Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex

NAME His Royal Highness Prince Henry Charles Albert David Mountbatten-Windsor, Duke of Sussex — known to the world simply as Prince Harry.

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Prince Harry is famous as a member of the British royal family, the younger son of King Charles III and the late Diana, Princess of Wales. He’s also known for his military service, humanitarian work, marriage to American actress Meghan Markle, and for stepping back from royal duties in 2020 to pursue a more independent life in the United States.

BIRTH Born September 15, 1984, at St. Mary's Hospital, Paddington, London, England.​ He weighed 6 pounds, 14 ounces. His father, then Prince Charles, delighted the crowd outside by saying his newborn son had hair of “a sort of indeterminate color.” (1)

He was baptized on December 21, 1984, at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Harry is the second son of King Charles III (formerly Prince of Wales) and Diana, Princess of Wales. His older brother is Prince William, Prince of Wales. He is the grandson of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Through his mother, Harry is descended from the Spencer family, one of Britain's most prominent aristocratic families.​

CHILDHOOD Harry's childhood was marked by intense public scrutiny and profound tragedy. He grew up primarily at Kensington Palace in London, where his mother Diana was determined to give him and William as normal a childhood as possible, including visits to theme parks, fast food restaurants, and homeless shelters. 

Diana affectionately called him “my little Spencer” because his red hair came from her side of the family. 

He grew up with a love of animals and had a pony named Smokey. (1)

His parents separated in 1992 and divorced in 1996. 

The defining moment of his childhood came on August 31, 1997, when his mother Princess Diana died in a car crash in Paris. Harry was just 12 years old and at Balmoral Castle with his father when he received the devastating news. He famously walked behind his mother's coffin at her funeral, an image that became one of the most iconic and heartbreaking of the late 20th century.​

EDUCATION Harry attended Mrs. Mynors' Nursery School in Notting Hill and Wetherby Pre-preparatory School for his early education. He then moved to Ludgrove School in Berkshire as a boarder from age eight. 

At 13, he attended Eton College near Windsor, following the Spencer family tradition — both his maternal grandfather and uncle had been students there. He achieved 11 GCSEs and two A-levels (a B in Art and a D in Geography). 

Unlike his brother, Harry did not attend university. Instead, he took a gap year working on a cattle station in Australia and volunteering at an orphanage in Lesotho, Africa. 

He subsequently entered the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in May 2005 for officer training.​

CAREER RECORD 2005-2015 British Army Officer, rising to the rank of Captain.

2005-2020 Working Royal, undertaking numerous official duties, engagements, and tours in support of the Queen and various charities.

2006 Co-founder of Sentebale, a charity supporting children and young people affected by HIV/AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana.

2014 Founder of the Invictus Games

2020 Stepped back from being a working royal

2020 Co-founder of Archewell Inc., a for-profit and non-profit organization focused on impact through work across various sectors, including media and charitable initiatives.

2021 Chief Impact Officer for BetterUp, a mental health and coaching company.

APPEARANCE Harry is noted for his distinctive red hair, inherited from the Spencer family line, which became one of his most recognizable features. He has blue eyes, fair skin, and stands tall with an athletic build. He is typically seen with a beard, which he began sporting heavily after his first tour of Afghanistan.

In recent years, he has shown signs of male pattern baldness, similar to his brother William and father Charles.​​

Harry in 2019 by Ministerie van Defensie

FASHION Harry's fashion evolution has been significant. During his time as a working royal, he favored traditional Savile Row suits for formal occasions and military uniforms. For casual wear, he surprisingly sourced much of his wardrobe from discount retailer T.K. Maxx (T.J. Maxx in the US), as revealed in his memoir Spare. 

Since relocating to California, his style has transformed considerably, incorporating designer pieces from Christian Dior, Giorgio Armani, and Loro Piana. He now embraces a more relaxed California aesthetic with casual elegance, though he maintains classic British tailoring for formal events. His wardrobe includes polo attire, outdoor gear, and contemporary menswear that reflects his new lifestyle.​

CHARACTER Harry is widely described as warm, compassionate, and down-to-earth. His military service deepened his sense of purpose and empathy, particularly for those dealing with trauma or loss. He has also been candid about his struggles with grief and mental health, earning praise for his honesty.

Body language experts note that he wears his heart on his sleeve and displays genuine emotions, unlike his more reserved brother William. However, his character has also been shaped by trauma from his mother's death, leading to periods of anger, substance use, and emotional struggles that he has openly discussed. He is passionate, sometimes impulsive, and willing to challenge convention.​​

SPEAKING VOICE Harry speaks with a modern upper-class British accent known as Standard Southern British (SSB), which is less formal than the traditional Received Pronunciation of his father's generation. His accent is described as having a "magical magnetism" with emotional resonance reminiscent of his mother Diana. (2)

Since moving to California, linguistic experts have noted subtle shifts in his pronunciation, with occasional Americanisms creeping in. His voice is characterized as warm, husky, and informal, with genuine emotional inflection that connects with listeners.​​

SENSE OF HUMOUR Harry is widely known for his cheeky, playful sense of humour and practical jokes. He has consistently demonstrated a goofy, self-deprecating side that endears him to the public. 

