Prince Harry Facts: You Should Read About This Monarch!

Amelia Grace
Aug 18, 2023 By Amelia Grace
Originally Published on Jan 05, 2022
Edited by Jacob Fitzbright
Fact-checked by Pradhanya Rao
Read these Prince Harry facts to learn about his time at the Royal Military Academy.

Prince Harry, a remarkable figure in the British royal family, has captured the attention and affection of many. This charismatic prince isn't defined solely by his royal title. Instead, he's known for his courage in military service, compassion in philanthropy, and connection to people. His warm nature, sense of humor, and zest for life make him the "People's Prince".

From adventurous exploits in the armed forces to his genuine passion for making a difference, Prince Harry's story is filled with unexpected twists and turns.

What sets him apart isn't merely his noble status, but his willingness to embrace life's challenges and joys. This exploration into Prince Harry's world reveals a man who loves fun, treasures family time, and never hesitates to roll up his sleeves to contribute in meaningful ways.

The journey through Prince Harry's life is a testament to a royal whose life transcends the crown and prioritizes connecting with people.

Who is Prince Harry?

Born as the younger son of King Charles, Prince Harry's life has been anything but ordinary. From his widely-watched marriage to Meghan Markle to his remarkable efforts in supporting wounded veterans through the Invictus Games, Harry has carved out a unique path.

His decision to step away from royal duties and live a life more aligned with his values, while continuing his charitable pursuits, showcases a man driven by purpose and a heartfelt connection to people's needs.

  • Prince Harry, the younger son of King Charles, is widely recognized for his service to royal duties, and his marriage to Meghan Markle captured global attention.
  • Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were married on May 19, 2018, with the Queen and Prince Philip in attendance, and he received the titles of Duke of Sussex, Earl of Dumbarton, and Baron Kilkeel.
  • The couple officially stepped back from their royal titles on March 31, 2020, reflecting Harry's desire to live a more ordinary life, akin to his mother, Princess Diana.
  • He stands sixth in succession to the throne, following his elder brother's children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
  • Prince Harry has displayed a strong commitment to honoring veterans, evidenced by his initiation of the Invictus Games to support wounded veterans, inspired by his visit to the Warrior Games in 2013.
  • Currently residing in Montecito, California, with Meghan and their two children, Prince Harry continues to make an impact through his charitable actions and dedication to the causes he believes in.
  • His 18th birthday saw him gifted with Queen Elizabeth II's Coat of Arms, a symbol of his royal heritage.
  • Demonstrating his adventurous spirit and commitment to charitable causes, Prince Harry journeyed to the North Pole in 2011 for an awareness program and again to the South Pole in 2013 to raise funds for charity.
  • Beyond his royal duties, Prince Harry has been a significant presence in memorializing history, as seen in his attendance at the memorial service for the World War I Battle of Gallipoli in 2015, alongside his father and brother.
  • With a genuine compassion for wounded veterans and a unique approach to his royal life, Prince Harry's legacy is marked by his efforts to bridge the gap between royalty and ordinary life while maintaining his commitment to various philanthropic pursuits.

Prince Harry's Early Life

Behind the grandeur of the British royal family lies the personal and relatable story of Prince Harry. The charismatic prince, known for his philanthropy and charm, had quite a fascinating beginning. Let's journey into the world of Prince Harry's youth, exploring the moments that not only defined his childhood but also shaped the man he would become.

  • Prince Henry Charles Albert David, popularly known as Prince Harry or Prince Henry of Wales, is the younger son of Prince Charles and Princess Diana of Wales.
  • He was born on September 15, 1984, in the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, at 4:20 p.m.
  • Prince Harry was baptized on December 21, 1984, performed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Runcie, at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, following the British royal tradition.
  • Growing up, he and his elder brother, Prince William, lived in Gloucestershire's Highgrove House and Kensington Palace in London.
  • As a child, Prince Harry began traveling abroad at a young age, visiting Italy for the first time with his parents in 1985, and Canada with his family in 1991 and 1998.
  • A major shift in his life occurred in 1996, when his parents, Princess Diana and Prince Charles of Wales, got divorced, and his mother tragically died in a car accident in Paris.
  • At the time of his mother's death, Prince Harry was 12 years old and staying with his father in Balmoral, alongside his brother.
  • The brothers attended the funeral along with their father, maternal uncle, and paternal grandfather. The funeral proceedings began at Kensington Palace and made their way to Westminster Abbey.

