Prince Harry is proof that being second in the birth order does not necessarily translate to inferiority. In fact the Duchess and Duke of Cambridge Kate Middleton and Prince William's second born, Princess Charlotte, would do well to learn from Prince Harry.
A new family photo - Merry Christmas from The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George and Princess Charlotte pic.twitter.com/8d472rlXFW
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) December 18, 2015
Such savoir-faire as Prince Harry possesses may be in the genes. Hello! magazine points out that Queen Elizabeth's sister, Princess Margaret, is one exemplary second born, too. No sibling rivalry, as so often depicted among royal relations, existed between Princess Margaret and Queen Elizabeth.
Much like Prince Harry and Prince William, Princess Margaret was a supportive, loving sibling to Queen Elizabeth. Her support for Queen Elizabeth was such that her loyalty and fun-filled company may have made the job easier for the reigning monarch.
Certainly Prince Harry has proven to be a successful second born. The royal has earned respect and recognition on his own merit just as well as his older brother Prince William has.
Prince Harry gracefully handled both flattering and unflattering media and public attention, especially on his love life. Much like his mother, Princess Diana, the royal family celebrity wisely used the attention to bring support and awareness for his varied charity and humanitarian involvements.
Prince George arrives for his first day at nursery in Norfolk earlier today pic.twitter.com/w4BPGNE1H0 — Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) January 6, 2016
In this respect, Princess Charlotte and the popular and budding trendsetter Prince George are much in the same boat. As a successor to the throne Prince George is already called on to fulfil obligations here and there, such as photo ops and public appearances.
When the new issue of Royal Mail postal stamps came out for Queen Elizabeth's 90th birthday, Prince George was in a photo along with Prince Charles and Prince William. Romper interestingly titled an article with a suggestion that Prince Charlotte consult with Prince Harry.
"Why Aren't There Princess Charlotte Stamps? She Might Want To Ask Prince Harry," the title read. This is not to say that Prince George is more important than Princess Charlotte. Only that the first-born Prince George has different responsibilities from those of Princess Charlotte.
Prince Harry: "Everyone in this room knows the power of sport. We used it to help redefine life after injury" pic.twitter.com/Z8a88dv9v0
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) April 28, 2016
Anecdotes on the second born syndrome are plenty. However, whether royal or not, birth order can work up an advantage for second borns. The social and familial dynamics considering birth orders are meant to be empowering rather than limiting as, hopefully, Princess Charlotte will learn from Princess Margaret and Prince Harry.
