Early Life and Education of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex: A Complete Timeline
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. 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 challenges. He served in the British Army, including tours in Afghanistan. In recent years, he and his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, stepped down as senior working royals and relocated to the United States. Their decision stemmed from a desire for greater privacy and freedom from intense media scrutiny. They now pursue philanthropic and entrepreneurial endeavors through their organization, Archewell.
February 1960: Letters patent regarding House of Windsor
On 8 February 1960, Elizabeth II issued letters patent declaring Harry's father to be a member of the House of Windsor.
September 1984: Birth at St Mary's Hospital
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: Christening at Windsor Castle
In December 1984, Prince Harry was christened Henry Charles Albert David at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, by Robert Runcie, the Archbishop of Canterbury.
May 1988: Underwent surgery for a minor hernia
In May 1988, Prince Harry underwent a surgery for a minor hernia.
1991: Family trip to Canada
1996: Parents' Divorce
In 1996, Prince Harry's parents, Charles, Prince of Wales, and Diana, Princess of Wales, divorced, a significant event in his personal life.
1997: Death of Princess Diana
In 1997, Prince Harry's mother, Princess Diana, died in a car crash in Paris, a tragic event that deeply affected his life.
1998: Family trip to Canada
November 2000: Broke his thumb while playing football
In November 2000, Prince Harry broke his thumb while playing football at Eton and underwent a minor operation.
2002: Reported disbursement from trust funds
In 2002, it was reported that Harry would share with his brother a disbursement of £4.9 million from trust funds established by their great-grandmother.
June 2003: Completion of Education at Eton
In June 2003, Prince Harry completed his education at Eton College with two A-Levels, marking the end of his formal schooling.
2003: Nickname 'Mohale' given
During his gap year in Lesotho in 2003, Harry was given the nickname Mohale, meaning 'the warrior'.
September 2004: Passing the Regular Commissions Board
In September 2004, Prince Harry passed the Regular Commissions Board (RCB).
January 2005: Controversial Remark About Girlfriend
In January 2005, Prince Harry made a controversial remark about his girlfriend, Chelsy Davy, sparking criticism.
May 2005: Entry into Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
On May 8, 2005, Prince Harry entered the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, beginning his formal training as an army officer.
2005: Nazi Uniform Controversy
In early 2005, Prince Harry faced backlash after being photographed at a themed party wearing a Nazi German Afrika Korps uniform with a swastika armband, leading to a public apology.
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, a regiment of the Household Cavalry in the British Army.
October 2006: Completion of Troop Leaders' Course
In October 2006, Prince Harry completed the Troop Leaders' Course and rejoined his regiment in Windsor.
2006: Commencement of Official Engagements
Between 2006 and 2019, Harry completed 1,190 engagements.
October 2007: Video of Harry Snorting Vodka Surfaces
In October 2007, a video surfaced from Prince Harry's trip to Namibia, showing him snorting vodka and engaging in inappropriate behavior.
2007: First Deployment to Afghanistan
In 2007, Prince Harry was deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, for ten weeks, marking his first active duty in a war zone.
April 2008: Promotion to Lieutenant
In April 2008, after reaching two years' seniority, Prince Harry was promoted to lieutenant in the British Army.
May 2008: Awarded Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan
In May 2008, Princess Anne presented Prince Harry with an Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan at the Combermere Barracks.
October 2008: Learning to Fly Military Helicopters
In October 2008, it was announced that Prince Harry would follow his brother, father and uncle in learning to fly military helicopters at RAF Shawbury.
November 2008: Alleged Comment to Stephen K. Amos
In November 2008, British comedian Stephen K. Amos alleged that Prince Harry made a questionable comment after Amos's performance, though it was hoped the remark was made in jest.
2008: Return from Afghanistan
In 2007-2008, Prince Harry concludes his ten week deployment in Helmand Province.
