Early Life and Education of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex: A Complete Timeline

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Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex

An overview of the childhood and early education of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, is a prominent member of the British royal family, currently fifth in line to the throne. The younger son of King Charles III and the late Diana, Princess of Wales, he has undertaken various philanthropic endeavors, including founding the Invictus Games. In 2020, he and his wife, Meghan Markle, stepped down as senior working royals, relocating to the United States. This decision, dubbed "Megxit" by the media, marked a significant shift in his role within the monarchy. He has since pursued independent ventures, including media projects and charitable work, while maintaining a complex relationship with the royal family.

February 1960: Elizabeth II declares Prince Harry's father a member of the House of Windsor

On 8 February 1960, Harry's paternal grandmother, Elizabeth II, issued letters patent declaring his father to be a member of the House of Windsor.

September 1984: Prince Harry's birth

In September 1984, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, was born as Henry Charles Albert David, the younger son of King Charles III and Diana, Princess of Wales.

September 1984: Born in London

On 15 September 1984, Prince Harry was born in the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London, as the second child of Charles, Prince of Wales, and Diana, Princess of Wales.

December 1984: Christened at Windsor Castle

In December 1984, on the 21st, Prince Harry was christened Henry Charles Albert David at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, by Robert Runcie, the then Archbishop of Canterbury.

1985: First overseas tour

In 1985, Prince Harry accompanied his parents on his first overseas tour to Italy.

May 1988: Surgery for Minor Hernia

In May 1988, Prince Harry underwent a surgery for a minor hernia.

1991: Family trip to Canada

In 1991, Prince Harry traveled with his family to Canada.

1996: Parents' Divorce

In 1996, Prince Harry's parents, Charles, Prince of Wales, and Diana, Princess of Wales, divorced.

1997: Death of Diana, Princess of Wales

In 1997, Prince Harry's mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, died in a car crash in Paris.

1998: Second trip to Canada

In 1998, Prince Harry traveled with his family to Canada.

November 2000: Broken Thumb While Playing Football

In November 2000, Prince Harry broke his thumb while playing football at Eton and underwent a minor operation.

2001: Reports of Smoking Cannabis and Drinking

In the summer of 2001, Prince Harry reportedly smoked cannabis and drank at his father's Highgrove House and at a local pub.

2002: Visit to Drug Rehabilitation Unit

In 2002, Prince Harry visited a drug rehabilitation unit to talk to drug addicts after reports emerged that he had been smoking cannabis and drinking in 2001.

2002: Future inheritance from the Queen Mother

In 2002, it was reported that Prince Harry will receive a disbursement of £4.9 million on his 21st birthday and a share of £8 million on his 40th birthday from trust funds established by his great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.

June 2003: Completion of Education at Eton

In June 2003, Prince Harry completed his education at Eton with two A-Levels, achieving a grade B in art and D in geography.

2003: Harry given the nickname Mohale in Lesotho

During his gap year in Lesotho in 2003, Prince Harry was given the nickname Mohale (transl. 'the warrior'), a name that belonged to the younger brother of Moshoeshoe I.

September 2004: Passed the Regular Commissions Board (RCB)

In September 2004, Prince Harry passed the Regular Commissions Board (RCB).

2004: First visit to Mants'ase Children's Home

In 2004, Prince Harry first toured Mants'ase Children's Home near Mohale's Hoek in Lesotho, which led to him launching Sentebale: The Princes' Fund for Lesotho, a charity to assist children orphaned by HIV/AIDS in 2006.

2004: Training as a Rugby Development Officer

In 2004, Prince Harry trained as a Rugby Development Officer for the Rugby Football Union and coached students in schools to encourage them to learn the sport.

January 2005: Remarks about Chelsy Davy

In January 2005, when asked about his Zimbabwean girlfriend Chelsy Davy, Prince Harry stated, "She's not black or anything, you know".

May 2005: Entry into Royal Military Academy Sandhurst

In May 2005, Prince Harry entered the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst as Officer Cadet Wales.

