How Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, is a prominent member of the British royal family. He is the younger son of King Charles III and the late Diana, Princess of Wales. Currently fifth in line to the British throne, his role within the monarchy has evolved significantly in recent years. He served in the British Army, undertaking two tours of Afghanistan. In 2018, he married Meghan Markle, and they have two children. In 2020, Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior working royals and relocated to the United States, pursuing financial independence through various ventures. They have since spoken openly about their experiences within the royal family, leading to considerable media attention and public discussion.
In September 2004, Prince Harry passed the Regular Commissions Board (RCB).
In May 2005, Prince Harry entered the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where he was known as Officer Cadet Wales.
In 2005, Harry started his 10 years in the army, which he described in 2021 as "the happiest times in my life".
In April 2006, Prince Harry completed his officer training and was commissioned as a Cornet (second lieutenant) in the Blues and Royals.
In October 2006, Prince Harry completed the Troop Leaders' Course and rejoined his regiment in Windsor.
Between 2006 and 2019, Prince Harry completed 1,190 engagements.
In 2006, Harry visited Mants'ase Children's Home in Lesotho and launched Sentebale with Prince Seeiso to support children orphaned by HIV/AIDS.
In 2007, Harry and William organized the Concert for Diana in memory of their mother, benefiting her charities and patronages.
In 2007, Prince Harry was deployed on active duty to Helmand Province in Afghanistan for ten weeks, marking his first tour of duty in a war zone.
In April 2008, Prince Harry was promoted to lieutenant in the Blues and Royals.
In May 2008, Princess Anne presented Prince Harry with an Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan at the Combermere Barracks, recognizing his service in the war zone.
In October 2008, Harry and his brother William embarked on the 1,000-mile, eight-day Enduro Africa motorbike ride across South Africa to raise money for Sentebale, UNICEF, and the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund.
In October 2008, it was announced that Prince Harry would learn to fly military helicopters, attending the Defence Helicopter Flying School at RAF Shawbury.
In 2008, Prince Harry concluded his ten-week deployment in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, where he served on active duty.
On 6 January 2009, the Queen granted Prince Harry and Prince William their own royal household. Prior to this, their affairs were handled by their father's office.
In February 2009, Prince Harry initially failed his pilot's theory test.
In September 2009, William and Harry set up The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry to advance their charitable endeavors.
On May 7, 2010, Prince Charles presented Prince Harry with his flying brevet (wings) at a ceremony at the Army Air Corps Base (AAC), Middle Wallop.
In December 2010, the German charity Ein Herz für Kinder awarded Harry its Golden Heart Award, in recognition of his "charitable and humanitarian efforts".
In 2010, Prince Harry served as the RFU's vice-royal patron, supporting the Queen as patron.
In April 2011, Prince Harry was awarded his Apache Flying Badge. On April 16, 2011, it was announced that he had been promoted to captain.
In June 2011, it was announced that Prince Harry would be available for deployment in current operations in Afghanistan as an Apache helicopter pilot.
In May 2012, Prince Harry played the tambourine and took part in the music video for the song "Sing", which was released to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee.
On May 7, 2012, the Atlantic Council awarded Harry its Distinguished Humanitarian Leadership Award.
On September 7, 2012, Prince Harry arrived at Camp Bastion in southern Afghanistan as part of the 662 Squadron, 3 Regiment, Army Air Corps, to begin a four-month combat tour as a co-pilot and gunner for an Apache helicopter.
In 2012, Prince Harry was deployed for a second tour of duty in Afghanistan, this time for twenty weeks with the Army Air Corps.
On January 21, 2013, it was announced that Prince Harry was returning from a 20-week deployment in Afghanistan.
Between 9 and 15 May 2013, Prince Harry made an official visit to the United States to promote the rehabilitation of injured American and UK troops, publicise his charities, and support British interests. He visited Washington, DC, Colorado, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, and met survivors of Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey.
On July 8, 2013, the Ministry of Defence announced that Prince Harry had successfully qualified as an Apache aircraft commander.
In December 2013, Harry participated in Walking With The Wounded's 200-mile expedition to the South Pole in Antarctica, accompanying injured servicemen and women.
In 2013, Prince Harry completed his twenty-week deployment with the Army Air Corps in Afghanistan, marking the end of his second tour of duty.
In January 2014, Prince Harry completed his attachment to 3 Regiment Army Air Corps and assumed the staff officer role SO3 (Defence Engagement) in HQ London District. His responsibilities involved coordinating significant projects and commemorative events involving the Army in London, based at Horse Guards in central London.
On 6 March 2014, Harry launched Invictus Games, a Paralympic-style sporting event for injured servicemen and women, which was held on 10–14 September 2014.