Education: Prince Harry

Prince Harry's education has always been a blend of tradition and modernity. Following in the footsteps of his father and elder brother, his journey began in prestigious independent schools. Yet, Harry's path took a unique turn when he attended Eton College, a departure from the royal family's Gordonstoun tradition.

  • Like his older brother, Prince William, and his father, Prince Charles, Prince Harry attended an independent school.
  • Jane Mynors' Nursery School and Wetherby School were Prince Harry's starting schools. After completing the pre-preparatory school, he studied at Ludgrove School in Berkshire. He was later admitted to Eton College when he cleared his entrance exams.
  • Prince Harry, along with his elder brother Prince William, studied at Eton College, similar to that of their maternal grandfather and uncle. Prince Harry completed his education in June 2003 at Eton College and obtained two A-Levels, one B-grade, and one D-grade.
  • Prince Harry, along with his elder brother, Prince William, followed the path of their maternal grandfather and uncle by studying at Eton College.
  • Completing his education in June 2003 at Eton College, Prince Harry obtained two A-Levels, earning one B-grade and one D-grade.
  • Since his early years, he had a passion for games, especially polo and rugby, and was even recognized as a top-tier athlete.
  • During his time at Eton College, he was part of the Combined Cadet Force and was appointed as the cadet officer leading the yearly parade at Eton Tattoo.
  • After completing his education, Prince Harry took a gap year, during which he worked as a jackaroo on a cattle station in Australia and played in a test match series between Young England and Young Australia.

Prince Harry and His Military Career

Prince Harry's military career is a remarkable journey marked by dedication, courage, and leadership. From his early days to his hands-on military training, his decade-long service showcases an unwavering commitment to duty.

Serving in challenging roles and rising to high military ranks, Prince Harry's path was not only about following royal tradition but forging his way. His experiences in the armed forces shaped a significant part of his identity, reflecting a blend of royal responsibility and personal passion.

  • In May 2005, Prince Harry joined the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, immediately after completing a period of work experience, embarking on his training as a cadet officer.
  • During the rigorous 44-week training course, he was referred to as Officer Cadet Wales and underwent demanding theoretical and physical training at Camberley, Surrey.
  • Prince Harry joined the Blues and Royals, as confirmed by Clarence House on January 25, 2006, and upon completing the course, he was commissioned as an Army Officer on April 12, 2006.
  • His graduation was a moment of familial pride, with Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh receiving the salute from their grandson as he led the parade at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
  • Also present at the parade were Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, along with Prince Harry's brother, William, who was already an officer cadet.
  • Prince Harry's military journey continued as he joined the regiment on May 8, 2006, and began the second phase of training as a troop leader, learning maintenance, gunnery, driving, and signals.
  • Upon completing this course in October 2006, he took charge of 11 soldiers and four Scimitar reconnaissance vehicles in Windsor.
  • His active service included a deployment to Afghanistan in Helmand for more than eight weeks, which was publicly confirmed by the Ministry of Defense on February 28, 2008.
  • Prince Harry's career saw further advancement when he passed the Army Air Corps selection board exam in 2008, subsequently training with the Apache attack helicopter.
  • During this training, he received provisional wings from his father, Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps, on the same day.
  • By 2011, he had earned a promotion to the rank of Captain and was awarded the Apache Badge.
  • Captain Harry Wales' training brought him to America in October 2011 for the final stages of Apache instruction, learning to operate the aircraft and its weaponry.
  • Successfully clearing the CPG exam in February 2012, Prince Harry completed his Apache pilot tour in an Afghanistan camp in Helmand in September 2012, serving with the Joint Aviation Group and Afghan forces until January 2013.
  • After a decade of service, Prince Harry returned to his military appointments as Commodore-in-Chief of Royal Naval Command, Captain General Royal Marines, and Honorary Air Commandant, RAF Honington.
  • His military career also saw him achieve the rank of Apache Aircraft Commander, complete two operational tours in Afghanistan, and faithfully serve before stepping down from royal duties with Meghan Markle in 2020.

Prince Harry's Civic Life

Prince Harry's civic life is a profound testament to his dedication to charity, community, and service. Far from being content with a ceremonial role, he has actively engaged in causes close to his heart.

From establishing charities for needy children in Africa to organizing the Invictus Games for wounded servicemen and women, his efforts have consistently demonstrated empathy and leadership.

