The Royals' Third Child Syndrome

The New Wee Prince Shuffles Charlotte From Youngest to Middle Child, Which Could Have Lasting Effects

- Judy Kean

Prince George and Princess Charlotte are bound to be beside themselves with excitement at the birth of their little brother.

But what they won’t realise is that the cute little bundle of joy that Mummy and Daddy brought home from the hospital last week is going to change their lives, as a sibling can completely alter the dynamics of a family.

Charlotte, in particular – who is already being described as the “sandwich sister” – is most likely to notice big changes as she goes from being the youngest to the middle child.

Some researchers believe birth order can be as important as gender – and almost as much as genetics – when it comes to determining personality. Psychologists have long theorised that your position in the family can also play a part in forming intelligence and emotional stability.

Back in the late 1800s, British psychologist and sociologist Francis Galton noticed that a lot of his scientist colleagues were first-born sons. He theorised that they had greater intellectual success because as heirs, first-born sons were greatly valued by their families and were given more attention.