Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Prince Harry |
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| Duke of Sussex (more) | |||||
Harry in 2020
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| Born | Prince Henry of Wales 15 September 1984 St Mary's Hospital, London, England |
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| House | Windsor | ||||
| Father | Charles III | ||||
| Mother | Diana Spencer | ||||
| Education |
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| Military career | |||||
| Allegiance | United Kingdom | ||||
| Service/ |
British Army | ||||
| Years of active service | 2005–2015 | ||||
| Rank | See list | ||||
| Service number | 564673 | ||||
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| Awards | Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan | ||||
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, born Henry Charles Albert David on 15 September 1984, is a member of the British royal family. He is the younger son of King Charles III and Diana, Princess of Wales. He is currently fifth in the line of succession to the British throne.
Harry attended Eton College and trained as an army officer at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He served in the British Army for ten years, including two tours of duty in Afghanistan.
In 2014, Harry started the Invictus Games. This is a special sporting event for injured service members. He also helped create the "Heads Together" campaign for mental health awareness. In 2018, he married American actress Meghan Markle. They have two children, Archie and Lilibet. In 2020, Harry and Meghan decided to step back from their roles as working royals. They moved to Southern California and started Archewell Inc., an organization that supports various projects.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Prince Harry was born in London on 15 September 1984. His parents were Charles, Prince of Wales (now King Charles III) and Diana, Princess of Wales. He was christened Henry Charles Albert David. However, his family and friends always called him "Harry."
Harry and his older brother, William, grew up in Kensington Palace and Highgrove House. Their mother, Diana, wanted them to experience everyday life. She took them to places like Walt Disney World and McDonald's, as well as to places helping people in need. Harry began going on official trips with his parents when he was very young.
His parents divorced in 1996. The next year, his mother died in a car crash in Paris. Harry was 12 years old at the time. He walked behind her funeral procession with his father, brother, and other family members. Harry and William later inherited money and many personal items from their mother.
School Days
Like his father and brother, Harry went to private schools. He started at Jane Mynors' nursery school and then Wetherby School. After that, he attended Ludgrove School. He then went to Eton College, following in his brother's footsteps.
Harry finished his studies at Eton in 2003. He earned good grades in art and geography. He was also a talented athlete, playing polo and rugby union. After Eton, Harry took a gap year. He worked on a cattle ranch in Australia and helped orphaned children in Lesotho. He even made a documentary film there called The Forgotten Kingdom: Prince Harry in Lesotho.
Military Service
Joining the Army
In 2005, Harry joined the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to train as an officer. He was known as Officer Cadet Wales. In 2006, he became a Cornet (a type of second lieutenant) in the Blues and Royals regiment. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2008 and captain in 2011.
There was much discussion about whether Harry should serve on the front lines in war zones. He wanted to serve like any other soldier. In 2008, it was revealed that Harry had been secretly deployed to Helmand Province in Afghanistan for ten weeks. He worked as a joint terminal attack controller, helping to guide air strikes. He was brought home early when the media reported his location. Harry was the first member of the British royal family to serve in a war zone since his uncle, Prince Andrew. For his service, he received the Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan.
Apache Helicopter Pilot
In 2008, Harry began training to fly military helicopters. He earned his flying wings in 2010. In 2012, he returned to Afghanistan for a second tour of duty. He served for 20 weeks as a co-pilot and gunner for an Apache helicopter at Camp Bastion. In 2013, he qualified as an Apache aircraft commander.
Supporting Veterans
In 2014, Harry took on a new role helping injured service members. He launched the Invictus Games, a Paralympic-style sporting event. The first Games were held in London in September 2014. Harry was very involved in promoting the Games and helping the athletes. He later wrote about how his experiences in Afghanistan inspired him to create the Invictus Games.
In 2015, Harry announced he would leave the Armed Forces in June. Before leaving, he spent four weeks training with the Australian Defence Force (ADF). He worked with different units, including special forces. After leaving the army, he continued to support wounded service personnel through various programs.
Harry has often said that his ten years in the army were "the happiest times in my life." He remains very involved with the armed forces through the Invictus Games and other activities. In 2017, he became the Captain General Royal Marines, a role he held until 2021.
Personal Life
Marriage and Family
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In mid-2016, Harry began a relationship with American actress Meghan Markle. Their engagement was announced in November 2017. Their wedding ceremony took place at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle on 19 May 2018.
The Duke and Duchess first lived at Nottingham Cottage in London. They later moved to Frogmore Cottage near Windsor Castle. Their son, Archie, was born on 6 May 2019. In June 2020, the couple bought a house in Montecito, California. Their daughter, Lilibet, was born on 4 June 2021. The family also has a Labrador named Pula and two Beagles named Guy and Mamma Mia.
