The unlikely royals teaching Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis how to be 'spares'
There are apparently two royals setting an example to Prince William and Kate's younger children as they prove they're 'up to the task'
![Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte arrive at Westminster Abbey for the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/nXFA2GhFFeAVFuba32vLPj-415-80.jpg)
There are two “successful” royals who are setting a shining example for Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis on how to be "spares", according to a royal expert.
In recent weeks following King Charles and the Princess of Wales’s cancer diagnoses being made public, all eyes have looked to the other senior members of the Royal Family to step up even more. The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have certainly been seen doing so and recently attended a special Changing of the Guard ceremony on behalf of His Majesty. Although they have been working royals since 2002, the BBC’s former royal correspondent, Jennie Bond, believes that the couple are finally getting the "recognition" they deserve.
According to her, Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie are setting an example on how to flourish as a "spare" that will be incredibly important for their great-niece and great-nephew, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. Speaking to OK!, Jennie stated that the Edinburghs "thoroughly deserve the recognition they are now getting".
The New Royals: Queen Elizabeth's Legacy and the Future of the Crown by Katie Nicholl | Was £16.99, Now £14.68 at Amazon
Katie Nicholl provides an intriguing and insightful look at Queen Elizabeth's extraordinary reign and draws on stories from Palace courtiers and aides, as well as family members. She reflects upon where The Firm could be headed now and how the Royal Family must react in the ever-changing modern world.
"They have always been quietly devoted to their various causes, but their work has been overshadowed by other royals," she continued. "I suppose every cloud has a silver lining… and as the King calls on them to take a more prominent role, Edward and Sophie are showing they are very much up to the task."
Jennie then reflected that the couple are "serving as excellent role models to their great nephew [ ] and niece" as they are "showing that you can be a 'spare' or even a 'spare to the spare' and make a real success of working as a valued member of the Royal Family".
Prince Edward is the youngest of the late Queen Elizabeth’s children, and the third son, born before the law was changed to prevent younger sons leap-frogging their elder sisters in the royal line of succession.
Princess Charlotte is second in line to the throne, followed by Prince Louis, and Jennie believes that the Edinburghs have showcased perfectly how to thrive in the Royal Family as the younger siblings of a future monarch, Prince George.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
The expert expressed her opinion that the Prince and Princess of Wales will be "acutely aware" of the "problems" that exist for a royal spare.
Jennie said, "They have already shown that they have a different and modern attitude to bringing up royal children and I’m sure they will do everything to make Charlotte and Louis feel every bit as special, loved and valued as George."
She suggested that Prince Louis could be encouraged to "explore life outside the royal fold", possibly in the military or charity world, or in another field that appeals to him after he's completed his education.
"I’m sure they will encourage him to go to University, which they both enjoyed and where, of course, they found love," Jennie added. "And from there they will want him to find a life that is meaningful to him as well as appropriate for the son of a future King."
Royal correspondent Katie Nicholl has previously claimed in her book The New Royals: Queen Elizabeth’s Legacy and the Future of the Crown, as per Express.co.uk, that the Princess of Wales is "said to admire" Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie’s approach with their own children. She apparently appreciates how they're raising Lady Louise Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex "in the bosom of the Royal Family but prepared for life in the real world."
Whether or not Princess Charlotte and Louis go on to become senior working royals or pursue separate careers, it seems Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie and their family are setting an example of "success" that could inspire them.
Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!
-
32 dining room ideas for a stylish, welcoming space
Looking for fresh and exciting ways to liven up your dining room interiors? We've got you covered
By Elena Kiratzi Published
-
5 award-winning products and brands given special recognition by our panel of beauty experts
These beauty brands and products have gone above and beyond, winning our special seal of approval
By Rhiannon Derbyshire Published
-
Duchess Sophie’s cow print shoulder bag was the playfully unusual accessory we still can't believe she wore
Duchess Sophie's cow print shoulder bag combined a timeless design with a statement pattern and it's an accessory we'll never forget
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie’s turquoise wide leg jumpsuit is the versatile dress alternative we all need in our wardrobes
The Duchess of Edinburgh proved in 2018 that a wide leg jumpsuit can be every bit as elegant as a dress and her colour choice was striking
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton’s tradition with Princess Charlotte is so adorable and it shows how much their shared passion means to them
The Princess of Wales revealed that she and Princess Charlotte had taken up a sweet activity together during the Wimbledon championships
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Princess Charlotte’s bracelet at Wimbledon has the most adorable hidden detail as she upholds royal jewellery trend
Princess Charlotte wore several bracelets and one of them reportedly featured a special detail that's popular in the Royal Family
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie's chunky white Puma trainers are so easy to work into your style rotation - and they're at the lowest price we've seen
The Duchess of Edinburgh's chunky Puma trainers are a bargain buy
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
Duchess Sophie’s life-changing moment that lead to royal romance with Prince Edward almost didn't happen
The Duchess of Edinburgh reportedly stepped in at the last minute and made quite an impression on Prince Edward at a charity photocall
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie's surprisingly sassy Wimbledon clutch proved having fun with accessories is key
The Duchess of Edinburgh brought out a bold slogan clutch bag for Wimbledon 2019 and it shows what an impact accessories can make
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie upholds her own royal fashion tradition with dusty blue Garden Party outfit and her maxi dress is divine
The Duchess of Edinburgh chose a beautiful blue outfit for a Garden Party in Scotland and we're adding this shade to our wardrobe
By Emma Shacklock Published