2005: Start of Harry's army career

In 2005, Prince Harry started his 10 year career in the army, which he would later describe as "the happiest times in my life" in 2021.

2005: Nazi uniform controversy

In early 2005, Prince Harry was photographed at a "Colonial and Native"-themed birthday party in Wiltshire wearing a Nazi German Afrika Korps uniform with a swastika armband, sparking a backlash from the media, politicians, and religious figures. He later apologized for his behavior.

April 2006: Commissioned as Cornet in the Blues and Royals

In April 2006, Prince Harry completed his officer training at Sandhurst and was commissioned as a Cornet (second lieutenant) in the Blues and Royals, a regiment of the Household Cavalry in the British Army.

April 2006: Debate over deployment to Iraq

In April 2006, a public debate ensued regarding Prince Harry's potential deployment to Iraq with his unit, with discussions about whether he should serve on the front line.

October 2006: Completion of Troop Leaders' Course

In October 2006, Prince Harry completed the Troop Leaders' Course and rejoined his regiment in Windsor, where he was put in charge of a troop of 11 soldiers and four Scimitar reconnaissance vehicles.

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.

February 2007: Announcement of Iraq deployment

On 22 February 2007, it was jointly announced by the Ministry of Defence and Clarence House that Prince Harry would be deployed with his regiment to Iraq as part of the 1st Mechanised Brigade of the 3rd Mechanised Division.

April 2007: Army Head's decision on Harry's Iraq deployment

On 30 April 2007, General Sir Richard Dannatt, head of the British army, personally decided that Prince Harry would serve with his unit in Iraq as a troop commander.

June 2007: Decision Against Iraq Deployment

By 16 May but made public in June 2007, General Sir Richard Dannatt announced that Prince Harry would not serve in Iraq due to security concerns.

June 2007: Training in Canada

In early June 2007, Prince Harry arrived in Canada to train alongside soldiers of the Canadian Forces and British Army at CFB Suffield in Alberta, in preparation for a potential tour of duty in Afghanistan.

2007: First deployment to Afghanistan

In 2007, Prince Harry was first deployed on active duty to Afghanistan, serving for ten weeks in Helmand Province.

April 2008: Promotion to Lieutenant

In April 2008, having reached two years' seniority, 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.

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: Helicopter Flying Training Announcement

In October 2008, it was announced that Prince Harry would follow his brother, father, and uncle in learning to fly military helicopters and attended the Defence Helicopter Flying School at RAF Shawbury.

November 2008: Alleged comment to Stephen K. Amos

In November 2008, British comedian Stephen K. Amos alleged that Prince Harry commented on his performance at Prince Charles's 60th birthday celebrations by saying, "You don't sound like a black chap".

2008: Return from first deployment to Afghanistan

In 2008, Prince Harry concluded his first deployment in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, after serving for ten weeks.

January 2009: News of the World releases video with offensive remarks

In January 2009, the News of the World released a video made by Prince Harry three years earlier in which he used offensive terms such as "our little Paki friend" and "raghead". Clarence House issued an apology, and Harry was reportedly instructed to attend a diversity course.

January 2009: The Queen granted Harry and William their own royal household

On January 6, 2009, The Queen granted Harry and William their own royal household which released a statement announcing they had established their own office at nearby St James's Palace to look after their public, military and charitable activities.

February 2009: Failed Pilot's Theory Test

In February 2009, Prince Harry initially failed his pilot's theory test.

September 2009: Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry Set Up

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.

2009: Reported Parting with Chelsy Davy

In early 2009, it was reported that Prince Harry and Chelsy Davy had parted ways after a relationship that had lasted for five years.

May 2010: Awarded Flying Brevet

On 7 May 2010, Prince Charles presented Prince Harry with his flying brevet (wings) at a ceremony at the Army Air Corps Base (AAC), Middle Wallop.

2010: Serving as RFU's vice-royal patron

Since 2010, Prince Harry served as the Rugby Football Union's (RFU) 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 the 14th and was promoted to captain on the 16th.

