basis of their social status and not on their talents and accomplishments
Consuela Vanderbilt who married the Duke of Marlborough (Winston Churchill’s cousin).
Everytime Kate has another baby poor Harry goes further down the line. He's no longer a spare but edging closer to being a nobody.
I think he’s well suited for that eventual destination!🤣
He's now the spare to the spare to the spare.
All very good points and I agree with you that the American ghostwriter fundamentally doesn't understand British culture and traditions nor do many Americans. I'm still absolutely certain that Rachel's hands are all over this book as well. It's so obvious with the fantastical Disney type stories that are peppered throughout the book and in particular chapter 3 all about Rachel. Sparry is nothing but a professional victim!!!
I totally agree re Megh's fingerprints all over it.
Harry's not even competent at being a victim.
I am from America and I my whole life have been excited about someday visiting London. I finally did and I loved it. The Palace, parks, castles and all the things we didn’t have in America. Unless the ghost writer was English or the book was done in England their isn’t anyone who could have captured what it is to be from royalty. I do love your videos.
Thrilled you got there! I really want to go to the USA one day :)
@@thevintageread come to Virginia. History all over the place.
I agree with you. The American voice speaks throughout, either the ghost writer’s or Meghan’s.
You are right. I looked for parallels in the story of Cain and Abel but they're not really there apart from the jealousy and the fact that one of the brothers has gone into exile, albeit West not East. The similarities are interesting, suggesting that filial fracture is not unusual.
I'm an American who started school in Europe. You're absolutely right that most Americans have no clue what European history is all about and the whole structures and different levels of society.
❤❤❤❤great points
Still slogging it through the book and really didn't want to 'not like' him, but it is hard to not curl my lip a little as he repeatedly goes on about how everybody is against him...though they didn't actually SAY anything, Harry just assumed they felt that way because they asked him a question or said something that he 'interprets' as jealousy or spite. And I am so sick of what a hard life he has, while in the next paragraph saying how he and friends were planning their next month of travelling around and partying before he had to get dragged back to some horrid 'royal appointment', which is actually his JOB. He talks about getting no money to shop for clothes...which is also ridiculous because he apparently must attend functions and is representing the crown so he can't be going dressed in Target brand, can he? Those terrible paps would surely expose him for that. Just ridiculous.
He seems to measure his value through the eyes of the media, to the point of obsession....which, through his life people have continually pointed out, yet he doesn't take it on and do something about it.....Like not reading ALL the negative stories, which everyone knows, have no merit, but taking what they say personally. I know it can be a difficult lesson, but it's one we ALL have to navigate at some time in our lives, and that is, 'You can't control what other people say about you. You just have to be true to yourself, and the rest will fall into place.'
He also says nothing positive about his brother and really puts shade on everyone around him. From his perspective, he has been, basically, an orphan who has been attacked, unfairly, by everyone in his family and the press, for most of his sad, lonely, deprived life, as a body-parts storage facility for his nasty, mean and jealous brother.
yes! you're the only reviewer who has read this book with a critical eye.... perhaps bc you dared to read it well and twice !👏👏👏 Everyone else look for the headline bits. Thankyou it must have bn hardwork😂
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Indeed, I agree, these very short videos are the best video reviews of this book I've watched until now. Insightful, relevant, revealing, excellent work.
Of course, as I had not read the book, it did helped watching other people's reviews to have a clue of what TVRS talks about, but for those who have read the book her reviews are outstanding. Thank you, TVRS!
You brought a different perspective about the heir/spare issue being an accepted norm in the aristocracy and an American author perhaps focussing on it as if only Harry was a spare. Additionally, women have been overlooked for centuries if there was a son in the family.
Hi Shauna, As a 74year old English woman, a history and English language buff, I hadn't heard the word 'Nullity' before reading this article (I haven't read 'Spare' and nor will I) OMG, his head is in a worse state than I thought.
I really don't think there's any hope left for him. I really do feel sorry for Charles and William and I wonder how much they knew before letting him go to America?
I know they did try to talk him out of marrying M and also tried to talk him out of going but he wouldn't listen.
Brilliant point, thank you. I am an American and I have been making a similar point about this book according to what I call “right order.” Most people with a working brain that has not been ruined by propaganda recognize that there is a natural hierarchy: of ability, of functions, of organization in nature and so on. This hierarchy is all around us if we only care to observe it. The British aristocracy is modeled on it. I do not find that offensive in any way; it’s another system of social organization. Harry is too dim to recognize that and Meghan is using the issue to promote herself in a crass way.
I’m British, I’ve listened to Spare, I know families ( very wealthy historic families) who have educated their children at Eton. I had some sympathy for Harry ( tho not much) as I too am second child whose mother died suddenly early aged 36 ( I was 10) Today you drew my attention to the cohort that Harry would have been at educated with. SO many spares!! He would have been schooled and lived alongside more spares ( 2nd 3rd and 4th children) than Heirs! He would have always had much more in common with the rest of the pupils than William. Personally I suspect his insecurity comes from a lingering ( possibly irrational) doubt about whether his father is his father. It was a topic oft referred to in the press during his very tender years.
