Royal history is full of instances of just how different a deal the younger children of monarchs receive. Admittedly, they're denied some of the adulation lavished on the heir: expectations are lower too and their lives are typically less restrictive, less scrutinised, less hidebound by tradition. Even parental expectation is lower. Of the three most exacting royal parents in recent British history - George III, Queen Victoria and George V - all were toughest on their eldest sons. Royalty is concerned with survival: the idea of an heir who won't make the grade is a worrying one.

Younger princes escape the pressure. Without the fear of inheritance, a prince's life can be pleasant. Once upon a time, princes devoted themselves to pleasure. Prince Augustus, Duke of Sussex, sixth son of George III and Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, gave up the idea of entering the Church and, unlike his brothers, did not pursue a career in the Armed Forces either. In secret, he married an aristocratic beauty, Lady Augusta Murray, whom he met in Rome. His father disapproved and the couple were forced to separate. Augustus consoled himself with mistresses and belatedly applied himself to respectable philanthropic work and a keen interest in Bible studies and Hebrew. He became Queen Victoria's favourite uncle. He owed his easy-going life of carefree self-indulgence and modest public service to the fact that, at the end of the day, he had five older siblings.

Victoria and Albert certainly didn't countenance such freewheeling pleasure-seeking for any of their children.

Albert's mission to reform Britain's Royal family and make them an example of all that was best in British public life emphasised duty, self-sacrifice, hard work. It was a prescription Victoria applied inconsistently after Albert's death.