June 2011: Availability for Deployment as Apache Helicopter Pilot

In June 2011, Clarence House announced that Prince Harry would be available for deployment in current operations in Afghanistan as an Apache helicopter pilot.

November 2011: Return to England for Apache Training

In November 2011, Prince Harry returned to England and went to Wattisham Airfield in Suffolk to complete his training to fly Apache helicopters.

March 2012: Official Visit to Belize

In March 2012, as part of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations, Harry led an official visit to Belize, followed by visits to the Bahamas and Jamaica.

May 2012: Introduction to Cressida Bonas

In May 2012, Prince Harry's cousin Princess Eugenie introduced him to Cressida Bonas, an actress and model.

August 2012: Nude photographs leaked from Las Vegas holiday

In August 2012, while on holiday in Las Vegas, Harry and an unknown young woman were photographed naked in a Wynn Las Vegas hotel room, reportedly during a game of strip billiards. The pictures were leaked by TMZ on 21 August 2012, and reported worldwide by mainstream media on 22 August 2012.

September 2012: Deployment to Afghanistan as Apache Co-Pilot Gunner

On 7 September 2012, Prince Harry arrived at Camp Bastion in southern Afghanistan as part of the 662 Squadron, 3 Regiment, Army Air Corps, for a four-month combat tour as a co-pilot and gunner for an Apache helicopter.

2012: Launch of Coach Core

In 2012, Prince Harry launched Coach Core alongside his brother and sister-in-law, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The program provides apprenticeship opportunities for people who desire to pursue a career as a professional coach, following the 2012 Olympics.

2012: Second deployment to Afghanistan

In 2012, Prince Harry was deployed for a second tour of duty in Afghanistan for twenty weeks with the Army Air Corps.

January 2013: Return from Afghanistan Deployment

On 21 January 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, Harry made an official visit to the United States, promoting the rehabilitation of injured American and UK troops, publicising his own charities, and supporting British interests through engagements in Washington, DC, Colorado, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. He also met survivors of Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey.

June 2013: DNA confirms Indian descent

In June 2013, BritainsDNA announced that genealogical DNA tests on two of Prince Harry and Prince William's distant matrilineal cousins confirm that Eliza Kewark was matrilineally of Indian descent.

July 2013: Qualified as Apache Aircraft Commander

On 8 July 2013, the Ministry of Defence announced that Prince Harry had successfully qualified as an Apache aircraft commander.

October 2013: First Official Tour of Australia

In October 2013, Harry undertook his first official tour of Australia, attending the International Fleet Review at Sydney Harbour and visiting the Australian SAS HQ in Perth.

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 twelve injured servicemen and women.

2013: Return from second deployment to Afghanistan

In 2013, Prince Harry completed his second tour of duty in Afghanistan after serving for twenty weeks with the Army Air Corps.

2013: Named patron of HALO Trust's 25th Anniversary Appeal

In 2013, Prince Harry was named as patron of the HALO Trust's 25th Anniversary Appeal, furthering his involvement with the organization that removes landmines left behind by war.

March 2014: Launch of the Invictus Games

On March 6, 2014, Prince Harry launched the Invictus Games, a Paralympic-style sporting event for injured servicemen and women, which was held from 10–14 September 2014.

April 2014: Meeting with British Hopefuls for the Invictus Games

On April 29, 2014, Prince Harry met with British hopefuls for the Invictus Games at Tedworth House in Wiltshire to start the selection process.

April 2014: Reported Parting with Cressida Bonas

On April 30, 2014, it was reported that Prince Harry and Cressida Bonas had parted amicably.

May 2014: Visits to Estonia and Italy

In May 2014, Harry visited Estonia and Italy. In Estonia, he visited Freedom Square in Tallinn and attended a NATO military exercise. In Italy, he attended commemorations of the 70th anniversary of the Monte Cassino battles.

May 2014: Attendance at Invictus Games Ticket Sale Launch

On May 15, 2014, Prince Harry attended a ticket sale launch for the Invictus Games at BT Tower. He tweeted on the Invictus Games' official Twitter account as the president of the Games.