January 2009: Establishment of own royal household
In January 2009, The Queen granted Prince Harry and Prince William their own royal household, separate from their father's office.
January 2009: Release of Controversial Video
In January 2009, a video made by Prince Harry three years earlier surfaced, containing offensive remarks towards fellow officers, leading to widespread condemnation and a public apology.
February 2009: Failed Pilot's Theory Test
In February 2009, Prince Harry initially failed his pilot's theory test at the Defence Helicopter Flying School.
May 2010: Receives 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: Served as RFU's Vice-Royal Patron
In 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 and promoted to captain in the British Army.
June 2011: Available 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.
May 2012: Tambourine in Music Video
In May 2012, Harry played tambourine and took part in the music video for the song "Sing", which was released to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee.
September 2012: Deployment to Afghanistan as Apache Co-Pilot Gunner
On 7 September 2012, Prince Harry arrived at Camp Bastion in southern Afghanistan to begin a four-month combat tour as a co-pilot and gunner for an Apache helicopter.
2012: Second Deployment to Afghanistan
In 2012, Prince Harry was deployed for twenty weeks to Afghanistan with the Army Air Corps, marking his second tour of duty.
2012: Launched Coach Core
In 2012, Prince Harry, along with his brother and sister-in-law, launched Coach Core, a program providing apprenticeship opportunities for aspiring professional coaches, following the 2012 Olympics.
January 2013: Return from Deployment in Afghanistan
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 9 and 15 May 2013, Harry made an official visit to the United States to promote the rehabilitation of injured troops, support his charities, and back British interests.
June 2013: Genealogical DNA tests confirm Indian descent
In June 2013, BritainsDNA announced that DNA tests on Harry and William's distant matrilineal cousins confirm Eliza Kewark was of Indian descent.
July 2013: Qualification 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: Official tour of Australia
In October 2013, Harry undertook his first official tour of Australia, attending the International Fleet Review and visiting the Australian SAS HQ.
2013: Return from Afghanistan
In 2012-2013, Prince Harry concludes his second twenty week deployment in Afghanistan.
2013: Met Mahfouz Marei Mubarak bin Mahfouz
In 2013, Prince Harry met with Saudi businessman Mahfouz Marei Mubarak bin Mahfouz.
March 2014: Harry launches Invictus Games
On 6 March 2014, Prince Harry launched the Invictus Games, a Paralympic-style sporting event for injured servicemen and women, which was scheduled to be held later in the year. This marked a significant step in his efforts to support and honor wounded veterans.
April 2014: Harry meets Invictus Games hopefuls
On 29 April 2014, Prince Harry met with British hopefuls for the Invictus Games at Tedworth House in Wiltshire. This meeting marked the start of the selection process for the Games.
May 2014: Harry attends Invictus Games ticket launch
On 15 May 2014, Prince Harry attended a ticket sale launch for the Invictus Games at BT Tower. As president of the Games, he tweeted from the Invictus Games' official Twitter account to promote the event.
July 2014: Harry promotes Invictus Games on BBC Radio 2
In July 2014, Prince Harry was interviewed by Chris Evans on BBC Radio 2 along with two Invictus Games hopefuls to promote the Games. He emphasized that organizing the Invictus Games was his "full-time job at the moment". The show aired on 31 July 2014.
August 2014: Harry attends 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. As president of the Invictus Games, he continued his active role in promoting and supporting the event.
September 2014: Invictus Games held
From 10-14 September 2014, the Invictus Games, a Paralympic-style sporting event for injured servicemen and women took place.
November 2014: Opened the Field of Remembrance
On 6 November 2014, Harry opened the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey.
2014: Inheritance from Mother's Estate
In 2014, Prince Harry inherited part of the sum left by his mother.
2014: Launch of the Invictus Games
In 2014, Prince Harry launched the Invictus Games as founding patron, inspired by the Warrior Games in the United States, to support wounded, injured, or sick armed services personnel and their associated veterans.
