Princess Charlotte faces a unique challenge within the Royal Family hierarchy, according to a royal author.
The second child of the Prince and Princess of Wales occupies a different position to her brother Prince George, the future heir to the throne.
This position comes with complexities that her uncle, Prince Harry, has made clear through his own experiences.
Being second-in-line presents challenges that William and Kate must carefully navigate for their daughter.
Queen Elizabeth II was particularly mindful of the challenges faced by those in the "second place" position.
Princess Charlotte faces a unique challenge within the Royal Family hierarchy, according to a royal author.
Getty
"The late Queen was always very conscious of that extraordinary and challenging role of the No. 2," royal biographer Robert Hardman told People.
"That's why she had a particular soft spot for [her sister] Margaret, for [her son] Andrew and Harry," he explains.
The Queen understood that being second in a strictly hierarchical family and institution comes with unique challenges.
"Everyone is conscious of that," Hardman notes.
Prince Harry's memoir Spare offered a glimpse into the struggles of being the royal backup.
"I was the shadow, the support, the Plan B. I was brought into the world in case something happened to Willy," he wrote.
Being second-in-line presents challenges that William and Kate must carefully navigate for their daughter.
Getty
His reflections reveal the tension and rivalry that developed with his brother William.
Harry described feeling dismissed within the royal structure.
"My family had declared me a nullity. The Spare," he wrote, adding that "no one gave a damn" about him.
These painful experiences highlight the identity challenges Charlotte may face in her future.
William is particularly aware of these challenges, according to Hardman.
Charlotte could one day receive the title of Princess Royal, following in the footsteps of her great-aunt Princess Anne.
Getty
One of the Prince of Wales's most important duties is "preparing to be King himself but to make the whole royal existence approachable and not scary for all his children."
Looking ahead, Charlotte could one day receive the title of Princess Royal, following in the footsteps of her great-aunt Princess Anne.
This prestigious designation would acknowledge her position in the royal hierarchy.
However, the title remains the monarch's to bestow, and Charlotte could still decline it if she wished.
"People wonder why the Queen didn't make Prince Philip prince consort. Well, he didn't want it," Hardman points out.
A royal insider adds that the title "could either be seen as antiquated or something steeped in history that they will want to respect."