Notable humorous moments include convincing Queen Elizabeth to participate in a video with President Obama to promote the Invictus Games, making funny faces on the Buckingham Palace balcony as a child, and more recently, juggling in the background of Meghan's 40th birthday video.

Royal watchers note his natural rapport with children and his capacity to lighten serious situations with wit.​​

RELATIONSHIPS Harry’s romantic life was long the subject of public fascination. Before marrying, Harry had two notable long-term relationships: with Chelsy Davy (on and off from 2004-2011), whom he met during his gap year in South Africa, and with Cressida Bonas (2012-2014), introduced by his cousin Princess Eugenie. Both previous relationships ended due to the intense media scrutiny. 

Harry first met American actress Meghan Markle through mutual friends in 2016 and began dating shortly after. The press first reported their relationship in October 2016, and the couple announced their engagement on November 27, 2017. They married on May 19, 2018, at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, becoming the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. 

The couple has two children: Prince Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, born May 6, 2019, and Princess Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, born June 4, 2021. 

In January 2020, the couple announced they would step back from senior royal duties and move toward financial independence, ultimately relocating to North America.

Harry's family relationships have become strained since stepping back from royal duties, particularly with his brother William and father Charles, though he has maintained some connection with his father.​

One of his nicknames among friends and security staff is Spike. The origin of the nickname comes from Harry's gap year in Australia in 2003, when he was photographed with an echidna that was also named Spike. A friend noticed the resemblance between the animal and Harry's spiky hairstyle at the time, and the nickname stuck

MONEY AND FAME Prince Harry's wealth comes from multiple sources: inheritance from Princess Diana and the Queen Mother, a reported $20 million advance for his memoir Spare, a $100 million Netflix deal with Meghan, a previous $20 million Spotify deal (now ended), and his role as Chief Impact Officer at BetterUp. 

After stepping back from royal duties, Harry lost access to the Sovereign Grant and inherited royal security, leading to substantial security costs estimated at $2-6 million annually. 

His fame remains global, though it has become more controversial since his departure from royal life and public criticism of his family.​ Prince Harry has frequently spoken about the immense pressure and difficulty of growing up in the global spotlight and the negative impact of the relentless media scrutiny.

FOOD AND DRINK Harry's diet has evolved significantly, particularly after meeting Meghan. As a child and young adult, he enjoyed typical comfort foods like pizza, burgers, mixed grills, and sweets, with a particular fondness for banana-based desserts. Meghan introduced him to "clean eating," incorporating kale, quinoa, fruit and vegetable smoothies, and reducing processed foods and carbohydrates. Before his 2018 wedding, he reportedly lost over seven pounds following this new diet and gave up pizza, though he admitted to occasionally indulging. (3)

The couple uses a high-end juicer, and Meghan has reportedly encouraged him to reduce meat consumption. Harry is believed to enjoy traditional British fare such as roast chicken and shepherd’s pie, but has adapted to a more health-conscious California lifestyle.​

Harry prefers drinking tea, preferably ginger tea, with honey and lemon rather than with milk. 

MUSIC AND ARTS Harry has diverse musical tastes spanning electronic music (he is known to be a fan of producer Skream), contemporary pop, and classic artists. He and Meghan have attended concerts by Beyoncé multiple times, James Taylor, and other performers. 

For his wedding, family friend Elton John performed in recognition of Harry's close relationship with the singer and his late mother Diana. 

Harry played piano, trumpet, and drums as a child but couldn't read music. 

Harry supports organizations that use music and performance as therapy for veterans and young people, a reflection of his passion for mental health advocacy.

While at Eton, he studied Art achieving a B in his A-Level.

LITERATURE Harry is the author of the international bestselling memoir Spare, published in January 2023 and ghostwritten by J.R. Moehringer. The 416-page book became the fastest-selling non-fiction book of all time according to Guinness World Records, selling 1.4 million copies in its first day across the UK, US, and Canada. It topped the New York Times bestseller list and Amazon's 2023 bestseller list. The memoir candidly discusses his childhood, military service, mother's death, relationship with the royal family, and life with Meghan. Harry has stated he originally wrote 800 pages but edited substantially to protect certain family secrets. 

First edition

Harry is an avid reader of memoirs and psychology books. Earlier in life, he reportedly preferred action and adventure novels and was known for sharing books about leadership and courage with his military comrades.