2014: Met Mahfouz Marei Mubarak bin Mahfouz
In 2014, Prince Harry met with Saudi businessman Mahfouz Marei Mubarak bin Mahfouz.
January 2015: Harry takes on new role supporting wounded service personnel
In January 2015, it was reported that Prince Harry would take on a new role in supporting wounded service personnel by 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: Harry visits Phoenix House in Catterick Garrison
In February and 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 where Chavasse VC House Personnel Recovery Centre is located.
May 2015: Farewell Walkabout at Sydney Opera House
On 7 May 2015, Harry made a farewell walkabout at the Sydney Opera House and visited Macquarie University Hospital.
October 2015: Launch of Invictus Games Orlando 2016
In October 2015, Harry launched the Invictus Games Orlando 2016 with First Lady Michelle Obama and Second Lady Jill Biden at Fort Belvoir.
November 2015: Visit to Lesotho for Sentebale opening
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 30 November to 3 December 2015, 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. Harry also played the Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup, at Val de Vie Estate in Cape Town, fundraising for Sentebale.
2015: Severed Ties with Mahfouz Marei Mubarak bin Mahfouz
In 2015, Prince Harry severed ties with Saudi businessman Mahfouz Marei Mubarak bin Mahfouz.
2015: Supported England's Bid to Host Rugby World Cup
In 2015, Prince Harry supported England's bid to host rugby union's Rugby World Cup.
January 2016: Took magic mushrooms at Courteney Cox's house
In January 2016, Prince Harry detailed in his memoir that he took magic mushrooms at a party at Courteney Cox's house.
March 2016: Visit to Nepal and Reconstruction Work
From 19–23 March 2016, Harry visited Nepal. 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.
January 2017: Visited the Running Charity and Depaul UK
In January 2017, Prince Harry visited the Running Charity and its partner Depaul UK to emphasize the role of sports in assisting homeless and vulnerable individuals.
April 2018: Appointed Commonwealth Youth Ambassador and President of The Queen's Commonwealth Trust
In April 2018, Harry was appointed Commonwealth Youth Ambassador and became the president of The Queen's Commonwealth Trust.
May 2018: Harry and Meghan marry at Windsor Castle
On 19 May 2018, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's marriage ceremony was held at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, marking a significant event in both their lives and the history of the Royal Family.
July 2018: First Overseas Visit as a Couple
In July 2018, Harry travelled to Dublin, Ireland, alongside his wife Meghan, which marked their first overseas visit as a couple.
October 2018: Pacific Tour and Invictus Games in Sydney
In October 2018, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex travelled to Sydney for the 2018 Invictus Games, part of a Pacific tour including Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand.
June 2019: Split from The Royal Foundation
In June 2019, it was announced that The Duke and Duchess of Sussex would split from The Royal Foundation to establish their own charity foundation.
June 2019: Royal Family Carbon Footprint Criticized
In June 2019, the royal family, including Prince Harry, faced criticism after it was revealed that they had doubled their carbon footprint from business travel.
August 2019: Criticism for Private Jet Travel
In August 2019, Prince Harry and Meghan faced criticism for taking four private jet journeys in 11 days, including one to Elton John's home in Nice, France.
October 2019: Southern African Tour with Family
In September and October 2019, a Southern African tour included Malawi, Angola, South Africa and Botswana. Because infant son Archie travelled with the Sussexes, this was "their first official tour as a family".
2019: Presented Trophy at Challenge Cup Finals
In 2019, Prince Harry presented the trophy at rugby league's Challenge Cup finals.
January 2020: Decision to Step Back
In January 2020, Harry and his wife announced their decision to step back from royal duties.
January 2020: Stepping Down as Working Royals
In January 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped down as working royals, signaling a major shift in their roles within the British royal family.
