Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex
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, Harry's life has been marked by both royal duties and personal pursuits. He served in the British Army and has been involved in various philanthropic endeavors, particularly focusing on mental health and supporting veterans. In recent years, he and his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, stepped down as senior working royals and now reside in the United States.
September 2004: Passed Regular Commissions Board
In September 2004, Prince Harry passed the Regular Commissions Board (RCB).
May 2005: Entry into Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
In May 2005, Prince Harry entered the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where he was known as Officer Cadet Wales.
April 2006: Commissioned as Cornet in the Blues and Royals
In April 2006, Prince Harry completed his officer training and was commissioned as a Cornet (second lieutenant) in the Blues and Royals.
October 2006: Completion of Troop Leaders' Course
In October 2006, Prince Harry completed the Troop Leaders' Course and rejoined his regiment in Windsor.
2006: Completed Engagements
Between 2006 and 2019, Prince Harry completed 1,190 engagements.
2006: Launch of Sentebale
In 2006, Prince Harry visited Mants'ase Children's Home near Mohale's Hoek in Lesotho, which he had first toured in 2004, and alongside Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, he launched Sentebale: The Princes' Fund for Lesotho, a charity to assist children orphaned by HIV/AIDS.
2007: First Deployment to Afghanistan
In 2007, Prince Harry was first deployed on active duty to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, for ten weeks, serving with the Blues and Royals.
April 2008: Promoted to Lieutenant
In April 2008, Prince Harry was promoted to lieutenant in the Blues and Royals.
May 2008: Awarded Operational Service Medal
In May 2008, Princess Anne presented Prince Harry with an Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan at the Combermere Barracks, for his service in the war zone.
October 2008: Enduro Africa Motorbike Ride
In October 2008, Harry and his brother 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.
October 2008: Announcement of Helicopter Training
In October 2008, it was announced that Prince Harry would learn to fly military helicopters.
2008: First Deployment to Afghanistan
In 2007-2008, Prince Harry served for ten weeks in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, with the Blues and Royals.
January 2009: Grant of Royal Household
On January 6, 2009, The Queen granted Prince Harry and Prince William their own royal household. Previously, their affairs had been handled by their father's office.
February 2009: Failed Pilot's Theory Test
In February 2009, Prince Harry initially failed his pilot's theory test.
September 2009: Establishment of The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry
In September 2009, William and Harry set up The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry to enable them to take forward their charitable ambitions.
May 2010: Awarded Flying Brevet
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.
2010: Vice-Royal Patron of RFU
Since 2010, Prince Harry served as the RFU's vice-royal patron, supporting the Queen as patron.
April 2011: Awarded Apache Flying Badge and Promotion to Captain
In April 2011, Prince Harry was awarded his Apache Flying Badge on April 14, and promoted to captain on April 16.
June 2011: Announcement of Availability for Deployment
In June 2011, Clarence House announced that Prince Harry would be available for deployment in current operations in Afghanistan as an Apache helicopter pilot.
2011: Trip to the North Pole
In 2011 Harry took part in an unfinished trip to the North Pole with Walking With The Wounded.
September 2012: Deployment to Camp Bastion
On September 7, 2012, Prince Harry arrived at Camp Bastion in southern Afghanistan as part of the 662 Squadron, 3 Regiment, Army Air Corps, for a combat tour as an Apache helicopter co-pilot and gunner.
2012: Second Deployment to Afghanistan
In 2012, Prince Harry was deployed to Afghanistan for twenty weeks with the Army Air Corps.
January 2013: Return from Deployment in Afghanistan
On January 21, 2013, it was announced that Prince Harry was returning from a 20-week deployment in Afghanistan.
May 2013: Official Visit to the United States
Between May 9 and 15, 2013, Prince Harry made an official visit to the United States, promoting rehabilitation of injured troops, his charities, and British interests. He visited Washington, DC, Colorado, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
July 2013: Qualified as Apache Aircraft Commander
On July 8, 2013, the Ministry of Defence announced that Prince Harry had successfully qualified as an Apache aircraft commander.
December 2013: Expedition to the South Pole
In December 2013, Harry joined Walking With The Wounded's 200-mile expedition to the South Pole in Antarctica, accompanying injured servicemen and women.