July 2014: Radio Interview to Promote the Invictus Games

In July 2014, Prince Harry was interviewed by BBC Radio 2's Chris Evans, along with two Invictus Games hopefuls, to promote the Games. The show aired on July 31, 2014.

August 2014: Attendance at British Armed Forces Team Announcement for Invictus Games

In August 2014, Prince Harry and officials attended the British Armed Forces Team announcement for the Invictus Games at Potters Field Park.

September 2014: Attendance at the Invictus Games

From September 8 to 14, 2014, as president of the Invictus Games, Prince Harry attended all events related to the Games.

November 2014: Opened Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey

On November 6, 2014, Harry opened the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey, a task usually performed by Prince Philip.

2014: Inheritance from Mother's Estate

In 2014, Prince Harry inherited a portion of his mother's estate, including her wedding dress and other personal possessions. The inheritance was a sum of £10 million, grown since her death in 1997, and he also received the original lyrics and score of "Candle in the Wind" by Bernie Taupin and Elton John.

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2014: Launch of the Invictus Games

In 2014, Prince Harry launched the Invictus Games as a founding patron, inspired by the Warrior Games in the United States. He remains actively involved with the Invictus Games.

2014: Harry slaps Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins

In 2014, at an event in England, Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins was slapped by Harry after Hawkins said he was tired. Harry then asked "You awake now?".

January 2015: New Role Supporting Wounded Service Personnel

In January 2015, Prince Harry took on a new role supporting wounded service personnel by working alongside members of the London District's Personal Recovery Unit for the MOD's Defence Recovery Capability scheme to ensure that wounded personnel have adequate recovery plans. He also visited The Battle Back Centre and Fisher House UK at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

March 2015: Visit to Phoenix House

In March 2015, Prince Harry visited Phoenix House in Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, a recovery centre run by Help for Heroes. He also visited Merville Barracks in Colchester.

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 leaving, he would spend four weeks in April and May at army barracks in Australia.

April 2015: Visit to the Australian War Memorial and Gallipoli commemorations

In April 2015, before reporting for duty to the Australian Defence Force, 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 reported for duty to Australia's Chief of the Defence Force at the Royal Military College, Duntroon in Canberra, Australia. He flew to Darwin and began his month-long secondment to the ADF's 1st Brigade. His training included exercises with NORFORCE, an aviation unit, the Special Air Service Regiment, and the 2nd Commando Regiment.

May 2015: Farewell walkabout and hospital visit in Sydney

On May 7, 2015, Harry made a farewell walkabout at the Sydney Opera House and visited Macquarie University Hospital.

May 2015: End of Attachment with the ADF

On May 8, 2015, Prince Harry's attachment with the Australian Defence Force ended.

June 2015: Resignation of Short Service Commission

On June 19, 2015, Prince Harry resigned his short service commission from the army.

October 2015: Launch of Invictus Games Orlando 2016 in the US

In October 2015, 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.

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 Lesotho

In November 2015, Harry, as patron of Sentebale, traveled 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, Harry made an official visit to South Africa. He visited Cape Town, 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.

2015: End of Harry's army career

In 2015, Prince Harry ended his 10 year career in the army, which he would later describe as "the happiest times in my life" in 2021.

2015: Supporting England's bid to host rugby union's 2015 Rugby World Cup

In 2015, Prince Harry supported England's bid to host rugby union's 2015 Rugby World Cup, demonstrating his enthusiasm for the sport.

January 2016: Taking Magic Mushrooms

In January 2016 Prince Harry detailed taking magic mushrooms at a party at Courteney Cox's house, in his memoir, Spare.

March 2016: Visit to Nepal

Harry visited Nepal from March 19–23, 2016. He stayed until the end of March 2016 to help rebuild a secondary school with Team Rubicon UK, and visited a Hydropower Project in Central Nepal.

July 2016: HIV Testing and AIDS Conference

In July 2016, Harry took an HIV test live on the royal family page on 14 July and later attended the 21st International AIDS Conference in Durban, South Africa, on 21 July.