January 2020: Megxit announcement prompted by Sun article
In January 2020, The Sun broke the story about Harry and Meghan's plans to move to Canada, which prompted the couple to prematurely announce their stepping back from royal duties.
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.
January 2020: Stepping back from royal duties
On 18 January 2020, Buckingham Palace announced that Harry and Meghan would step back from royal duties and would no longer use their Royal Highness styles in practice, effective 31 March 2020.
January 2020: Agreement reached for Harry to step back from Royal duties
On 18 January 2020, Buckingham Palace announced that an agreement had been reached for Prince Harry "to step back from Royal duties, including official military appointments", marking a significant change in his role within the Royal Family.
February 2020: "Sussex Royal" Brand Discontinued
On February 21, 2020, it was confirmed that "Sussex Royal" would not be used as a brand name for the couple following their withdrawal from public life.
March 2020: End of Royal Highness styles
As of 31 March 2020, Harry and Meghan no longer used their Royal Highness styles in practice, following their decision to step back from royal duties. They are still referred to as "His/Her Royal Highness" in legal settings.
March 2020: Final Solo and Couple Engagements as Senior Royals
In March 2020, Harry attended the opening of the Silverstone Experience, his final solo engagement. Harry and Meghan attended the Commonwealth Day service on 9 March 2020, their last engagement as a couple before officially stepping down on 31 March.
March 2020: End of Commonwealth Youth Ambassador Role
In March 2020, Harry's tenure as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador came to an end.
March 2020: Cessation of Canadian Security and Petition in the UK
In March 2020, the Government of Canada announced RCMP security would not be provided to Harry and Meghan after their status changed. A similar petition circulated in the UK.
March 2020: Sussexes cease official engagements
On 31 March 2020, the office of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex was officially closed as they ceased "undertaking official engagements in support of the Queen".
April 2020: Archewell Foundation Announced
In April 2020, Meghan and Harry announced that their new foundation would be called "Archewell", inspired by the Greek word "arche".
June 2020: Harry and Meghan buy a house in Montecito
In June 2020, after some months in Canada and the United States, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, bought a house on the former estate of Riven Rock in Montecito, California.
August 2020: Sussex Royal Foundation Renamed and Dissolved
On August 5, 2020, the Sussex Royal Foundation was renamed "MWX Foundation" and dissolved the same day.
October 2020: Archewell Website Launched
In October 2020, the Archewell website was officially launched.
December 2020: Sued Associated Newspapers Limited
In December 2020, Prince Harry's legal team sued Associated Newspapers Limited for publishing a false story about his relationship with the Royal Marines.
February 2021: Resigned as President of The Queen's Commonwealth Trust
In February 2021, Harry resigned as president of The Queen's Commonwealth Trust.
February 2021: Honorary military appointments returned
In February 2021, Harry's honorary military appointments were returned to Elizabeth II.
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 regarding its conduct under charity law during dissolution.
March 2021: End of Review Period
In March 2021, the formal role of the Duke and Duchess was subject to a twelve-month review period.
August 2021: Backlash for Private Jet Flight to Polo Tournament
In August 2021, Prince Harry received backlash for taking a private jet flight to participate in a charity polo tournament.
October 2021: Spoke Against Oil Drilling
In October 2021, Prince Harry voiced his opposition against oil drilling in the Okavango River, expressing his concerns in an op-ed for The Washington Post.
November 2021: Claims of warning Twitter CEO about potential unrest
In November 2021, Harry stated at a Wired conference that he emailed Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey a day before the January 6th Capitol attack, warning of potential civil unrest, but received no response.
December 2021: "CBE Scandal" and Severed Ties
In December 2021, Prince Harry addressed the "CBE scandal" involving Mahfouz Marei Mubarak bin Mahfouz, stating he severed ties in 2015 due to "growing concerns".
January 2022: RAVEC Decision on Harry's Security
In January 2022, RAVEC decided that State security could not be made available to private individuals, even if they wished to pay for it, which led to Harry challenging the decision.