2013: Second Deployment to Afghanistan
In 2012-2013, Prince Harry served for twenty weeks in Afghanistan with the Army Air Corps.
2013: Meeting with Mahfouz Marei Mubarak bin Mahfouz
In 2013, Prince Harry met with Mahfouz Marei Mubarak bin Mahfouz, who later donated £50,000 to Harry's charity Sentebale and £10,000 to Walking With The Wounded. These 2013 meetings allegedly facilitated Mahfouz's access to the Prince of Wales.
2013: Patron of HALO Trust's 25th Anniversary Appeal
In 2013, Prince Harry was named as patron of the HALO Trust's 25th Anniversary Appeal, continuing his involvement with the organization focused on landmine removal.
January 2014: Appointment as Staff Officer in HQ London District
In January 2014, it was announced that Prince Harry had completed his attachment to 3 Regiment Army Air Corps and would assume the role of staff officer, SO3 (Defence Engagement), in HQ London District. Based at Horse Guards in central London, his responsibilities included coordinating significant projects and commemorative events involving the Army in London.
March 2014: Launch of Invictus Games
On March 6, 2014, Prince Harry launched the Invictus Games, a Paralympic-style sporting event for injured servicemen and women, scheduled to be held in September 2014.
November 2014: Opened Field of Remembrance
On November 6, 2014, Prince Harry opened the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey, a task usually performed by Prince Philip.
2014: Second Meeting with Mahfouz Marei Mubarak bin Mahfouz
In 2014, Prince Harry had another meeting with Mahfouz Marei Mubarak bin Mahfouz. Subsequently, Mahfouz donated £50,000 to Sentebale and £10,000 to Walking With The Wounded.
2014: Launch of the Invictus Games
In 2014, Prince Harry launched the Invictus Games, inspired by the Warrior Games in the United States, and continues to be involved as the founding patron.
January 2015: New Role Supporting Wounded Service Personnel
In January 2015, it was reported that Prince Harry would take on a new role supporting wounded service personnel, working alongside members of 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.
March 2015: Visit to Phoenix House and Merville Barracks
In March 2015, Prince Harry visited Phoenix House in Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, a recovery center run by Help for Heroes, and Merville Barracks in Colchester, the location of Chavasse VC House Personnel Recovery Centre.
March 2015: Announcement of Departure from the Armed Forces
On March 17, 2015, Kensington Palace announced that Prince Harry would leave the Armed Forces in June. Before his departure, he was seconded to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) for four weeks in April and May. Afterwards, he would work in a voluntary capacity with the Ministry of Defence.
April 2015: Visit to Australian War Memorial and Gallipoli Commemorations
In April 2015, before reporting for duty to the Australian Defence Force (ADF), Prince Harry visited the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on April 6. He also joined his father in Turkey to attend commemorations of the centenary of the Gallipoli Campaign.
April 2015: Secondment to the Australian Defence Force
On April 6, 2015, Prince Harry began his secondment to the Australian Defence Force (ADF), reporting for duty at the Royal Military College, Duntroon in Canberra and then flying to Darwin to join the 1st Brigade. He participated in various training exercises, including with the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) and the 2nd Commando Regiment.
May 2015: End of Attachment with the ADF
On May 8, 2015, Prince Harry's attachment with the Australian Defence Force concluded.
June 2015: Resignation from Short Service Commission
On June 19, 2015, Prince Harry officially resigned his short service commission in the British Army.
October 2015: Launch of Invictus Games Orlando 2016
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 later attended an Invictus Games board meeting and a reception.
October 2015: Walk of Britain
In October 2015, as patron of Walk of Britain, Harry walked with the team on 30 September and 20 October.
November 2015: Opening of Mamohato Children's Centre
In November 2015, Prince Harry, as patron of Sentebale, travelled to Lesotho to attend the opening of the Mamohato Children's Centre.
December 2015: Official Visit to South Africa
From November 30 to December 3, 2015, Prince Harry made an official visit to South Africa. He presented the insignia of the Order of the Companions of Honour to the Archbishop and played the Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup, fundraising for Sentebale.
July 2016: HIV Testing and Attendance at International AIDS Conference
In July 2016, Harry took an HIV test live on Facebook and attended the 21st International AIDS Conference in Durban, South Africa.
January 2017: Visit to the Running Charity and Depaul UK
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.