On 29 April 2014, Harry met British hopefuls for the Invictus Games at Tedworth House in Wiltshire for the start of the selection process.
On 15 May 2014, Harry attended a ticket sale launch for the Invictus Games at BT Tower, from where he tweeted on the Invictus Games' official Twitter account as the president of the Games.
In July 2014, to promote the Invictus Games, Harry was interviewed by BBC Radio 2's Chris Evans along with two Invictus Games hopefuls. The show aired on 31 July 2014.
In August 2014, Harry and officials attended the British Armed Forces Team announcement for the Invictus Games at Potters Field Park.
The Invictus Games, which Prince Harry launched earlier in March 2014, took place from 10-14 September 2014.
On 6 November 2014, Prince Harry opened the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey, a task usually performed by Prince Philip.
In 2014, Prince Harry launched the Invictus Games as a founding patron, inspired by the Warrior Games in the United States.
In January 2015, Harry began a new role supporting wounded service personnel alongside the London District's Personal Recovery Unit for the MOD's Defence Recovery Capability scheme. He also visited The Battle Back Centre and Fisher House UK at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.
In March 2015, Harry visited Phoenix House in Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, a recovery centre run by Help for Heroes. He also visited Merville Barracks in Colchester.
On 17 March 2015, Kensington Palace announced that Harry would leave the Armed Forces in June. Before then, he would spend four weeks throughout April and May at army barracks in Darwin, Perth and Sydney whilst seconded to the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
In April 2015, Prince Harry visited the Australian War Memorial in Canberra before reporting for duty to the Australian Defence Force (ADF). He also joined his father in Turkey to attend commemorations of the centenary of the Gallipoli Campaign.
On 6 April 2015, Harry reported for duty to Australia's Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin at the Royal Military College, Duntroon in Canberra, Australia, beginning his month-long secondment to the ADF's 1st Brigade. His visit included detachments to NORFORCE as well as to an aviation unit.
On 8 May 2015, Harry's attachment with the ADF ended, concluding his time with the Australian Defence Force.
On 19 June 2015, Prince Harry resigned his short service commission, officially ending his active service in the British Armed Forces.
As patron of Walk of Britain, Harry walked with the team on October 2015.
In October 2015, Prince Harry launched the Invictus Games Orlando 2016 with First Lady Michelle Obama and Second Lady Jill Biden at Fort Belvoir. He also attended an Invictus Games board meeting and a reception at the British Ambassador's Residence.
In November 2015, Prince Harry, as patron of Sentebale, travelled to Lesotho to attend the opening of the Mamohato Children's Centre.
From 30 November to 3 December 2015, Prince Harry made an official visit to South Africa. He visited Cape Town, where he presented the insignia of the Order of the Companions of Honour to the Archbishop on behalf of the Queen. He also played the Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup, fundraising for Sentebale.
In 2015, Harry ended his 10 years in the army, which he described in 2021 as "the happiest times in my life".
In July 2016, Harry took an HIV test live on the royal family Facebook page and attended the 21st International AIDS Conference in Durban, South Africa to raise awareness for HIV testing.
In January 2017, Prince Harry visited The Running Charity and its partner Depaul UK to highlight the role of sport in helping homeless and vulnerable people.
In April 2017, Prince Harry hosted the Landmine Free 2025 reception at Kensington Palace, where the UK government announced increased financial support for de-mining efforts.
In December 2017, Harry guest-edited BBC Radio 4's Today programme, interviewing his father, Barack Obama, and others on topics like youth violence and mental health.
On 19 December 2017, Prince Harry succeeded his grandfather Prince Philip as the Captain General Royal Marines.
In April 2018, Prince Harry was appointed Commonwealth Youth Ambassador and also became the president of The Queen's Commonwealth Trust, focusing on projects involving children and welfare of prisoners.
In July 2018, the Elton John AIDS Foundation announced that Harry and Elton John were launching a global coalition called MenStar to focus on treating HIV infections in men.
In August 2018, the Royal Canadian Legion granted Harry the 2018 Founders Award for his role in founding the Invictus Games.
In October 2018, Harry was presented with the RSA Badge in Gold, the organisation's highest honour, for his work with injured veterans.
In October 2018, Prince Harry and Meghan travelled to Sydney for the 2018 Invictus Games. This was part of a Pacific tour that included Australia, Fiji, Tonga, and New Zealand.
In April 2019, it was announced that Harry was co-creating and executive producing a documentary series about mental health with Oprah Winfrey, initially set to air in 2020 on Apple TV+.
In May 2019, Harry and Meghan, along with William and Kate, launched Shout, a 24/7 text messaging service for mental health support in the UK.
