In perhaps a further example of “the heir and the spare” dynamic, according to a new ITV documentary, “The Real Crown: Inside the House of Windsor,” Queen Elizabeth wanted both Prince William and Prince Harry to serve in war—but found the risk “too great” for William, presumably because he is heir to the throne. Harry, for his part, went on to serve two tours of duty in Afghanistan.
Her late Majesty expected both of her grandsons to “do their duty” and serve their country, and former British Army officer General Sir Mike Jackson recalled a conversation she had about the two: “The chiefs have an audience with the Queen once or twice a year,” he said. “You need to have done your homework. She’s very wise—I used to tell my staff, see if you can get the midday slot. Because after half an hour or 40 minutes, the Queen would ring a small bell and ‘Time for a Sherry, I think, CGS.’”
