A renowned royal expert has provided insights into Prince Harry evolving role within his marriage to Meghan Markle, suggesting that the Duke of Sussex has transitioned into a supporting figure, or ‘Spare,’ within their relationship.
Royal analyst Richard Eden, in his YouTube series Reading The Royals, discussed how a Time magazine cover photo depicted Harry in a secondary position, while Meghan appeared more dominant, embodying both the role of his wife and a maternal figure. Eden elaborated that Harry, having spent years playing second fiddle to his elder brother, Prince William—heir to the British throne—may now find himself in a similar dynamic within his own marriage.
Some commentators argue that history is repeating itself, as Harry increasingly appears to be a ‘Spare’ in his wife’s Hollywood ambitions. This theory has been explored by The Daily Mail’s Diary Editor, who analyzed Meghan and Harry’s body language in a recent episode of his show. He suggests that, despite the couple’s public displays of affection, subtle shifts in their interactions indicate Meghan’s growing dominance in their relationship.
The expert examined several photographs of the couple, including the Time magazine cover from September 2021, which featured Harry dressed in all black, standing slightly behind Meghan, who wore a striking white outfit. According to Eden, the image visually reinforces Meghan’s authority, with Harry appearing somewhat awkward and overshadowed. He described it as ‘a role reversal, where Meghan takes center stage while Harry fades into the background.’
Eden further commented on an earlier iconic photograph from the couple’s first public appearance at the Invictus Games in Toronto in 2017. Reflecting on that moment, he noted that many observers had already begun to characterize Meghan as both a wife and a motherly figure to Harry.
The image sparked numerous online memes and social media discussions, with one popular comment humorously stating: ‘Harry looks like her hairstylist explaining what he did to her layers.’ Another critic remarked, ‘This picture says it all—there’s no question who’s in control.’
As the discussion around Harry’s evolving role continues, experts and fans alike remain intrigued by the shifting power dynamics within the Sussexes’ relationship.