He also supports literacy charities and has emphasized the importance of reading, particularly for children.​

NATURE Harry has maintained a deep, decades-long commitment to wildlife conservation, particularly in Africa. He has been involved with African Parks since 2016, serving as president for six years before joining the board of directors in 2023. 

In 2016, he participated in one of the largest elephant translocations in history, helping move 500 elephants in Malawi. 

He has worked extensively in countries including Zambia, Mozambique, Rwanda, Botswana, Lesotho and Chad (though the Chad partnership ended in 2025). His love of Africa stems from his gap year experiences and has remained a core passion throughout his life.​

Harry supports environmental initiatives and sustainability causes, often highlighting the importance of protecting wildlife and natural habitats for future generations. He’s spoken passionately about protecting endangered species and tackling climate change, calling the planet’s health “the most important issue we face.” 

PETS Animals have always been a major part of Harry’s life. He grew up around dogs, particularly his mother Princess Diana’s beloved pets, and as an adult he’s continued that tradition. Harry and Meghan have three dogs that Harry describes as "emotional support dogs": a black Labrador named Pula (adopted in 2018), and two rescue Beagles—Guy (whom Meghan owned before their marriage) and Mia (short for Mamma Mia), adopted from the Beagle Freedom Project in August 2022. Harry joked that he "basically has five children" due to the three dogs running around their California home. 

The couple specifically requested an older dog when adopting Mia, demonstrating their commitment to animal welfare. 

Meghan chose animal welfare charity Mayhew as one of her patronages during her time as a working royal, and Harry has frequently been photographed with dogs throughout his life.​

Harry's affection for horses also stems from his time in the Household Cavalry and polo—a sport he has played since youth.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Harry is passionate about multiple sports, with polo being particularly significant—he plays competitively and uses the sport to raise funds for charity through events like the Sentebale Cup. 

He also enjoys rugby (serving as patron of the Welsh Rugby Football Union), skiing, off-road motorbiking, and hiking. 

Harry maintains an athletic lifestyle and has been a member of exclusive gyms. 

Other outdoor hobbies include bird watching, walking his dogs, and swimming. He enjoys spending active time with family, including his nieces and nephews. 

is enthusiasm for sport led him to create the Invictus Games in 2014, an international sporting event for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women—one of his proudest achievements.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Harry actively supports charities advancing medical science, particularly in mental health research and physical rehabilitation. Through the Invictus Games and his work with WellChild, he has championed scientific approaches to recovery and wellness. 

His advocacy for mental health has included promoting therapeutic techniques like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and discussing the role of brain health in psychological well-being. 

Harry's curiosity about technology has grown in recent years, especially through projects like Travalyst, his eco-travel initiative. He has shown interest in data-driven approaches to sustainability and social change, often referencing how measurable impact and evidence-based research shape his philanthropic work.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Harry was baptized and raised in the Church of England, the official Christian church of the British monarchy. However, in his memoir Spare, he revealed that he is "not religious" in the traditional sense. 

Harry and Megan on Christmas Day 2017 by Mark Jones - Cropped from Flickr 

After wearing a Nazi costume to a party in 2005, he met with Britain's chief rabbi and learned from religious philosophers about the roots of hatred and evil. 

Harry has explored spirituality through various means, including therapy and psychedelic experiences, which he described as healing rather than recreational. He has referenced the Serenity Prayer and engaged with spiritual texts. 

His approach to mental health—encouraging openness and vulnerability—reflects a modern spiritual sensibility rooted in empathy rather than ceremony.

POLITICS As a member of the royal family, Harry was constitutionally barred from British party politics. However, since stepping back from royal duties, he has become more vocal about political and social issues, including mental health, racial justice, media responsibility, online safety, and misinformation. 

SCANDAL Harry has been involved in several major scandals throughout his life. As a teenager, he admitted to smoking marijuana and drinking, leading his father to arrange a visit to a drug rehabilitation center. 

In 2005, at age 20, he wore a Nazi Afrika Korps uniform with a swastika armband to a costume party, causing international outrage and requiring a public apology—an incident he later called "one of the biggest mistakes of my life".

 In 2009, a video surfaced from 2006 showing him using racial slurs toward a fellow officer. 

In 2012, photos were published of him playing strip billiards naked in a Las Vegas hotel room. 

His decision with Meghan to step back from senior royal duties—dubbed “Megxit”—sparked a media storm and public debate about modern monarchy, privacy, and race.

More recently, his candid revelations about the royal family in interviews with Oprah Winfrey, the Netflix documentary Harry & Meghan, and his memoir Spare have been considered scandalous by many, including his acknowledgment of killing 25 Taliban fighters and his criticisms of family members.​

MILITARY RECORD Prince Harry entered the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst on May 8, 2005 There, he was known as Officer Cadet Wales, a modest title for someone whose grandmother happened to be on the coins. Assigned to the Alamein Company, he spent eleven months being shouted at, polished within an inch of his life, and transformed from prince into officer.