March 2022: Signed Open Letter for Vaccine Access
In March 2022, Prince Harry and his wife were among over a hundred signatories of an open letter by the People's Vaccine Alliance, advocating for free global access to COVID-19 vaccines, criticizing the UK, EU, and Switzerland for opposing a waiver on vaccine intellectual property protections.
April 2022: Launched Eco-Travel Campaign
In April 2022, Prince Harry launched an eco-travel campaign through his non-profit Travalyst, encouraging sustainable travel in a video featuring Rhys Darby and Dave Fane on Māori Television.
June 2022: First Official Appearance in the UK Since Stepping Down
In June 2022, Harry and Meghan made their first official appearance in the UK since stepping down, attending the Platinum Jubilee National Service of Thanksgiving.
June 2022: Reaction to Supreme Court abortion decision
In June 2022, Meghan described Harry's reaction to the Supreme Court's decision on abortion rights as "guttural".
July 2022: Condemnation of abortion decision at the United Nations
In July 2022, Harry condemned the Supreme Court's abortion decision as a "rolling back of constitutional rights" during a speech at the United Nations on Mandela Day.
August 2022: Harry Files Lawsuit Against Home Office
In August 2022, Harry filed a lawsuit against the Home Office and the Metropolitan Police, challenging RAVEC's decision that state security couldn't be provided to private individuals even if they paid for it.
September 2022: Visit to UK and Germany for 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, Queen Elizabeth II died while Harry and Meghan were in London, and they remained in the United Kingdom for her funeral.
December 2022: Release of "Harry & Meghan" Netflix docuseries
In December 2022, "Harry & Meghan", a Netflix docuseries featuring Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, was released, providing an inside look into their lives and experiences.
December 2022: Ranked Among Most Disliked Royals
In December 2022, Prince Harry was ranked as the third most disliked member of the British royal family by YouGov.
February 2023: High Court Ruling on Security Case
In February 2023, a High Court judge initially ruled that Harry's security case should be thrown out, a decision which his legal team later appealed.
May 2023: Harry Loses Legal Challenge for Police Protection
In May 2023, Harry lost the legal challenge, resulting in him not being allowed to make private payments for police protection.
June 2023: Criticism of UK government in court statement
In June 2023, Harry criticized the UK government in his witness statement to a court, arguing that the press was too closely aligned with the government.
June 2023: Cost of Legal Fight Revealed
In June 2023, a Freedom of Information request revealed that Harry's legal fight with the Home Office had cost £502,236.
November 2023: Named Global Ambassador for Scotty's Little Soldiers
In November 2023, Prince Harry became the global ambassador for Scotty's Little Soldiers, one of the seven charities he and his wife suggested for wedding gifts.
2023: Named One of People's Most Intriguing People
In 2023, People named Prince Harry as one of the "25 Most Intriguing People of the Year", also named as one of Hollywood losers of 2023 by James Hibberd of The Hollywood Reporter .
2023: Satirized on South Park
In 2023, Prince Harry and Meghan's exit from the royal family was satirized in an episode of South Park.
February 2024: High Court Rules Against Harry in Home Office Case
In February 2024, the High Court ruled against Harry in his case against the Home Office, upholding RAVEC's decision on his security arrangements.
March 2024: Named in Lawsuit Against P. Diddy
In March 2024, Prince Harry was mentioned in a lawsuit against P. Diddy regarding allegations of sexual trafficking, as a celebrity associate.
April 2024: Harry Loses Initial Appeal Against Security Ruling
In April 2024, Harry lost an initial attempt to appeal against the ruling regarding his security arrangements, and was held liable for 90% of the Home Office's legal costs.
May 2024: Visit to Nigeria
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.
May 2024: Permission to Challenge High Court's Decision
In May 2024, Harry was given permission by the Court of Appeal to challenge the High Court's decision regarding his security arrangements.
