Prince Harry, duke of Sussex

Prince Harry, duke of Sussex (born September 15, 1984, London, England), is the younger son of King Charles III and Diana, princess of Wales. He served in the British Army and completed two tours in Afghanistan before founding the Invictus Games, an international event for wounded and ill veterans.

In 2018, Harry married American actress Meghan Markle. Two years later, they stepped down as senior members of the British royal family, marking a significant change in their public role and responsibilities.

Early Life and Family Influence

Princess Diana wanted her sons to understand ordinary life outside royal privilege. She exposed them to everyday experiences, encouraging empathy and awareness of others’ struggles.

She wished them to “have an understanding of people’s emotions, their insecurities, people’s distress, and their hopes and dreams.”

To fulfill this, Diana took Harry and Prince William on public transportation, to fast-food restaurants, and even waited in line with them at Disney World. She also involved them in her visits to homeless shelters, orphanages, and hospitals.

Impact of Princess Diana’s Death

Diana’s death at age 36 deeply affected Harry. His solemn walk with Prince William behind their mother’s casket through London’s streets when he was only 12 years old left an enduring image in the minds of people worldwide and strengthened his bond with the public.

Author’s Summary

Prince Harry, shaped by his mother’s values and military service, has evolved into a public figure redefining duty and compassion beyond traditional royal boundaries.

Britannica — 2025-11-01