Mental Well-being
Harry has openly discussed his mental health journey. He shared that he sought counselling years after his mother's death. He also mentioned struggling with anxiety during royal engagements. He found that boxing helped him cope with mental stress. In his documentary The Me You Can't See, he shared that he had undergone therapy to address his mental health issues.
Public Life and Work
Harry began his royal duties as a Counsellor of State at age 21. In 2009, he and William set up their own royal household. Harry has made many official visits around the world, including to Belize, Jamaica, Brazil, the United States, Australia, Estonia, Italy, South Africa, and Nepal. These trips often focused on supporting injured troops, promoting his charities, and strengthening relationships between countries.
In 2018, he was appointed Commonwealth youth ambassador. He also became president of The Queen's Commonwealth Trust, which supports projects for children and prisoners. In 2019, Harry and Meghan launched an Instagram account, which quickly gained many followers.
Stepping Back from Royal Duties
In January 2020, Harry and Meghan announced they would step back from their roles as senior members of the royal family. They decided to divide their time between the United Kingdom and North America. The Palace confirmed they would become financially independent and no longer represent the Queen in official duties. They still keep their HRH titles but do not use them publicly. Harry's last solo engagement as a senior royal was in March 2020.
Since stepping back, the Duke and Duchess have made public appearances for charity events. They visited the UK and Germany in September 2022 for charity work. They also remained in the UK for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. In May 2024, they visited Nigeria to support the Invictus Games and focus on sports rehabilitation, mental health, and women's empowerment.
Civilian Career and Projects
In September 2020, Harry and Meghan signed a deal with Netflix to produce content. In December 2020, they also signed a deal with Spotify to create podcasts through their company, Archewell Audio. Their docuseries Harry & Meghan premiered on Netflix in December 2022. In April 2024, it was announced that Archewell Productions is working with Netflix on two new shows about lifestyle and polo.
In March 2021, Harry became the first chief impact officer for BetterUp, a mental health start-up. He also joined the Aspen Institute's Commission on Information Disorder to study misinformation. In April 2021, he became a co-creator and executive producer for The Me You Can't See, a documentary series about mental health on Apple TV+.
In July 2021, Harry announced he would publish his memoir, Spare. The book was released on 10 January 2023 and became a very fast-selling non-fiction book. Harry pledged a portion of the proceeds to charities.
Charity Work
Helping Others and the Environment
Harry supports many organizations, including WellChild, Dolen Cymru, and the London Marathon Charitable Trust. In 2007, he and William organized the Concert for Diana to honor their mother and raise money for charities. They also took part in a motorbike ride across South Africa to raise money for Sentebale, UNICEF, and the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund.
Harry has worked with Walking With The Wounded, a charity that helps injured service members. He joined their expedition to the South Pole in 2013. He has also worked to raise awareness for HIV testing, taking a test live on social media and working with the Terrence Higgins Trust.
In 2017, Harry became the president of African Parks, a conservation organization. He helped move 500 elephants in Malawi to repopulate areas affected by poaching. He also supports the HALO Trust, which removes landmines left behind by war. In 2019, he walked through a de-mining site in Angola, just as his mother had done years before.
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In 2019, Harry launched Travalyst, an initiative to encourage sustainable practices in the travel industry. He also voiced a Public Health England announcement for a mental health program. In 2020, he launched HeadFIT, a platform providing mental support for armed forces members. In April 2021, Harry and Meghan became campaign chairs for Vax Live: The Concert to Reunite the World, an event to increase access to COVID-19 vaccinations.
Sports and Community
Harry enjoys playing sports like polo, skiing, and motocross. He often plays polo matches to raise money for charity. He is a big Rugby football fan and has supported England's bid to host the 2015 Rugby World Cup. He also coached students to encourage them to play rugby.
In 2012, Harry helped launch Coach Core, a program that provides apprenticeship opportunities for people who want to become professional coaches. He also supports charities that use sport to help homeless and vulnerable people.
Archewell Foundation
In June 2019, Harry and Meghan announced they would create their own charity foundation. In April 2020, they confirmed their new foundation would be called "Archewell". The name comes from the Greek word "arche", meaning "source of action." Archewell is registered in the United States and focuses on various social initiatives.
Sentebale
In 2006, Harry co-founded Sentebale: The Princes' Fund for Lesotho with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho. This charity helps children in Lesotho who have been affected by HIV/AIDS. Harry has been very dedicated to this charity, visiting its projects and raising funds.