April 2017: Landmine Free 2025 reception
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, continuing his work with the HALO Trust.
December 2017: Guest Editing BBC Radio 4's Today Programme and Appointment as President of African Parks
In December 2017, Harry guest edited BBC Radio 4's Today programme, conducting interviews on various issues. He was also appointed the new president of African Parks.
December 2017: Appointment as Captain General Royal Marines
On December 19, 2017, Prince Harry succeeded his grandfather Prince Philip as the Captain General Royal Marines.
April 2018: Commonwealth Youth Ambassador Appointment
In April 2018, Prince Harry was appointed Commonwealth youth ambassador. Also in April, he became a patron of Walk of America. The Prince was appointed the president of The Queen's Commonwealth Trust in April.
July 2018: Launch of MenStar Coalition
In July 2018, the Elton John AIDS Foundation announced that Harry and Elton John were about to launch a global coalition called MenStar to focus on treating HIV infections in men.
October 2018: Pacific Tour for Invictus Games
In October 2018, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex travelled to Sydney for the 2018 Invictus Games, forming part of a Pacific tour including Australia, Fiji, Tonga, and New Zealand.
April 2019: Announcement of Documentary Series with Oprah Winfrey
In April 2019, it was announced that Harry was working as co-creator and executive producer on a documentary series about mental health with Oprah Winfrey for Apple TV+.
June 2019: Announcement of split from The Royal Foundation
In June 2019, it was announced that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would split from The Royal Foundation and establish their own charity foundation by the end of 2019, while continuing to collaborate with Prince William and Catherine on mutual projects such as Heads Together.
September 2019: Launch of Travalyst
In September 2019, Prince Harry launched Travalyst during a visit to the Netherlands. This initiative aims to promote sustainable practices within the travel industry and address climate change and environmental damage, in collaboration with companies like Tripadvisor, Booking.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Visa Inc.
September 2019: Visit to de-mining site in Angola
In September 2019, Prince Harry walked through a de-mining site in Angola, following in his mother's footsteps from 22 years prior, as part of his ongoing work with the HALO Trust.
September 2019: Hiring of Sunshine Sachs PR Firm
In September 2019, it was reported that Harry and Meghan had hired New York-based PR firm Sunshine Sachs.
October 2019: Southern African Tour
In October 2019, Prince Harry undertook a Southern African tour that included Malawi, Angola, South Africa, and Botswana. This was "their first official tour as a family" because infant son Archie travelled with the Sussexes.
November 2019: Interview with Gareth Thomas for National HIV Testing Week
In November 2019, Harry interviewed HIV+ Rugby player Gareth Thomas on behalf of the Terrence Higgins Trust.
January 2020: Stepped Down as Working Royals
In January 2020, Harry and Meghan stepped down as working royals and moved to Southern California.
January 2020: Announcement of Stepping Back from Royal Duties
In January 2020, the Duke and Duchess announced that they were stepping back from their role as senior members of the royal family. They intended to become financially independent and cease to represent the Queen.
January 2020: Announcement on Royal Highness styles
On 18 January 2020, Buckingham Palace announced that, following their decision to step back from royal duties, from 31 March 2020 the Duke and Duchess would not use their Royal Highness styles in practice or publicly.
February 2020: Recording of "Unbroken"
In February 2020, Prince Harry recorded a new version of the song "Unbroken" with Jon Bon Jovi, featuring backing vocals from members of the Invictus Choir, to support the Invictus Games Foundation.
February 2020: Decision to not use Sussex Royal as brand name
On February 21, 2020, it was confirmed that "Sussex Royal" would not be used as a brand name for Prince Harry and Meghan following their withdrawal from public life.
March 2020: End of Royal Highness style usage
From 31 March 2020, following the announcement made in January 2020, the Duke and Duchess ceased using their Royal Highness styles in practice or publicly.
March 2020: Final Engagements as Senior Royal
In March 2020, Prince Harry attended the opening of the Silverstone Experience with Lewis Hamilton, his final solo engagement as a senior royal. He and Meghan attended the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey on March 9, 2020, their last engagement as a couple before stepping down.
March 2020: End of Commonwealth Youth Ambassador Role
In March 2020, Prince Harry's role as Commonwealth youth ambassador ended.