July 2016: Beginning of Relationship with Meghan Markle

In mid-2016, Prince Harry began a relationship with American actress Meghan Markle. They connected via Instagram or were set up on a blind date by a mutual friend in July 2016.

December 2016: Patron of Rugby Football Union and Rugby Football League

In December 2016, Prince Harry was patron of both the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Rugby Football League (RFL), Rugby League's governing body in England.

January 2017: Visit to 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: Hosting Landmine Free 2025 reception at Kensington Palace

In April 2017, Prince Harry hosted the Landmine Free 2025 reception at Kensington Palace, where the UK government announced an increase in financial support for de-mining efforts. This event highlighted his commitment to removing landmines and supporting affected communities.

September 2017: First Public Appearance with Meghan Markle

In September 2017, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle first appeared together in public at the Invictus Games in Toronto.

November 2017: Engagement Announcement

On November 27, 2017, Prince Harry's engagement to Meghan Markle was announced by his father.

December 2017: Succession as Captain General Royal Marines

On December 19, 2017, Prince Harry succeeded his grandfather Prince Philip as the Captain General Royal Marines.

2017: Acknowledgment of Seeking Counseling

In 2017, Prince Harry acknowledged that he had sought counseling years after his mother's death. He added that he had struggled with aggression, had suffered from anxiety during royal engagements, and had been "very close to a complete breakdown on numerous occasions".

2017: Statement About Godchildren

In 2017, Prince Harry stated that he had "five or six" godchildren, some of whom later attended his wedding.

April 2018: Appointment as Commonwealth youth ambassador and Patron of Walk of America

In April 2018, Harry was appointed Commonwealth youth ambassador. Also in that month, Harry became a patron of Walk of America, a campaign which brings together a number of veterans who will take part in a 1,000-mile expedition across the US in mid-2018. The Prince was appointed the president of The Queen's Commonwealth Trust, which focuses on projects involving children and welfare of prisoners, in April.

May 2018: Lease on WestfieldLarge

In May 2018, it was reported that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had signed a two-year lease on WestfieldLarge, located on the Great Tew Estate in the Cotswolds.

May 2018: Marriage to Meghan Markle

On the morning of the wedding, Queen Elizabeth II conferred the title of Duke of Sussex upon Prince Harry; Meghan Markle became Duchess of Sussex through her marriage to him later that day. The marriage ceremony was held at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle on May 19, 2018.

July 2018: Visit to Dublin, Ireland with Meghan

In July 2018, Harry and his wife Meghan travelled to Dublin, Ireland, marking their first overseas visit as a couple.

July 2018: Launch of MenStar with Elton John

In July 2018, the Elton John AIDS Foundation announced the launch of a global coalition called MenStar by the Duke of Sussex and Elton John, focusing on treating HIV infections in men.

October 2018: Travel to Sydney for the Invictus Games as part of a Pacific tour

In October 2018, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex travelled to Sydney, for the 2018 Invictus Games. This formed part of a Pacific tour that included Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand.

2018: Made Duke of Sussex

In 2018, Prince Harry was made Duke of Sussex prior to his wedding to Meghan Markle.

February 2019: Visit to Morocco

In February 2019, Harry and Meghan visited Morocco, focusing on projects related to women's empowerment, girls' education, inclusivity, and social entrepreneurship.

May 2019: Launch of Shout, UK's first 24/7 mental health text service

In May 2019, Prince Harry, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, alongside Prince William and his wife, launched Shout, the UK's first 24/7 text messaging service to support individuals facing mental health challenges. The service provides immediate support for those in need.

May 2019: Birth of Son, Archie

On May 6, 2019, the Duke and Duchess's son, Archie, was born.

June 2019: Presence at launch of Made by Sport

In June 2019, Prince Harry was present at the launch of Made by Sport, a charity coalition set to raise money to boost sport in disadvantaged communities. He argued that bringing sport into the life of disadvantaged people would save "hundreds of millions of pounds" towards treating the issues among young people.