He graduated in April 2006 and joined The Blues and Royals, one of those impressively titled regiments that sounds like it should come with its own brass band. His first tour of Afghanistan, in 2007–2008, lasted ten weeks—ten weeks spent crouched in the dust of Helmand Province as a forward air controller, directing airstrikes on Taliban positions. It was all very brave and serious until the media found out where he was, at which point the Army whisked him home before every tabloid in London tried to make Afghanistan their next front page.

Not to be deterred, Harry retrained as an Apache helicopter pilot with the Army Air Corps, proving he could not only take the heat but fly above it. He returned to Afghanistan for a second 20-week tour between September 2012 and January 2013, this time at the controls of a machine capable of firing rockets and inspiring Hollywood screenplays.

After a brief secondment to the Australian military, where he traded desert dust for red soil and kangaroos, Harry left the Army in June 2015 with the rank of Captain—a decade older, infinitely more seasoned, and sporting the sort of calm steadiness that only comes from facing real danger. His years of service earned him both military honors and a lifelong devotion to the welfare of veterans, which culminated in his founding of the Invictus Games—an international sporting event that celebrates resilience over rank.

Even after stepping back from royal duties, it’s this period of Harry’s life—gritty, human, and far removed from palace pomp—that continues to define him. For all the ceremony of his birthright, it was the Army that gave him something more valuable than a title: purpose.

Prince Harry May 2015 by Eva Rinaldi from Sydney Australia

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS He is in good physical shape, evidenced by his military service and sporting activities. Harry has become a prominent advocate for mental health, speaking openly about his own struggles with grief, trauma, and anxiety, particularly after his mother's death, and his reliance on therapy.

He has undergone various therapeutic approaches including traditional talk therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and guided psychedelic therapy with substances like ayahuasca and psilocybin. Harry credits therapy with saving his marriage and helping him become a better parent. 

HOMES Harry has lived in several residences throughout his life. As a child, he lived at Kensington Palace in London. 

After his marriage, he and Meghan initially lived at Nottingham Cottage on the Kensington Palace grounds. They later moved to Frogmore Cottage in Windsor, a Grade II listed property that was extensively renovated at a cost of £2.4 million (later repaid by the couple). In 2023, they officially relinquished Frogmore Cottage after being asked to vacate by King Charles

In 2020, after stepping back from royal duties, they relocated to California, eventually purchasing a $14.65 million mansion in Montecito, Santa Barbara County. The Montecito estate spans 7.4 acres with nine bedrooms, 16 bathrooms, a guesthouse, teahouse, tennis court, swimming pool, rose gardens, and a chicken coop. 

TRAVEL Harry has traveled extensively throughout his life, both for royal duties and personal causes. He has a particular affinity for Africa, having first visited during his gap year and returning numerous times for conservation work in countries including Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique, Rwanda, and Chad. 

Botswana holds special significance—he took Meghan there for their second date, and they have returned multiple times. 

As a working royal, Harry undertook Commonwealth tours and official visits to countries including Australia, New Zealand, Morocco, and the United States. 

He has traveled for the Invictus Games, which has been held in London, Orlando, Toronto, Sydney, The Hague, Düsseldorf, and most recently Vancouver. 

His current base in California allows for frequent travel within the United States while maintaining connections to the UK and Europe.​

As co-founder of Travalyst, he continues to advocate for sustainable tourism and environmental responsibility.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Harry has been the subject of intense media coverage throughout his life and has appeared in numerous documentaries and programs. 

Recent major media projects include:

He appeared in the Apple TV+ docuseries The Me You Can't See (2021) co-produced with Oprah Winfrey, focusing on mental health

The Netflix documentary series Harry & Meghan (2022), which he co-produced with Meghan, offering their perspective on royal life and their departure from it. 

He narrated the 15-hour audiobook version of his memoir Spare (2023). 

Harry gave landmark interviews to Oprah Winfrey (2021), Anderson Cooper on 60 Minutes (2023), Tom Bradby for ITV (2023), and Stephen Colbert's The Late Show (2023). 

Netflix also released a documentary series about polo that Harry produced in 2024. 

He has been portrayed in dramatizations including The Crown and has been the subject of countless news reports and royal documentaries throughout his life.​​

ACHIEVEMENTS Founder of the Invictus Games (2014)

Co-founder of the Heads Together mental health initiative

Established the Archewell Foundation with Meghan Markle

Recipient of multiple honorary military distinctions and humanitarian awards

Author of the best-selling memoir Spare (2023)

Recognized globally for his service, advocacy, and commitment to veterans and mental health causes

Sources: (1) Encyclopaedia of Trivia (2) The English Accent Tutor (3) Hello