March 2020: Release of "Unbroken"
On March 27, 2020, the song "Unbroken" by Jon Bon Jovi and Prince Harry was released, with proceeds going to the Invictus Games Foundation, demonstrating Harry's continued support for veterans and the Invictus Games.
April 2020: Confirmation of Archewell Foundation
In April 2020, Meghan and Harry confirmed that their new foundation (in lieu of Sussex Royal) would be called "Archewell". The name is derived from the Greek word "arche", meaning "source of action," which also inspired the name of their son, Archie.
April 2020: Launch of HeadFIT
In April 2020, Prince Harry launched HeadFIT, a new initiative designed to provide mental health support for members of the armed forces. This platform was developed collaboratively by the Royal Foundation's Heads Together campaign, the Ministry of Defence, and King's College London.
June 2020: Signing with Harry Walker Agency
In June 2020, Harry and Meghan signed with the Harry Walker Agency for paid public speaking engagements.
June 2020: Backing Stop Hate for Profit campaign
In June 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex supported the Stop Hate for Profit campaign, encouraging CEOs of various companies to join the movement and combat online hate speech.
August 2020: Rename and Dissolution of Sussex Royal Foundation
On August 5, 2020, the Sussex Royal Foundation was renamed "MWX Foundation" and dissolved on the same day, marking the end of the organization's operations.
September 2020: Commercial Deal with Netflix
In September 2020, the Sussexes signed a private commercial deal with Netflix.
October 2020: Launch of Archewell Website
In October 2020, the website for Archewell, the foundation established by Prince Harry and Meghan, was officially launched in the United States, providing a platform for their philanthropic endeavors.
December 2020: Multi-Year Deal with Spotify and Holiday Special Release
In December 2020, Harry and Meghan signed a multi-year deal with Spotify to produce and host programs through Archewell Audio. They also released a holiday special on the service.
December 2020: Lawsuit Against Associated Newspapers Limited
In December 2020, Prince Harry's legal team sued Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) for publishing a story in the Mail on Sunday that falsely claimed his working relationship with the Royal Marines had suffered after his royal departure. The newspaper later apologized and paid "substantial damages", which were donated to the Invictus Games Foundation.
2020: Incorporation of Companies and Trust
Beginning in early 2020, Harry and Meghan incorporated 11 companies and a trust including Orinoco Publishing LLC and Peca Publishing LLC to hold the rights for their books as well as Cobblestone Lane LLC and IPHW LLC which are holders of their foundation's logos.
February 2021: Confirmation of relinquishing Military Appointments
In February 2021, Buckingham Palace confirmed that Prince Harry would give up his position as Captain General Royal Marines and hand back all other honorary military appointments.
February 2021: End of Role as President of The Queen's Commonwealth Trust
In February 2021, Prince Harry's role as president of The Queen's Commonwealth Trust ended.
March 2021: Appointment as Chief Impact Officer at BetterUp and Commissioner at Aspen Institute
In March 2021, Harry became the chief impact officer at BetterUp and was appointed as a commissioner for the Aspen Institute's Commission on Information Disorder.
March 2021: End of Twelve-Month Review Period
In March 2021, the formal role of the Duke and Duchess was subject to a twelve-month review period, ending in March 2021.
April 2021: Campaign Chairs for Vax Live
In April 2021, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were announced as campaign chairs for Vax Live: The Concert to Reunite the World, an event organized by Global Citizen to promote increased access to COVID-19 vaccinations. They also supported a vaccine equity fundraiser and urged pharmaceutical CEOs to address the vaccine equity crisis.
May 2021: Support of Peak State
In May 2021, Prince Harry publicly supported Peak State, a mental fitness program providing tools and resources for managing mental health.
May 2021: Release of 'The Me You Can't See' on Apple TV+
On 21 May 2021, the documentary series The Me You Can't See, co-created and executive produced by Harry and Oprah Winfrey, was released on Apple TV+.
June 2021: Statement on HALO Trust attack in Afghanistan
In June 2021, after ten members of the HALO Trust were killed by an armed group at a mine clearance camp in Afghanistan, Prince Harry issued a statement condemning the attack as an act of barbarism.
July 2021: Announcement of Memoir Publication
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.
September 2021: Hosting virtual event for Warrior Games
In September 2021, Prince Harry, along with First Lady Jill Biden, hosted a virtual event for the Warrior Games, which were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating continued support for veterans.
