Full Name and Surname
Prince Harry's full name is Henry Charles Albert David; his surname is Mountbatten-Windsor. He is styled as His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales and, since marriage, as His Royal Highness Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex. Below is a concise table summarizing key verified identity attributes.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Given Names | Henry Charles Albert David | Official announcements and registries |
| Surname | Mountbatten-Windsor | Official court documents and style guidance |
| Common Title | Prince of Wales (formerly), Duke of Sussex | Royal Household and peerage records |
| Date of Birth | 21 September 1984 | Official biographies and palace statements |
| Place of Birth | St Mary's Hospital, London, United Kingdom | Official records and palace communications |
Official Style and Line of Succession
As the younger son of Charles III (then Prince of Wales), Harry was born with the title Prince of Wales by courtesy. Upon marriage in 2018, he and his wife were granted the Dukedom of Sussex, and his surname for official use remains Mountbatten-Windsor, the dynastic surname used by some descendants of the Crown when a surname is required.
Name Timeline and Royal Context
His birth name Henry was announced shortly after birth in 1984. Throughout his public life, he has been commonly known as Prince Harry, while Mountbatten-Windsordates to declarations by the late Prince Philip and subsequent monarchy guidance regarding the family name for descendants not styled as Royal Highness or Prince.
Lineage and Family Position
Prince Harry is second in line to the throne at birth, now following his nephew. He is the younger son of Charles III and Diana, Princess of Wales. His elder brother is William, Prince of Wales. His full name reflects family continuity: Charles (after his grandfather), Albert (after Queen Victoria's consort), and David as his given name. Understanding the structure of royal surnaming clarifies why Mountbatten-Windsor applies to him and when it is officially used.
Patronymic and House Names
Under present practice, descendants in the male line use the house name of Windsor. When a surname is necessary, Mountbatten-Windsor is used, combining Philip's family name Mountbatten with the House of Windsor. This distinction matters for legal documents, military service, and formal announcements.
Practical Usage of Prince Harry's Name
In everyday contexts, he is generally called Prince Harry or Harry. In formal settings that require a surname, documents may use Mountbatten-Windsor. Common institutions and services—such as passport issuance, military records, and royal office communications—align with long-standing protocols set by the royal household and the Privy Council.
- Given name: Henry
- Middle names: Charles, Albert, David
- Commonly used name: Harry
- Surname for official purposes: Mountbatten-Windsor
Name and Title Changes Over Time
From birth, Henry was styled as His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales. After his marriage in 2018, he also became His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex, with his wife. The style and use of surname remain tied to his rank and to protocols updated by the monarch on advice of the prime minister.
Marriage and Diplomatic Use
Marriage does not change his surname legally; it adds a title. Diplomatic and international contexts often rely on official forms that specify Mountbatten-Windsor when a surname is required. Consular and passport documentation aligns with Foreign Office guidance on royal names.
Official and Public Communication
Public communications from the Royal Household use Prince Harry or His Royal Highness Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex. Announcements and press materials provide clarity to avoid confusion with similarly named individuals and to maintain protocol accuracy in formal settings.
Contemporary Relevance
Understanding the correct form and context of his name remains useful for media, researchers, and organizations requiring precise references. The enduring conventions around royal surnaming are especially relevant when reviewing archives, official documents, and historical records.
Summary of Identity Points
Prince Harry's identity combines longstanding royal tradition with modern adjustments. His full name Henry Charles Albert David communicates lineage and family continuity; his surname Mountbatten-Windsor reflects the dynastic formula agreed within the royal family; and his title Duke of Sussex denotes a formal peerage granted in recognition of public service and partnership. These elements together form a stable framework for referring to him accurately across contexts.