Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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. As of 2023, he stands fifth in the line of succession to the British throne. He has served in the British Army and gained considerable public attention for his charitable work and military service. Recent years have seen him step back from his role as a senior royal, relocating with his wife, Meghan Markle, to North America. He has since pursued various ventures, including media production and advocacy work, while remaining a figure of significant public interest.

Sections (6)

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

May 2008: Awarded Operational Service Medal

In May 2008, Princess Anne presented Harry with an Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan at the Combermere Barracks for his service.

May 2010: Awarded Flying Brevet

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

December 2010: Golden Heart Award

In December 2010, the German charity Ein Herz für Kinder awarded him its Golden Heart Award, in recognition of his "charitable and humanitarian efforts".

2010: Vice-Royal Patron of RFU

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, Harry was awarded his Apache Flying Badge on April 14 and promoted to captain on April 16.

May 2012: Distinguished Humanitarian Leadership Award

On 7 May 2012, the Atlantic Council awarded him its Distinguished Humanitarian Leadership Award.

July 2013: Qualification as Apache Aircraft Commander

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

2014: Launch of the Invictus Games

In 2014, inspired by the Warrior Games in the United States, Prince Harry launched the Invictus Games as founding patron.

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

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

December 2017: Prince Harry Appointed Captain General Royal Marines

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

May 2018: Prince Harry Promoted to Higher Ranks

In May 2018, Prince Harry was promoted to the substantive ranks of Lieutenant Commander of the Royal Navy, Major of the British Army, and Squadron Leader of the Royal Air Force.

August 2018: Founders Award for his role in founding the Invictus Games

In August 2018, the Royal Canadian Legion granted him the 2018 Founders Award for his role in founding the Invictus Games.

October 2018: Harry presented with the RSA Badge in Gold

In October 2018, he was presented with the RSA Badge in Gold, the organisation's highest honour, for his work with injured veterans.

2018: Named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People

In 2018, Prince Harry was selected as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World by Time magazine.

2019: Named one of the 25 Most Influential People on the Internet

In 2019, Time magazine named Harry and his wife Meghan as among the 25 Most Influential People on the Internet.

July 2021: Harry and Meghan Selected for Change Champions Award

In July 2021, Harry and Meghan were among people selected by UK-based charity Population Matters to receive the Change Champions Award for deciding to have only two children to maintain a smaller and more sustainable population.

2021: Featured on Time 100 cover and influential person

In 2021, Harry was selected as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World by Time magazine, and the couple was featured on one of the magazine's seven worldwide Time 100 covers.

February 2022: Harry and Meghan to Receive NAACP's President's Award

In February 2022, Harry and Meghan were selected to receive the NAACP's President's Award for their work on causes related to social justice and equity.

October 2022: Harry and Meghan Named Ripple of Hope Award Laureates

In October 2022, the couple were named as Ripple of Hope Award laureates for their work on racial justice, mental health, and other social initiatives through their foundation Archewell.

December 2023: High Court rules in favor of Harry in phone hacking case

In December 2023, the High Court ruled in favor of Harry for 15 of the 33 sample stories used in his claims of phone hacking against MGN and awarded him £140,600 in damages. The court also concluded that Piers Morgan and other editors knew about and were involved in the phone hacking.

2023: Named one of the "25 Most Intriguing People of the Year" by People

In 2023, People named Prince Harry as one of the "25 Most Intriguing People of the Year". In the same year, James Hibberd of The Hollywood Reporter named Harry and Meghan among the Hollywood losers of 2023.