The Royal Library / Royal Profiles
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex
From military service and the Invictus Games to family life with Meghan, explore Harry’s story.
Childhood and Military Service
Harry was born on September 15, 1984, the second son of the then Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales. He was 12 when Diana died in 1997. Harry later trained at Sandhurst and served in the British Armed Forces for ten years, including two operational tours in Afghanistan.
The Invictus Games
Inspired in part by the U.S. Warrior Games, Harry created the Invictus Games for wounded, injured and sick military personnel and veterans. The inaugural Games were held in London in 2014, and Harry remains closely associated with the Invictus movement.
Sentebale
Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho co-founded Sentebale in 2006. Harry and Prince Seeiso resigned as patrons in March 2025 following an internal dispute. The UK Charity Commission later identified governance weaknesses and issued a Regulatory Action Plan while stating that it found no evidence of widespread or systemic bullying, harassment, misogyny or misogynoir.
Meeting and Marrying Meghan
Harry’s relationship with Meghan Markle became public in 2016. They married at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, on May 19, 2018, becoming the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Their children are Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Stepping Back From Royal Duties
In 2020, Harry and Meghan stepped back from senior working royal duties. A 2021 review confirmed that they would not return as working members of the Royal Family. Harry remained a prince and Duke of Sussex; working-royal status, family membership and titles are separate questions.
Returning to Britain
After six years based primarily in California, Harry, Meghan, Archie and Lilibet returned to Britain in August 2026. Their return did not restore official royal duties. In September 2026, King Charles formally reaffirmed that Harry and Meghan remain non-working members of the Royal Family and that their charitable and commercial work is undertaken privately.
Harry and the Line of Succession
Stepping back from royal duties did not remove Harry from the line of succession. Royal working status and succession are separate matters. He follows William and William’s three children; see our guide to the line of succession for the current order and how it works.
Is Harry Still a Prince?
Yes. Harry remains Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex. The 2020 arrangement changed his working role. Buckingham Palace said Harry and Meghan would no longer use their HRH styles as working royals.