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, but would still collaborate with Prince William and his wife on projects such as Heads Together.

July 2019: Registration of Sussex Royal The Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex

In July 2019, Prince Harry and Meghan's new charity was registered in England and Wales under the title "Sussex Royal The Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex".

September 2019: Walking through a de-mining site in Angola

In September 2019, Prince Harry walked through a de-mining site in Angola, mirroring his mother Princess Diana's visit 22 years earlier. This act symbolized his ongoing commitment to landmine removal and support for affected communities.

September 2019: Launch of Travalyst

In September 2019, during a visit to the Netherlands, Prince Harry launched Travalyst, an initiative developed over two years aimed "to encourage sustainable practices in the travel industry" and to tackle climate change and environmental damage, in collaboration with companies like Tripadvisor, Booking.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Visa Inc.

October 2019: Voicing Public Health England announcement

In October 2019, Prince Harry, along with other members of the royal family, lent his voice to a Public Health England announcement for the "Every Mind Matters" mental health program, raising awareness and encouraging people to take care of their mental well-being.

October 2019: Southern African Tour

In September and October 2019, Harry, Meghan and their infant son Archie undertook a Southern African tour, including Malawi, Angola, South Africa, and Botswana, marking their first official tour as a family.

November 2019: Interview with HIV+ Rugby Player Gareth Thomas

In November 2019, to mark the National HIV Testing Week, the Duke interviewed HIV+ Rugby player Gareth Thomas on behalf of the Terrence Higgins Trust.

2019: Presenting trophy at rugby league's 2019 Challenge Cup finals

In 2019, Prince Harry presented the trophy at rugby league's 2019 Challenge Cup finals, celebrating the sport and its participants.

January 2020: Decision to Step Back

In January 2020, Harry and Meghan announced their decision to step back from their roles as senior members of the royal family.

January 2020: Stepping down as working royals

In January 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle 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 of Sussex announced their decision to step back from their roles as senior members of the royal family, intending to split their time between the United Kingdom and North America, and work towards financial independence.

January 2020: Buckingham Palace announces Harry and Meghan will step back from royal duties

On January 18, 2020, Buckingham Palace announced that, following their decision to step back from royal duties, from March 31, 2020 the Duke and Duchess would not use their Royal Highness styles in practice or publicly.

January 2020: The Sun reported on Harry and Meghan's plans to move to Canada

On January 8, 2020, Dan Wootton of The Sun broke the story about Megxit and Harry and Meghan's initial plans for moving to Canada, which prompted the couple to issue an announcement within hours, confirming their plans for stepping back from their royal duties.

February 2020: Recording of "Unbroken" with Jon Bon Jovi

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.

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February 2020: "Sussex Royal" brand name withdrawal

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: Final solo and couple engagements as senior royals

In March 2020, Harry attended the opening of the Silverstone Experience, his last solo engagement as a senior royal. On March 9, 2020, he and Meghan attended the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey, their final engagement as a couple before officially stepping down on March 31.

March 2020: End of Commonwealth youth ambassadorship

In March 2020, Harry's position as Commonwealth youth ambassador, which he was appointed to in April 2018, came to an end.

March 2020: Release of "Unbroken" with Jon Bon Jovi

On March 27, 2020, the new version of the song "Unbroken", recorded by Prince Harry and Jon Bon Jovi, featuring the Invictus Choir, was released, with proceeds donated to the Invictus Games Foundation.

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March 2020: Harry and Meghan cease using Royal Highness styles publicly

On March 31, 2020, following their decision to step back from royal duties, the Duke and Duchess stopped using their Royal Highness styles in practice or publicly, although they are still referred to as "His/Her Royal Highness" in legal and private settings.

March 2020: Closure of Office at Buckingham Palace

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's office was moved to Buckingham Palace and officially closed on March 31, 2020, when the Sussexes ceased "undertaking official engagements in support of the Queen".

April 2020: Confirmation of Archewell foundation name

In April 2020, Meghan and Harry confirmed their new foundation (in lieu of Sussex Royal) would be called "Archewell".

