The question of whether Prince Harry is still a prince has intrigued public discourse, particularly after notable changes to how he uses his royal titles. Since stepping down from senior royal duties with his wife, Meghan Markle, in 2020, the couple has undergone significant transformations in their public roles. This article delves into whether Prince Harry has indeed dropped his royal title and the implications of such a change.
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Table of Contents
Is Prince Harry Still a Prince?
Despite the substantial adjustments in his public persona and duties, Prince Harry legally retains his prince title. After their decision to step back, it was agreed that Harry and Meghan would not use their “His/Her Royal Highness” (HRH) titles but would still be recognized as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Thus, while Prince Harry no longer uses the HRH style, he remains a prince by birth and continues to hold his title as the Duke of Sussex.
Who is Prince Harry?
Born Henry Charles Albert David on September 15, 1984, Prince Harry is a prominent member of the British royal family. He is the younger son of King Charles III and the late Diana, Princess of Wales. Positioned fifth in the line of succession to the British throne, Harry’s royal lineage is undeniable, marking him as a prince beyond the confines of active royal duties.
Reasons Behind Harry and Meghan’s Departure from the Royal Family
Harry and Meghan met in 2016 and married in 2018. They stepped down as senior royals in January 2020 due to media intrusion and frustration over restrictions on their “SussexRoyal” brand. Harry remains a prince and is fifth in line to the throne.
They kept their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles but are no longer addressed as HRH. Harry gave up his military titles. When Charles became King, their children became Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet of Sussex.
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Current Residence of Harry and Meghan
Harry and Meghan moved to California in June 2020 to raise Archie, with Lilibet born there in 2021. They no longer have an official UK residence and were asked to vacate Frogmore Cottage in early 2023.
Frogmore Cottage had been a gift from the late Queen Elizabeth
In April 2024, documents listed the US as Harry’s usual residence, dated to 29 June 2023. The conservative US think tank The Heritage Foundation questioned Harry’s immigration status due to his past comments on drug use, which can affect US visa applications.
Harry and Meghan’s Visits to the UK
Harry visited the UK for several significant events. On 8 May, he attended a service at St Paul’s Cathedral for the Invictus Games’ 10th anniversary. In February, he had a brief meeting with Charles after the King’s cancer announcement. Harry has also returned for various court cases against newspaper publishers. He attended the King’s coronation in May 2023 without Meghan. Both Harry and Meghan returned for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June 2022 and her funeral in September.
Sources of Income for Meghan and Harry
As working royals, Meghan and Harry received 95% of their income from Harry’s father, with the remaining 5% from the taxpayer-funded Sovereign Grant. Upon stepping down, King Charles gave them a substantial sum to start their new life. They established the Archewell charitable foundation and entered into commercial deals, including a lucrative Netflix contract for Archewell Productions.
Meghan launched a lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, in March 2024. Harry’s memoir “Spare” was published in January 2023, and Meghan wrote a children’s book, “The Bench,” in 2021. The couple also received a significant inheritance from Princess Diana and potentially from the Queen Mother.
Why did Harry take the government to court over his security?
After stepping back from official duties, Harry and Meghan lost the security arrangements provided for senior royals. Harry claimed it was too dangerous to return without adequate police protection and took the government to the High Court.
Home Office lawyers stated he would still have publicly-funded police security under “bespoke arrangements.” In February 2024, the High Court ruled this approach legally sound. An earlier ruling denied Harry’s request to privately pay for more protection. In April 2024, Harry’s legal team sought permission to appeal the High Court decision.
Conclusion
While Prince Harry has altered how he engages with his royal title, he remains a prince by birth. His journey from a senior royal to an independent public figure reflects his and Meghan’s desire for a different kind of life, one that respects their personal values and aspirations. Despite the formal changes, his royal heritage continues to influence his public and private life.
FAQs about Prince Harry
- Is Prince Harry still in line for the throne?
- Yes, Prince Harry is still fifth in line to the British throne.
- What titles do Prince Harry and his children hold?
- Prince Harry holds the title of Duke of Sussex, and his children are titled Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet of Sussex.
- Why don’t Harry and Meghan use their HRH titles?
- They agreed to stop using their HRH titles as part of their arrangement to step back from senior royal duties and pursue financial independence.
- How do Prince Harry and Meghan fund their lifestyle?
- They have established financial independence through their charitable organization, Archewell, and various commercial deals.
- Do Harry and Meghan still participate in royal ceremonies?
- They do attend significant royal events, though their participation is less frequent and often without the formalities associated with active royal family members.
