Prince William Is Reportedly Feeling 'Overshadowed' by Prince Harry & Meghan Markle's Successes

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This year was supposed to be about Prince William and Kate Middleton paving the way for their future on the throne. With climate change and early childhood education a big part of their activism, they were ready to show how they would reign as king and queen. However, the Princess of Wales’ health issues have opened the door for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to mark their return.

Tom Quinn, author of Scandals of the Royal Palaces: An Intimate Memoir of Royals Behaving Badly, believes that the royal family’s unfortunate circumstances have caused the Prince Of Wales “to feel a bit like a spare himself.” He told the Mirror that “for the first time in his life he is being overshadowed by his brother and sister-in-law” after their well-received trip to Nigeria, which is hoping to be the site of a future Invictus Games.

Harry and Meghan no longer have any rules to follow as they create their own journey in the U.S. — a mix of Hollywood and philanthropy. “It’s almost and if Harry is using his freedom, his outcast status, as a means to become a more prominent royal than he ever could have when he was just the spare,” Quinn added. “Harry and Meghan have realized they don’t need the senior Royals’ permission to organize successful overseas trips where they behave as if they are the real thing.”

This success has somewhat “diminished” William’s role as he takes care of Kate and their three children while royal appearances are on hold due to the upcoming British election. “Back in Britain and powerless to compete or to prevent his brother from taking center stage, William sees his role diminished. And he hates it,” the royal author noted. It probably didn’t help that Harry received a warm welcome in the U.K. for the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games which left him “stunned but thrilled” by the turnout, per Us Weekly.

Ghana seems to be the next country lining up to host Harry and Meghan because they want them to “experience the great culture and warmth” of the area. The Invictus Games has become the smart springboard for the couple to relaunch their brand which only adds to their global popularity. For William, 2024 will be focused on his private life where his support is much needed, so his royal projects will have to wait.

Before you go, click to see all the biggest royal scandals in the past 50 years.