Prince Harry, duke of Sussex

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (born September 15, 1984, in London, England), is the younger son of King Charles III and Diana, Princess of Wales. He served two tours of duty in Afghanistan as part of the British military and later founded the Invictus Games to support injured and ill veterans and service members.

Marriage and Royal Transition

In 2018, Harry married American actress Meghan Markle. Two years later, the couple stepped back from their roles as working members of the British royal family, beginning a more independent life together.

Influence of Princess Diana

Princess Diana sought to give her sons experiences beyond royal privilege. She frequently took Harry and his brother William on regular outings to interact with the public and see life outside palace walls.

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

Diana often brought them along when she visited orphanages, hospitals, and homeless shelters. Her tragic death at age 36 deeply affected Harry, and the image of the 12-year-old prince walking behind her coffin alongside William left a lasting impression on the nation.

Summary

Prince Harry’s life reflects his mother’s influence, military service, global compassion efforts, and pursuit of independence beyond royal tradition.

Author’s summary: A prince shaped by service, compassion, and a desire for a life beyond royal duty, Harry’s journey mirrors lessons of empathy instilled by his mother, Princess Diana.

Britannica — 2025-11-01