Totally agree with your analysis. And don’t forget, there were several past British Kings who were spares but did become King for example Henry VIII, George VI etc
Spot on! I love how you point out these bits of insight out of his book or any media publication. I would think that as an American writer - Moeringer would still have been aware of the concepts you put forth. He is an educated man, but this is the only angle he could find to sell this book to an American audience. He should have realized, culturally, all families are a hierarchy. Harry has made it very clear that he didn't care & still doesn't care about his family history. It seems that there should be new letters patent to include so many details to allow a person to be in & remain in the line of succession. IMO, It shoud not just be based on birth order.
You have a point with "Spares" in the aristocracy. i have never thought of that before. I must mention the memories you have evoked with the copy of Daktari on the shelf behind you. I used to love that programme as a child, although if I saw it today, I would probably wonder what i liked about it. Which is often the way when you look back on things.
I agree with your insight, as an American I wouldn't have understood how its a common practice.
Wow, you have a really valid point there. And, your right, that’s how it works here in the UK. Harry makes it sound as he’s the only person to be affected by his situation, he’s not. I can’t imagine how Princess Anne felt when she was old enough to realise that being a female took her right to be the ‘spare’. How devastating must that have been. Harry’s nothing but a whinger. I just wish he and his awful wife would just shut up and get on with their lives quietly. 💐💐💐
And Princess Anne would have been “the spare” until first Prince Andrew and then Prince Edward were born. Did we see her spitting the proverbial dummy and whining as each brother bumped her further and further from the throne? No we didn’t! She’s worked hard for the Monarchy, all the while knowing that “The Throne” would never be hers.
@@qhluvr77
Because she loves her country, mummy and brother.
She is her Father’s daughter, she doesn't whines about anything she gets on with the work and keep her private life private.
From her interviews you can understand that she understand her has privileged life and work very hard justify it to herself.
And what about women who were not allowed to inherit anything? That’s what I learned from watching British shows.
I agree with your idea. We America’s don’t get it. Like you said. I haven’t read the book and won’t. So Thank You for reading and sharing your thoughts.
Really enjoying your reviews. You are certainly right about the ghost writer, I never thought about that explanation. Unfortunately I could never read it, even being a lifelong avid reader, so it's lovely to listen to you.
Agree, 100%. The British press christemed him The Spare whewn he was born, more as a dig against his parents I think.
You're absolutely right 👍
🎉I agree!! I now understand now the Culture purpose! Thank you!!👏👏🤩
Andrew is also a spare, but he has never complained . Anne never complained either. It's Meghan who put that thought in his head. She has addled his already addled brain.
Not that I have read the book myself, I would say based on history & understanding it, you are a 100% right Shauna.
OMG, thank you for raising such an interesting point regarding the other "spares". I had missed this point that there are literally hundreds of "spares" in the UK
It's not just aristocracy but anyone who owns a family farm or small business that can only support one family. There are millions of families across the world where this happens. That's why it doesn't work for most people.
You are right! That book was written by someone who had no understanding of British culture. One person commented that Harry ceased to be a spare when Prince George was born. Anyone who knows British history can name a number of ‘spares’ in line for the throne. Americans would tend to think of two brothers as equals not heir and spare. The same story told by a Brit would have been totally different, as long as megsy was not allowed to do the final edit.
Spare is so full of bitterness, resentment, and jealousy I do not believe Harry took a beating. When brothers fight, tittle tattle is NEVER respected.
👏👏👏👏👏the last two kings have been the Spares
I have read a lot of romance novels over the years and some of them were British historical novels. The heir and the spare is common from Barons to Dukes. If there were no male heirs the property belonging to the family reverted to the crown (which is part of the reason Harry’s Father owns so much property (not personally but as the crown). Usually the second son went to the military and the third to the church. The second son would also inherit from the Mother’s side, which Harry did. Much of the land “owned’ by aristocrats is entailed (owned by the crown and must be passed down and can’t be sold). It must however be maintained by the aristocrats who ‘own’ it. This frequently leaves aristocrats “land poor”. POOR Megan! She should have done a little more research before marrying her Poor inept prince! Incidentally, many now go into business since it is no longer frowned upon by their peers to actually work. I hope Harry learns this. If he becomes a citizen he could deliver pizzas!
Great comment! Thanks x
I really enjoy your commentaries.
I very much enjoyed the points you have made here. There are families all over the world that groom their eldest sons (and/or daughters) to carry on family tradition, to become "the heir", leaving the younger ones to forge their own usefulness and roles in life without grudges.
Watching and listening to this actually reminded me of the Kennedy family. My parents were English, but I was born and raised in the US, although I no longer choose to live there. There are many prominent US families whose dynastic projections are no different to any of the monarchies around the world.
Very good point regarding the fact that Prince Harry would have grown up surrounded by 'spares'. The coining of the term 'the heir and the spare' is attributed to Consuelo Vanderbilt, who was one of the fabulously wealthy American 'dollar princesses' who married into the British aristocracy during the Gilded Age. I doubt that anyone in the Royal Family ever used the phrase and I certainly don't believe that anyone was so cruel as to use it in front of Prince Harry. I expect that he learned the phrase via fantasy series The Crown.