April 2020: Launch of HeadFIT

In April 2020, Prince Harry launched HeadFIT, a new initiative and platform designed to provide mental health support for members of the armed forces. It was developed jointly by the Royal Foundation's Heads Together campaign, the Ministry of Defence, and King's College London.

June 2020: Purchase of House in Montecito

After some months in Canada and the United States, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle bought a house in June 2020 on the former estate of Riven Rock in Montecito, California.

June 2020: Support for Stop Hate for Profit Campaign

In June 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex backed the Stop Hate for Profit campaign, encouraging CEOs of various companies to join the movement and take a stand against hate speech.

August 2020: Renaming and dissolution of Sussex Royal Foundation

On August 5, 2020, the Sussex Royal Foundation was renamed "MWX Foundation" and dissolved the same day, marking the end of its formal existence.

October 2020: Official launch of Archewell website

In October 2020, the website for Archewell, the foundation created by Meghan and Harry, was officially launched.

2020: Harry and Meghan moved to the United States

In 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle moved to the United States. They talked about the initial difficulties associated with their move to the United States during their interview with Oprah Winfrey.

February 2021: Relinquishing of Honorary 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 the other honorary military appointments.

February 2021: End of presidency of The Queen's Commonwealth Trust

In February 2021, Harry stepped down from his position as the president of The Queen's Commonwealth Trust, a role he had held since April 2018.

February 2021: End of patronage of Rugby Football Union and Rugby Football League

In February 2021, Prince Harry's patronage of both the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Rugby Football League (RFL) concluded.

March 2021: Oprah Interview

In March 2021, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle gave a highly publicized television interview with Oprah Winfrey called Oprah with Meghan and Harry.

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March 2021: Charity Commission review of Sussex Royal

In March 2021, it was reported that the Charity Commission for England and Wales was conducting a review of the Sussex Royal organisation in a "regulatory and compliance case" regarding its conduct under charity law during dissolution.

March 2021: End of twelve-month review period

In March 2021, the twelve-month review period for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's formal roles, which began when they stepped back as senior members of the royal family, came to an end.

March 2021: Harry and Meghan's interview with Oprah Winfrey airs on CBS

On March 7, 2021, Harry and Meghan were interviewed by Oprah Winfrey in a television special for CBS. Meghan spoke about marriage, motherhood, and public life pressures. Harry discussed their move to the United States and criticized his father's parenting, stating his father had stopped answering his calls and cut him off financially, and that he had no relationship with his brother.

April 2021: Campaign Chairs for Vax Live: The Concert to Reunite the World

In April 2021, Prince Harry and Meghan were announced as campaign chairs for Vax Live: The Concert to Reunite the World, an event organised by Global Citizen to promote increased access to COVID-19 vaccinations. They also advocated for vaccine equity through a fundraiser and an open letter to pharmaceutical industry CEOs.

May 2021: Public support for Peak State

In May 2021, Prince Harry publicly lent his support to Peak State, a mental fitness programme aimed at providing tools and resources for managing mental health.

June 2021: Issuing statement on HALO Trust attack

In June 2021, Prince Harry issued a statement condemning the attack on a HALO Trust mine clearance camp in Afghanistan, where ten members of the trust were killed. He described the attack as "an act of barbarism" and emphasized the importance of the organization's work.

June 2021: Harry and Meghan accuse BBC of defamation over Lilibet's name

In June 2021, following the birth of their daughter Lilibet, the BBC reported that Harry and Meghan had not sought the Queen's permission before using her personal family nickname. Lawyers for the couple accused the BBC of defamation, stating that Harry had spoken to the Queen before announcing their daughter's name.

June 2021: Birth of Daughter, Lilibet

On June 4, 2021, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's daughter, Lilibet, was born.

September 2021: Hosting virtual event for Warrior Games with Jill Biden

In September 2021, Prince Harry, together with First Lady Jill Biden, hosted a virtual event for the Warrior Games, which were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event aimed to honor and support wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans.