Privacy and Media
Harry has often spoken about the importance of privacy for himself and his family. He has taken steps to protect their privacy from media intrusion. He has also been involved in discussions about how the media reports on public figures.
Titles, Styles, and Honors
Titles and Styles
Harry was originally known as "His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales." He used "Wales" as his surname during his military service.
On the morning of his wedding in 2018, Queen Elizabeth II granted him the title Duke of Sussex. He also received the titles Earl of Dumbarton and Baron Kilkeel. So, he became known as "His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex."
Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Harry and Meghan do not use their Royal Highness styles publicly. However, they still hold these titles in legal and private settings.
While in Lesotho in 2003, Harry was given the nickname Mohale, which means 'the warrior'.
Military Ranks
United Kingdom
8 May 2005: Officer cadet, The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst- 13 April 2006: Cornet (Second Lieutenant), The Blues and Royals
- 13 April 2008: Lieutenant, The Blues and Royals
- 16 April 2011: Captain, The Blues and Royals
14 May 2018: Lieutenant Commander, Royal Navy- 14 May 2018: Major, Army
14 May 2018: Squadron Leader, Royal Air Force
Honors and Awards
Harry has received several honors and awards for his service and charity work.
6 February 2002: Recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal
5 May 2008: Recipient of the Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan
6 February 2012: Recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
4 June 2015: Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO)
6 February 2022: Recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal
- Foreign Honors
12 July 2017: Order of Isabella the Catholic
Ribbons Worn
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Appointments
- 13 October 2018 – 19 February 2021: Personal Aide-de-Camp to Her Majesty The Queen (ADC)
- Fellowships
6 March 2012 – present: Honorary Fellow of the University of the West Indies
Former Honorary Military Appointments
- United Kingdom
- 8 August 2006 – 19 February 2021: Commodore-in-Chief of Small Ships and Diving
- 3 October 2008 – 19 February 2021: Honorary Air Commandant of RAF Honington
19 December 2017 – 19 February 2021: Captain General Royal Marines
These honorary military appointments were returned to Queen Elizabeth II in February 2021.
Canada
10 November 2009 – present: Honorary Canadian Ranger
Awards
- In December 2010, he received the Golden Heart Award from a German charity for his humanitarian efforts.
- On 7 May 2012, the Atlantic Council gave him its Distinguished Humanitarian Leadership Award.
- In August 2018, the Royal Canadian Legion gave him the 2018 Founders Award for starting the Invictus Games.
- In October 2018, he received the RSA Badge in Gold, their highest honor, for his work with injured veterans.
- In July 2021, Harry and Meghan received the Change Champions Award from a UK charity for their decision to have two children, supporting a sustainable population.
- In February 2022, Harry and Meghan received the NAACP's President's Award for their work on social justice.
- In October 2022, the couple received the Ripple of Hope Award for their work on racial justice and mental health through Archewell.
- Harry was inducted into the Living Legends of Aviation in January 2024.
- He received the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPY Awards for his military service and work with the Invictus Games.
Arms
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Filmography
| Year | Title | Network | Notes | Ref. |
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| 2004 | The Forgotten Kingdom: Prince Harry in Lesotho | ITN / ITV | Also producer | |
| 2012 | The Diamond Queen | BBC | ||
| 2014 | Harry's South Pole Heroes | ITV | ||
| 2016 | Our Queen at 90 | |||
| Elizabeth at 90: A Family Tribute | BBC | |||
| Prince Harry in Africa | ITV | |||
| 2017 | Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy | |||
| Diana, 7 Days | BBC | |||
| 2018 | Queen of the World | HBO | ||
| 2019 | Harry & Meghan: An African Journey | ITV | ||
| 2020 | Rising Phoenix | Netflix | ||
| 2021 | Oprah with Meghan and Harry | CBS | ||
| The Me You Can't See | Apple TV | Also producer | ||
| 2022 | Harry & Meghan | Netflix | ||
| Live to Lead | Executive producer and presenter | |||
| 2023 | Harry: The Interview | ITV1 | ||
| 60 Minutes | CBS | |||
| Prince Harry: In His Own Words | ABC | |||
| Heart of Invictus | Netflix | Also producer | ||
| 2024 | Tabloids on Trial | ITV1 | ||
| Polo | Netflix | Executive producer | ||
| 2025 | With Love, Meghan |
Images for kids
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Harry at Trooping the Colour, June 2013
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With Meghan visiting Catalyst Inc, 2018
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See also
In Spanish: Enrique de Sussex para niños
