Who is Prince Harry
Prince Harry, born Henry Charles Albert David on 31 August 1984, is the younger son of Charles III (then Prince of Wales) and Diana, Princess of Wales. He is sixth in line to the British throne. Known for a candid, reformist approach to royal duties, Harry completed officer training at Sandhurst, served with the Blues and Royals and later with the Army Air Corps in Afghanistan, and stepped back from senior royal duties in 2020 to establish a new path in North America. His public narrative has emphasized mental health advocacy, veterans’ support, and anti‑racism efforts.
Early life and family background
Birth and title at birth
Harry was born at St Mary’s Hospital, London, as a male-line grandson of the reigning monarch. At birth he was styled as His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales. He grew up at Kensington Palace and Highgrove House with elder brother William and younger sister-in-law Catherine.
Parents and immediate family
His father is Charles III, King of the United Kingdom and 14 other Commonwealth realms. His mother was Diana, Princess of Wales, who died in 1997. He has one full sibling, William, and through his father’s remarriage to Camilla, he has two stepbrothers.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full name at birth | Henry Charles Albert David | Official royal biography |
| Date of birth | 31 August 1984 | Birth certificate / palace statement |
| Place of birth | St Mary’s Hospital, London, UK | Hospital record |
| Mother | Diana, Princess of Wales | Publicly documented |
| Father | Charles III (King from 8 September 2022) | Official succession record |
| Current line of succession position | 6th | Official succession list |
Military service and security role
Initial training and deployments
Harry entered the British Army in 2005, completing initial officer training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He was commissioned into the Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons), where he served as a troop commander. In 2012, he trained as an Army Air Corps attack helicopter co-pilot and was cleared for operational duties.
Afghanistan deployment and redaction
In 2012–2013, Harry was deployed to Afghanistan as an observation officer with the Army Air Corps. His unit’s forward operating base was subject to a credible threat, prompting his withdrawal. The Ministry of Defence later confirmed that the decision was tactical and not punitive.
Post‑service roles and advocacy
After leaving active service, Harry became patron of Sentebale and ambassador of The Royal Foundation’s Heads Together campaign. He has spoken publicly about veterans’ mental health, traumatic brain injury, and the importance of reducing stigma around psychological support.
Major relationships and marriage
Childhood and early connections
Harry’s early romantic links included private relationships in his teens. In the late 2000s, his relationship with Chelsy Davy was widely reported; the couple separated in 2010.
Relationship with Meghan Markle
Harry met American actress Meghan Markle in 2016. Their engagement was announced in November 2017, and they married on 19 May 2018 at St George’s Chapel, Windsor. The wedding drew global coverage and addressed themes of diversity and modern monarchy.
Children and family building
Their first child, Archie Harrison, was born on 6 May 2019. Their second child, Lilibet Diana, was born on 4 June 2021. In March 2023, Kensington Palace confirmed that the children would not use royal titles and would primarily reside in North America.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage date | 19 May 2018 | Official palace announcement | Spouse | Meghan Markle | Public registry and palace statement |
| First child (name, date) | Archie Harrison, 6 May 2019 | Birth certificate / palace statement |
| Second child (name, date) | Lilibet Diana, 4 June 2021 | Birth certificate / palace statement |
| Titles opted out by children | No royal titles; residing in USA | March 2023 palace statement |
Charitable work and initiatives
The Royal Foundation and Heads Together
Harry is a founding supporter of The Royal Foundation, focusing on veterans, children and young people, and wildlife conservation. Heads Together, launched with William and Catherine, aims to change the conversation on mental health and connect people with timely information and support.
Sentebale and Lesotho projects
Sentebale, co-founded by Harry in 2006, supports children affected by HIV in Lesotho and Botswana. Projects include community-based care, education, and vocational training. Independent evaluations have highlighted both successes and areas for governance improvement.
Public statements, controversies, and transitions
Op‑eds and interviews
In 2021, Harry and Meghan gave an interview to Oprah Winfrey addressing racism within the institution and media intrusion. In 2023, Harry published a memoir, Spare, reflecting on grief, duty, and mental health. Some family members criticized aspects of the narrative, while supporters highlighted calls for reform.
Security and financial arrangements
Harry’s security funding has been a point of negotiation between the UK and US governments. Reports indicate ongoing discussions, though specific bilateral agreements remain confidential. He has also pursued commercial ventures, including a podcast deal and production agreements, to support his charitable objectives.
Current status and outlook
As of the latest publicly available information, Harry remains a senior member of the royal family, though he and Meghan primarily operate outside the UK. The couple continue their work through Archewell Foundation while focusing on family life and long term advocacy in mental health, veterans’ care, and racial equity.