October 2021: Speaking against oil drilling in the Okavango River

In October 2021, Prince Harry spoke out against oil drilling in the Okavango River in an op-ed for The Washington Post, advocating for environmental protection and sustainable practices.

2021: Harry describes his time in the army

In 2021, Harry described his 10 years (2005–2015) in the army as "the happiest times in my life".

2021: Oprah Interview with Meghan and Harry

In 2021, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle revealed in the television interview Oprah with Meghan and Harry that, three days prior to the ceremony, they had privately exchanged vows in their garden, in the presence of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

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2021: The Me You Can't See Premiere

In 2021, Prince Harry's mental-health television documentary, "The Me You Can't See", premiered, where he revealed undergoing four years of therapy and experiencing panic attacks and anxiety in his late 20s, eventually leading to burnout from official duties.

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2021: Travalyst partners with Google

In 2021, it was announced that Travalyst, Prince Harry's sustainable travel initiative, partnered with Google to further its mission of promoting eco-friendly practices within the travel industry.

March 2022: Signing open letter for free global access to COVID-19 vaccines

In March 2022, Prince Harry and his wife were among over a hundred individuals who signed an open letter published 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: Launching eco-travel campaign with Travalyst

In April 2022, Prince Harry launched an eco-travel campaign through his non-profit Travalyst, encouraging sustainable travel practices. The campaign was launched in a video featuring Rhys Darby and Dave Fane on Māori Television.

June 2022: First official appearance in the UK

In June 2022, Harry and Meghan made their first official appearance in the UK since stepping down as senior royals, attending the Platinum Jubilee National Service of Thanksgiving.

December 2022: Harry ranked as third most disliked royal family member

In December 2022, Harry was found to be the third most disliked member of the British royal family by YouGov, preceded by his uncle Prince Andrew and his wife Meghan.

December 2022: Release of Netflix docuseries "Harry & Meghan"

In December 2022, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle released their Netflix docuseries, Harry & Meghan.

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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 seven charities that he and his wife had invited people to support in lieu of wedding presents.

2023: Harry and Meghan's exit from the royal family was satirized in a South Park episode.

In 2023, Harry and Meghan's exit from the royal family was satirized in an episode of South Park.

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2023: Release of Memoir "Spare"

In 2023, Prince Harry released his memoir, Spare.

2023: Details of Relationship with Caroline Flack in Memoir

In his 2023 memoir, Harry states that months after breaking up with Davy he was introduced to Caroline Flack. The two saw each other for a while before press intrusion "tainted" their relationship "irredeemably" according to Harry.

May 2024: Trip to Nigeria

Following Harry and Meghan's trip to Nigeria in May 2024, there were arguments that the couple could have been used by the royal family, and added that "perhaps how helpful they would have been" had an agreement on a "hybrid working model" been achieved.

December 2024: Donation to BBC Children in Need

In December 2024, Prince Harry made a personal donation of £1.1 million to BBC Children in Need, aimed at supporting grassroots organizations in Nottingham that assist young individuals impacted by violence.

March 2025: Resignation from Sentebale patronage

In March 2025, Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho resigned from their roles as patrons of Sentebale following a dispute between the charity's trustees and the chair of the board, Sophie Chandauka.

August 2025: Charity Commission findings on Sentebale

In August 2025 the Charity Commission announced it found no evidence of "widespread or systemic bullying or harassment, including misogyny or misogynoir" or "over-reach" by either Chandauka or Harry but acknowledged a "strong perception of ill treatment felt by a number of parties" and stated that deciding on specific allegations of bullying was outside the purview of its regulatory authority.

September 2025: Announcement of donation to BBC Children in Need

In September 2025, Prince Harry announced that he had personally donated £1.1 million to BBC Children in Need in December 2024, describing it as a "significant investment" in grassroots organisations in Nottingham supporting young people affected by violence.

2025: Landmine Free 2025

In April 2017, Prince Harry hosted the Landmine Free 2025 reception at Kensington Palace, during which the UK government announced an increase in its financial support for de-mining efforts with the goal to be reached in 2025.