  • Prince Harry has tirelessly worked to raise funds for wounded sportspeople, recognizing the importance of sports in recovery and personal growth. Collaborating with Prince Seeiso, he established a charity in Lesotho, Africa, to support needy children, highlighting his compassion for the underprivileged.
  • Upon his promotion to Captain, Prince Harry expanded his service to include various projects and events, providing aid to army personnel. In London, he organized the Invictus Games for wounded servicemen and women. These games were more than a competition; they were a symbol of resilience, spirit, and hope.
  • Prince Harry's focus on the recovery of lost capability among wounded personnel was not only about physical healing but restoring confidence and motivation in life. He visited service charities and partner agencies engaged in defense recovery initiatives, learning about existing policies and seeking opportunities to enhance treatment.
  • After a decade of service and leaving the armed forces in 2015, Prince Harry continued to volunteer for the army's personal recovery program, emphasizing his lifelong commitment to service. Beyond the army, he extended his charity work to children in home shelters, demonstrating his broad humanitarian interests.
  • Alongside his elder brother, Prince William, he established a foundation in September 2019, which he left later that year. Not one to shy away from adventure, Prince Harry visited the North and South Poles to raise funds for those wounded in service to the British army, turning his passions into opportunities for philanthropy.
  • Through these various endeavors, Prince Harry's civic life paints a picture of a royal deeply invested in the welfare, recovery, and empowerment of those who need it most. His actions speak to a character driven by empathy, determination, and a desire to make a meaningful difference.

Heritage: Prince Harry

As the younger son of King Charles, Prince Harry's lineage is deeply rooted in the British monarchy. While his royal bloodline has shaped many aspects of his life, Prince Harry has also embraced a path that reflects his own values and passions.

This unique blend of traditional royal heritage and a more modern, compassionate approach to life defines Prince Harry's persona, making him a fascinating figure in contemporary royal history.

  • Prince Harry belongs to the British royal family and is also a member of the House of Glucksburg, a cadet branch of the House of Oldenburg, which is Europe's oldest royal house.
  • Prince Harry's father, Prince Charles of Wales, is a member of the House of Windsor, which makes him royal, and his grandmother is Queen Elizabeth II.
  • On his paternal side, he had many royal families, while on his maternal side, he belonged to the Earls Spencer, which is a cadet branch of the Spencer family. The Spencer family was descended from the Earls of Sunderland, a senior branch of the Dukes of Marlborough, Barons Fermoy.
  • They also had relations with King Charles II's natural sons, Henry Fitzroy, 1st Duke of Grafton, and Charles Lennox, 1st Duke of Richmond. The maternal lineage descendant of Prince Harry and Prince William is thought to be from Eliza Kewark, a housekeeper for Scottish trader Theodore Forbes, who worked for the East India Company in Surat in the 18th century.

From this fact-filled journey, it's clear that the life of a prince isn't all glitz and glamour; it carries its challenges and responsibilities. But Harry's grounded approach shows that authenticity and kindness never go out of style.

Whether one is a prince or simply someone navigating daily life, embracing individuality and values can make a world of difference.

A touch of fun and kindness never hurts either; engaging with the world with curiosity and compassion can lead to a richer, more fulfilling life. After all, as Prince Harry's life illustrates, every day is a royal adventure waiting to be explored, and it's never too late to start the journey.

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Sources

https://sussexroyal.com/

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Prince-Harry-of-Wales

https://www.royal.uk/the-duke-of-sussex

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Written by Amelia Grace

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English and Communication

Amelia Grace picture

Amelia GraceBachelor of Arts specializing in English and Communication

Amelia is interning as a content assistant and editor at Kidadl, utilizing her academic background to provide engaging and valuable content. She studies English and Communications at the University of Exeter and enjoys reading and running in her free time.

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Fact-checked by Pradhanya Rao

Bachelor of Commerce specializing in Marketing and HR

Pradhanya Rao picture

Pradhanya RaoBachelor of Commerce specializing in Marketing and HR

With a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Christ University, Bangalore, Pradhanya's passion for the English language and literature led her to explore the field of content writing, where she has gained extensive experience in writing, reviewing, editing, and fact-checking. She has also earned certifications in Google Ads Search, Google Ads Display, and Social Media Marketing, showcasing her proficiency in digital marketing.

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