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Prince Harry, 36, and Prince William’s, 38, upbringing was defined by their different royal destinies. While William was raised to become the next king, Harry was acutely aware of his role as ‘spare.’ Royal historian and expert Robert Lacey explores this dynamic in his new book ‘Battle of Brothers: William, Harry and the Inside Story of a Family in Tumult’ which includes a poignant prediction Princess Diana made about Harry’s future.

The late Princess of Wales was painfully aware of the burden her eldest Prince William carried as Britain’s future king and said second sons enjoy ‘more freedom.’

Mr Lacey writes: “‘Royal firstborns may get all the glory’, said Diana in one interview, ‘but the second-borns enjoy more freedom.

“‘Only when Harry is a lot older will he realise how lucky he is not to have been the eldest.'”

Princess Diana’s claim Harry would not be able to appreciate “how lucky he is” until he was much older is poignant considering his decision to quit royal life.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry stepped away from their roles as senior royals in March following months of unhappiness in the spotlight.

Another royal biography, Finding Freedom by Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand contains claims about the circumstances which led to Harry and Meghan’s royal departure.

According to the authors, much of the Sussexes’ unhappiness as working royals stemmed from the fact they felt overlooked by the royal household in favour of Prince William.

Mr Scobie and Ms Durand write: “As their popularity had grown, so did Harry and Meghan’s difficulty understanding why so few inside the Palace were looking out for their interests.”

The book continues: “They were a major draw for the Royal Family… Instead, they had to take a backseat.”

“Sometimes they would be told that their projects had to wait when the Prince of Wales or Prince William had an initiative or tour being announced at the same time.”

A key bone of contention between Prince Harry and his brother William was said to be the matter of royal funding.

Both princes received their allowances from their father Prince Charles and would often have to compete to get funding for projects.

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Mr Scobie and Ms Durand write: “Prince Charles, who funds many of his own public, charitable and private activities through the revenues of his private estate, the Duchy of Cornwall ‘controlled the purse strings’ which also caused some issues between William and Harry.

“The brothers sometimes had to vie for additional funds for projects from their father, who also helped cover expenses related to Camilla and some of those for his sons (including Kate and Meghan’s wardrobes).

“‘They actually genuinely have to debate who gets what amount of money from their father to fund their projects’, an aide said. “Add in the fact that there is an inherent hierarchy and that is really tricky.’”

The aide added: “When you are born in this family dictates your position of power, and because of that, Harry has always come second to his brother, especially when it comes to funding.”

Since quitting the Royal Family Meghan and Harry have settled in the USA where they are carving out a new life for themselves.

The couple are based in Santa Barbara, California with their son Archie Harrison and recently signed a £112 million deal with Netflix that granted them financial independence from the Crown.

In recent weeks Prince Harry and Meghan have spoken out to encourage Americans to vote in the upcoming election.

Royal Family members are traditionally expected to stay out of politics but since stepping down as a senior royal, Harry seems to be enjoying his new freedom of expression.

As heir to the throne, Prince William is unable to pursue a career outside the Royal Family nor is he free to publically express a political opinion.

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