Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (born September 15, 1984, in London) is the younger son of King Charles III and Diana, Princess of Wales. He served two tours in Afghanistan as part of the British military before establishing the Invictus Games, an international sporting event for wounded and recovering veterans.
Marriage and Royal Transition
In 2018, Harry married American actress Meghan Markle. In 2020, the couple chose to step back from their official roles as working members of the British royal family, opting for a more independent life.
Influence of Princess Diana
Princess Diana sought to broaden her sons’ understanding of the world beyond royal privilege. She often took Harry and his elder brother, Prince William, on public transportation, to fast food restaurants, and even stood in line with them during trips to Disney World.
She wanted them to “have an understanding of people’s emotions, their insecurities, people’s distress, and their hopes and dreams.”
Diana also exposed them to social issues by taking them to visit homeless shelters, orphanages, and hospitals. Her untimely death at age 36 deeply affected Harry. The sight of the 12-year-old prince walking behind his mother’s coffin with William through the streets of London left a lasting impression on the public.
Author’s Summary
Prince Harry’s life reflects duty, loss, and transformation—from soldier and royal son to advocate for compassion and independence within and beyond the monarchy.