Why does everyone regard Prince Harry as *young* ?

[DottyHarmer]

I was pondering this whilst washing up…

Both his supporters and critics all talk about him as if he were a young and innocent chap, finding his way in the world, but he is 36. I could list any number of other 36-year-olds who are viewed, quite rightly, as fully-adult males, and are judged as such, yet Harry for some reason has this Peter Pan cloak on.

As I said, both sides take this view. His critics are of the “clown prince” opinion and his supporters always call him and Meghan “a young couple” or talk about his family not financially supporting him or about his issues as if he is a good 15 years at least younger than he is.

I dunno - do they?

Can't say I've ever noticed this but I'd guess it's because he's always been seen as the little brother. I'm the baby in my family and get some similar comments sometimes.

Its easier to excuse him as being manipulated by his 'scheming older wife' if you paint him as young and inexperienced.

But at 36 nope he is plenty old enough to know what he is doing.

I think of him as young, well he is compared to me, but in reality he and will are not young.

yes, Prince William isn’t seen as “young” and certainly Prince Charles wasn’t regarded as youthful at that age.

I totally agree. It’s very strange. And ridiculous. I’m younger than the pair of them and don’t get treated like a young, innocent girl who should be afforded leniency and provided with financial support - nor should I!

Not really. I remember his birth, i was 13 i think, so he's younger than i am, but "young" as in an example of youth, not really.

The young couple thing is a lazy short talk assumption that parents of babies and toddlers are young (enough to still have young children!)

Because he’s the younger brother, never the heir and always in the shadow?

However grown up he becomes he will always be a Prince and will never be King.

So I think it’s to do with him never having or being able to assume the same level of responsibility re the Crown as William.

Also less bald than William, which makes him look younger.

Thought of a more succinct way to say that.

He’ll always be the junior brother and people conflate junior with young.

I think a lot of people will always see him as the eleven year old walking behind Diana’s coffin, tbh.

1. Prince Harry’s dad hasn’t even started his job yet.

2. ‘Young’ is anyone a decade younger than me.

@ThatsNotMyPinkUnicorn

I think a lot of people will always see him as the eleven year old walking behind Diana’s coffin, tbh.

Yes, I agree, that picture springs to mind quite easily, and elicits sympathy he wouldn't otherwise have. I find him rather mediocre and as for his wife... well, don't get me started! I wish they would just keep a low profile.

I think they’re conflating young with immature.

Likewise referring to him and William as boys

I seen the BBC talk about “the young couple” She’s 40 and on what 3rd wedding and they have 2 kids. Hardly an engaged 21y old are they. Smack bang middle aged now

@MaMelon

I think they’re conflating young with immature.

Agree

Thay have young children, and a lot of people conflate that with "young parents."

When people at my church were discussing how to attract young parents, they would look to.me for my opinion as I had young children. I used to have to point out that I had my third at 43, and therefore had no bloody clue what actual "young parents" wanted from their parish church.

@MaMelon

I think they’re conflating young with immature.

Agree with this. After all, his grandmother had been the monarch for over a decade at his age.

I agree he seems immature. Very. He may have served in the army but has led a very, very sheltered life.

Both William and Harry are constantly referred to as 'the boys' by the royal reporters. They are also the ones who say 'young couple', not their supporters. Everyone else seems aware that they get through the younger audience, but the media are trying to make that into a negative thing somehow.

In your last post, you revealed how you wanted this thread to go by the way - with your immature comment.

I suppose it's because they are among the youngest adult generation in the immediate RF. I agree, though, not of the Queen's DGC are really 'young' now apart from Edward's children.

Older people think of him as 'young'. My mum used to think I was a 'young girl' when I was in my thirties.

He and William and their cousins are considered to be 'the younger' royals (not difficult I suppose when compared to the Queen).

Because he seems like a spoilt brat?

People always said to me awww lovely 'little family' I had a husband and 3 kids what makes that a little family it's big enough 😂 also newspaper articles and lots of people also state a young mother age 28-40. A young mum is early 20s or teen really.
Harry is like the nations cheeky teen no one sees him as a grown up. That's why so many people love him I guess