October 2021: Partnership with Ethic
In October 2021, Harry and Meghan announced their partnership with Ethic, a sustainable investment firm based in New York City, which also manages the couple's investments.
October 2021: Op-ed against oil drilling in Okavango River
In October 2021, Prince Harry spoke out against oil drilling in the Okavango River in an op-ed for The Washington Post, highlighting his environmental advocacy.
November 2021: Remarks at Wired's Re:Wired Conference
In November 2021, during a panel at Wired's Re:Wired Conference, Prince Harry claimed he emailed Jack Dorsey, CEO of Twitter, a day before the January 6 United States Capitol attack to warn of potential civil unrest but received no response. Also in November 2021, Conservative politician Johnny Mercer announced that Prince Harry supported their proposal to waive visa fees for foreign-born UK veterans and their families.
November 2021: Publication of Aspen Institute's Report on Information Disorder
In November 2021, the Aspen Institute's Commission on Information Disorder published its report with 15 recommendations, for which Harry was a commissioner.
2021: Travalyst partnership with Google
In 2021, Travalyst announced a partnership with Google to further its mission of encouraging sustainable travel practices.
March 2022: Signing open letter for vaccine equity
In March 2022, Prince Harry and his wife were among those who signed an open letter by the People's Vaccine Alliance, advocating for free global access to COVID-19 vaccines and criticizing the UK, EU, and Switzerland for opposing a waiver on vaccine intellectual property protections.
April 2022: Launch of eco-travel campaign
In April 2022, Prince Harry launched an eco-travel campaign through his non-profit Travalyst, encouraging sustainable travel with a video featuring Rhys Darby and Dave Fane on Māori Television.
April 2022: Criticism over BetterUp's New Metrics and Harry's Role
In April 2022, reports emerged of criticism by BetterUp's coaches over new metrics and the opacity surrounding Harry's role in the firm.
June 2022: First Official Appearance in the UK Since Stepping Down
In June 2022, Prince Harry and Meghan made their first official appearance in the UK since stepping down, attending the Platinum Jubilee National Service of Thanksgiving.
September 2022: Charity Events and Queen Elizabeth II's Death
In September 2022, The Sussexes visited the UK and Germany for charity events. On 8 September 2022, while in London, Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, and Harry and Meghan remained in the United Kingdom for her funeral.
December 2022: Premiere of Harry & Meghan Docuseries on Netflix
On 8 December 2022, Harry & Meghan, a docuseries about the Sussexes produced by Netflix and Archewell Productions, premiered on Netflix. The series received mixed reviews.
2022: End of Representation by Sunshine Sachs
In 2022, Sunshine Sachs stopped representing Harry and Meghan as their PR firm.
January 2023: Publication of 'Spare'
On 10 January 2023, Harry's memoir Spare was officially published in 16 languages, becoming the UK's fastest selling non-fiction book. Harry pledged $1.5 million of the proceeds to Sentebale and £300,000 to WellChild.
June 2023: Spotify Cancels Archetypes
In June 2023, Spotify announced they would not proceed with their deal with Harry and Meghan, cancelling Archetypes after one season.
November 2023: Named global ambassador for Scotty's Little Soldiers
In November 2023, Prince Harry was named global ambassador for Scotty's Little Soldiers, one of the charities he and his wife had invited people to support in lieu of wedding presents, furthering his philanthropic efforts.
2023: Appointment as Member of African Parks Board of Directors
In 2023, Harry was appointed a member of the board of directors for African Parks, after serving as president since 2017.
April 2024: New Shows in Production with Netflix
In April 2024, it was announced that Archewell Productions is working with Netflix to produce two new shows – on lifestyle and on polo.
May 2024: Trip to Nigeria and Recognition for Travalyst
Following Harry and Meghan's trip to Nigeria in May 2024, it was argued that the couple could have been used by the royal family. Additionally, in the same year Harry's role as founder of Travalyst was recognised in the second edition of the Time 100 Climate list which ranked the most influential climate action leaders.
May 2024: Visit to Nigeria to Honour Invictus Games
In May 2024, Harry and Meghan visited Nigeria to honour the work of the Invictus Games, focusing on sports rehabilitation, mental health, and women's empowerment.
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