In June 2019, it was announced that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would split from The Royal Foundation to establish their own charity.
In September 2019, Harry and Meghan hired New York-based PR firm Sunshine Sachs, which represented them until 2022.
In September 2019, Harry launched Travalyst in the Netherlands, an initiative to promote sustainable practices in the travel industry, in collaboration with companies like Tripadvisor, Booking.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Visa Inc.
In September 2019, Prince Harry walked through a de-mining site in Angola, mirroring his mother's visit 22 years prior.
In October 2019, Harry and other members of the royal family voiced a Public Health England announcement for the "Every Mind Matters" mental health program.
In September and October 2019, Prince Harry, Meghan, and their infant son Archie went on a Southern African tour, including Malawi, Angola, South Africa, and Botswana. This marked "their first official tour as a family".
In November 2019, Harry interviewed HIV+ Rugby player Gareth Thomas on behalf of the Terrence Higgins Trust to mark National HIV Testing Week.
Before announcing their decision to step back, in January 2020, Harry and his wife were in talks with Jeffrey Katzenberg, the founder of Quibi, about a possible role in the service but decided against joining.
In January 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped down as working royals and moved to Southern California.
In January 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan announced they were stepping back from their roles as senior members of the royal family and would balance their time between the United Kingdom and North America. They were to become financially independent and cease to represent the Queen.
On 18 January 2020, Buckingham Palace announced that an agreement had been reached for Harry "to step back from Royal duties, including official military appointments".
On January 18, 2020, Buckingham Palace announced that, following Harry and Meghan's decision to step back from royal duties, from 31 March 2020 the Duke and Duchess would not use their Royal Highness styles in practice.
In February 2020, Prince Harry recorded a new version of the song "Unbroken" with Jon Bon Jovi, featuring the Invictus Choir. Proceeds were donated to the Invictus Games Foundation.
In February 2020, it was confirmed that "Sussex Royal" would not be used as a brand name by Prince Harry and Meghan following their withdrawal from public life.
Buckingham Palace announced on 18 January 2020 that from March 31, 2020, Harry and Meghan would not use their Royal Highness styles in practice following their decision to step back from royal duties.
In March 2020, Prince Harry attended the opening of the Silverstone Experience in Silverstone Circuit with Lewis Hamilton, marking his final solo engagement as a senior royal. He and Meghan attended the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey on 9 March 2020, their last engagement as a couple before stepping down on 31 March.
In March 2020, the song "Unbroken", recorded by Prince Harry and Jon Bon Jovi, was released, with proceeds benefiting the Invictus Games Foundation.
On 31 March 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's office was moved to Buckingham Palace and officially closed when the Sussexes ceased "undertaking official engagements in support of the Queen".
Prince Harry's role as Commonwealth youth ambassador, which he was appointed to in April 2018, ended in March 2020.
In April 2020, Meghan and Harry confirmed their new foundation, Archewell, named after the Greek word "arche," which means "source of action."
In April 2020, Prince Harry launched HeadFIT, a mental health support platform for armed forces members, developed by the Royal Foundation's Heads Together campaign, the Ministry of Defence, and King's College London.
In June 2020, Harry and Meghan signed with the Harry Walker Agency for paid public speaking engagements.
In June 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan backed the Stop Hate for Profit campaign, encouraging CEOs to join the movement.
In August 2020, the Sussex Royal Foundation was renamed MWX Foundation and subsequently dissolved on the same day.
In September 2020, Harry and Meghan signed a private commercial deal with Netflix.
In October 2020, the official website for Archewell was launched.
In December 2020, Harry and Meghan signed a multi-year deal with Spotify to produce and host their own programs through Archewell Audio. They released a holiday special on the service in December 2020.
Beginning in early 2020, Harry and Meghan incorporated 11 companies and a trust in Delaware for their business ventures.
In February 2021, Buckingham Palace confirmed that the Duke would give up his position as Captain General Royal Marines and hand back all the other honorary military appointments.
In February 2021, Harry's honorary military appointments were returned to Elizabeth II.
Prince Harry remained The Queen's Commonwealth Trust's charity president until February 2021.
In March 2021, Harry became the Chief Impact Officer at BetterUp, a mental health start-up, and was appointed as a commissioner for the Aspen Institute's Commission on Information Disorder.
In March 2021, the formal role of Prince Harry and Meghan was subject to a twelve-month review period, ending in March 2021.
In April 2021, Harry and Meghan were announced as campaign chairs for Vax Live: The Concert to Reunite the World, and they supported a vaccine equity fundraiser. Harry also narrated "Hope Starts Here" for Earth Day, honoring Prince Philip's conservation efforts.