This "spare" thing is not just for the UK but around the world. Not in royalty but usually the eldest son will become the ceo of the father’s company and the other siblings usually work along side them. Harry is TOO FULL OF HIMSELF and being married to someone that is only looking out for HER OPPORTUNITIE$ makes us all sick of hearing about their selfishness! Take the title back by declaring him treasonous and that will end their marriage for sure and get them out of the limelight that they so desperately look for!
Great insights on the abundance of spares in the UK! Another important point is the disadvantage of an American ghost writer v. one from the UK who would be more cognizant of peerage customs.
Excellent comments - I am thoroughly enjoying your programmes. I agree with Abigail, thank goodness Harry wasn't the heir! One has to wonder what will happen to the poor sap.
Yes! Thank you!
The same occurred to me… sooo irritating so obtuse, it just did not ring true!So after 2 listens I sent it back to audible… it’s message of “spareness” was just poorly executed, no acknowledgement of the economic reasoning behind hereditary inheritance, absolutely zero acknowledgement of all the other “spares” in the British upper class! It was soooo lacking in insight even of the huge discrepancy of responsibility between himself and William and thus between all eldest children and their younger siblings… it missed its mark totally for me! Plus all the disgusting 🤢 entitled whining… such a spoiled NULLITY
I agree with you. You have made more sense of this absurdity than any other. I do think Harry wants what he cant have. BTW, in America we do have first born heirs and have had them for a long time - having gotten that culture from the English that we were born from. This applied especially for lands inherited.
Absolutely correct! We Americans don't really accept the culture of heirs, spares, etc. even though it serves the British culture. It's a great point that an American ghost wrote the book with underlying cynicism about that. What is worse--Meghan does not accept it either and never even gave it a thought when she joined up!
You are absolutely right. Hereditary titles are an intrinsic part of British history. Love listening to you. Jenny Shalini Tyagi, India. ❤
As you say, an Americans perspective is not the same as an English or possibly British perspective would be, just as an English writer writing about aboriginal Elders would be very different from an Australian perspective. So many think that because we speak the same language, that we think and behave in the same way, which in a lot of things we do, but we certainly have just as many differences too.
The cultural differences come across via various British television series. Many of these get scooped up and are Americanized (eg The Office)
As they say in Ireland, catch yourself on, Harry!
Thank you! 👏👏👏 This has been one of my main points all along!
I'm so glad!
Thank you for your insight! Well done!!! More please!!!!!
Good morning fellow Queenslander. Nullity!! I have Never in all my years ever heard such a word existed! You are quite right and you explain and articulate it so well. This Tome is far from being Harry's book. Too many outside influences have had a hand in this book.
Thank you for reading this I couldn’t but thank you so much. 💗💕👍👏🇦🇺 enjoying the show so much. Remember two of the last kings were shares that’s what I don’t get about this part. You are so right
Glad you enjoyed it
As usual you hit the nail on its Head welldone your on the money.
Brilliant analysis 👏 It makes so much sense. Hello from France 👋
I think the issue is less about protocol and more about sibling rivalry. Plus I imagine there was the shadowy figure of Harry's wife lurking behind the ghost-writer's shoulder, prodding him to put in as many barbs as possible out of a desire for vengeance. Harry's behaviour towards this teacher was something to be ashamed of - I hope he was (I haven't read the book yet, as I don't intend to give them any of my money - I'm sure there'll be loads of copies at the car boot sales this summer). It shows just how stupid he is that he wasn't interested in his own family history, even though as the spare he might one day have needed to know about it. But he is no longer the spare, so why call his book that? And as others have commented, thank goodness he isn't.
That's a good point About hereditary. I also love history.
Several important Kings and Queens of Britain were spares, including his great-grandfather. At thirteen, Harry would have been extremely important because William had no heirs. That false note rung by “nullity” unraveling the problem of belief is so astute! Wouldn’t a really good publishing company have recognized this problem? So many of these “narrative disjunctions” occur in that book. They wanted a worldwide audience, so why not use a better ghostwriter and some British editors? They paid Harry enough. What a puzzle.
Excellent points!!! Haven’t heard this perspective anywhere else. Brilliant.
The heir and the spare works in ordinary families. I am not the eldest but I was our parent's executor. When submitting the will I had to indicate if there was an older sibling and they were written to to see if they supported a younger sibling being the executor. Fortunately we all communicated and kept everything in the loop, but I could see some families would have objected.
Whoa! I had no idea how that works. Haven't been in that situation yet...
@@thekingsdaughter4233 I didn't until I got to that section on the submission form. I did it all online and posted off the original will. I didn't make it easy for the Probate Office as I made them write a formal letter and not just email or telephone. My sibling did ring and ask what it was all about when they got the letter. Bearing in mind our parent wrote their will in 1982 and never changed it and all of us were adults in that year.