Major Controversies Surrounding Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex: A Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 15, 2026

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, is a member of the British royal family and the younger son of King Charles III and Diana, Princess of Wales. He served for ten years in the British Armed Forces, completing two tours of duty in Afghanistan. In 2018, he married American actress Meghan Markle, with whom he shares two children. In 2020, the couple announced their decision to step back as senior working members of the royal family, eventually relocating to California to pursue financial independence and philanthropic endeavors. Harry has become a prominent advocate for mental health, veterans' causes, and environmental issues, notably founding the Invictus Games, an international sporting competition for wounded service personnel. His relationship with the media and the monarchy has been a subject of intense public scrutiny, further detailed in his 2023 memoir, Spare, and various media projects. He continues to balance his life as a private citizen with high-profile charitable work.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

10 September 2012: Taliban Life Threats

On 10 September 2012, it was publicly reported that the Taliban had issued threats against Prince Harry's life shortly after he commenced his deployment in Afghanistan.

June 2003: Completion of Education at Eton

In June 2003, Prince Harry finished his secondary education at Eton College. He earned two A-Levels, specifically a B in art and a D in geography, after choosing to discontinue his studies in history of art. This period was later marked by controversy when a teacher alleged exam cheating, which was officially denied, though a tribunal noted he had received assistance with an 'expressive' project required for his admission to Sandhurst.

April 2006: Ministry of Defence Deployment Policy Announcement

In April 2006, the Ministry of Defence addressed the potential deployment of Prince Harry to Iraq, stating that while he was expected to perform full duties, his presence required special security considerations to avoid endangering his unit, sparking a public debate about his front-line participation.

February 2008: Revelation of Afghan Deployment

In February 2008, the Ministry of Defence confirmed that Prince Harry had spent the previous ten weeks serving in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, as a joint terminal attack controller. The disclosure occurred prematurely due to media breaches by Bild and New Idea, forcing his immediate extraction for security reasons.

January 2020: Stepping back from royal duties and relocation

In January 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their decision to step back from their positions as senior working royals and subsequently moved their family to Southern California, where they founded the organization Archewell Inc.

March 2021: Oprah with Meghan and Harry interview

In March 2021, the couple participated in a high-profile, widely publicized television interview conducted by Oprah Winfrey, titled 'Oprah with Meghan and Harry'.