In May 2021, Prince Harry publicly supported Peak State, a mental fitness programme designed to provide tools and resources for managing mental health.
In June 2021, Prince Harry issued a statement condemning the attack on the HALO Trust in Afghanistan, where ten members were killed.
In July 2021, Harry and Meghan were selected by UK-based charity Population Matters to receive the Change Champions Award for their decision to have only two children and help with maintaining a smaller and more sustainable population.
In July 2021, it was announced that Harry would publish his memoir "Spare" via Penguin Random House, reportedly earning an advance of at least $20 million.
In September 2021, Prince Harry and First Lady Jill Biden hosted a virtual event for the Warrior Games, which were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In October 2021, Harry and Meghan announced their partnership with Ethic, a sustainable investment firm based in New York City, which also manages their investments.
In October 2021, Prince Harry spoke against oil drilling in the Okavango River and co-authored an open letter urging G20 leaders to expedite global COVID-19 vaccine distribution.
In November 2021, Prince Harry claimed at Wired's Re:Wired Conference that he emailed Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey a day before the January 6 United States Capitol attack to warn of potential civil unrest, but did not receive a response. Also in November 2021, Conservative politician Johnny Mercer announced that the Duke of Sussex supported the proposal to waive visa fees for foreign-born UK veterans and their families.
In November 2021, the Aspen Institute's Commission on Information Disorder published its report, featuring 15 recommendations, for which Harry served as a commissioner.
In February 2022, Harry and Meghan were selected to receive the NAACP's President's Award for their work on causes related to social justice and equity.
In March 2022, Prince Harry and Meghan signed an open letter by the People's Vaccine Alliance, advocating for free global access to COVID-19 vaccines.
In April 2022, Prince Harry launched an eco-travel campaign through Travalyst, encouraging sustainable travel in a video featuring Rhys Darby and Dave Fane on Māori Television.
In October 2022, Harry and Meghan were named as Ripple of Hope Award laureates for their work on racial justice, mental health, and other social initiatives through their foundation Archewell.
The docuseries "Harry & Meghan", produced by Netflix and Archewell Productions and directed by Liz Garbus, premiered on Netflix on December 8, 2022, receiving mixed reviews.
In 2022, Sunshine Sachs concluded their representation of Harry and Meghan.
In January 2023, ahead of the release of his memoir Spare, Harry gave a series of interviews, including an interview by Anderson Cooper on 60 Minutes, another one by Tom Bradby titled Harry: The Interview on ITV1, and a third interview by Michael Strahan on Good Morning America, titled Prince Harry: In His Own Words. He expressed his desire to reconcile with his father and brother and referred to the press as "the devil".
Prince Harry's memoir, "Spare", was officially published on January 10, 2023, in 16 languages and became the UK's fastest-selling non-fiction book. Harry pledged $1.5 million of the proceeds to Sentebale and £300,000 to WellChild.
In June 2023, Spotify announced it would not proceed with its deal with Harry and Meghan, cancelling their podcast "Archetypes" after one season.
In November 2023, Prince Harry was named global ambassador for Scotty's Little Soldiers, one of the charities supported in lieu of wedding gifts.
In 2023, Harry was appointed a member of the board of directors of African Parks, after previously serving as its president since 2017.
In April 2024, it was announced that Archewell Productions is working with Netflix to produce two new shows: one on lifestyle and one on polo.
Greta Thunberg is a Swedish environmental activist who gained international...
Instagram is a photo and video-sharing social networking service owned...
Oprah Winfrey is a highly influential American talk show host...
Sir Elton John is a highly successful British singer songwriter...
Michelle Obama is an American attorney and author best known...
Elizabeth II reigned as Queen of the United Kingdom and...
10 minutes ago Verizon's Mixed Signals: Subscriber Losses Despite Strong Financial Growth in Q1 2025
11 minutes ago Scarlett Johansson and Walton Goggins to host SNL's Season 50 finale.
11 minutes ago Gary Payton II's Availability Uncertain for Game 3 Against Rockets, but available on Saturday.
11 minutes ago SpaceX Launches Starlink Satellites from Cape Canaveral Aboard Falcon 9 Rocket
11 minutes ago Florence Pugh Shines in 'Thunderbolts': Early Reactions Hail It as Top-Tier Marvel
12 minutes ago Giroux's Senators emulate Flyers' 2010 comeback; Laughton jokes about on-ice battles.
Pope Francis is the current head of the Catholic Church...
The Real ID Act of is a US federal law...
Cristiano Ronaldo often nicknamed CR is a highly decorated Portuguese...
Michael Jordan also known as MJ is an American businessman...
Donald John Trump is an American politician media personality and...
LeBron James nicknamed King James is a highly decorated American...