Unit 2: The Crown at a Crossroads (2nde_gr2)

An Heir and a Spare

The document under study is an extract from Prince Harry’s memoirs entitled “Spare” published in 2023. In this extract, he shares about his family. More precisely, he remembers his mother, Princess Diana, as being a loving mother toward her two sons. Moreover, she wanted peace and love between William and Harry and their father. He shares about these values about his mother at a time when the Royal family is divided. In fact, the word “duel” refers to the fact that the two brothers do not get along well because Meghan Markel Harry’s wife, was not well welcome in the family, as a result, they decided to leave the country to go live in the USA.

In this extract, Harry is back in the UK to attend the funerals of his grandfather. However, he feels stressed, lonely and insecure because he feels rejected by his family because of his personal choices. His mother was peaceful and loving, nevertheless, there is a contrast with the Royal family nowadays who seem to be deprived of love.

Furthermore, he has also planned to meet with his father and brother. However, he feels stressed, intimidated and overwhelmed. When Charles and William show up they are described as threatening. The meeting appears to be conflictual.

To conclude, Harry sees the Royal family as an institution as he set a sort of emotional distance between them, but also physically with his departure to the USA. Harry can be considered as a modern shift in the monarchy as he is one of the few who were ready to break with the Royal institution for personal reasons. Nonetheless, at the same time, having a meeting with his brother and father could be a way to find a compromise.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Be ready for the Final Project => Monday, January 26th => Let's Talk Royals!