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, the younger son of King Charles III and the late Diana, Princess of Wales. He holds the position of fifth in the line of succession to the British throne. Known for his military service and philanthropic endeavors, Prince Harry has increasingly stepped away from royal duties. He and his wife, Meghan Markle, now reside in the United States, pursuing independent ventures through their organization Archewell, focusing on various charitable and media projects.

Sections (6)

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

1996: Full and Unequivocal Apology for Serious Intrusion

In 1996, NGN made a "full and unequivocal apology" for "serious intrusion" by The Sun between 1996 and 2011, for "phone hacking, surveillance and misuse of private information by journalists and private investigators instructed by them at the News of the World".

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 for his service in Afghanistan.

May 2010: Awarded Flying Brevet

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

December 2010: Golden Heart Award Received

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

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 on April 16, he was promoted to captain.

2011: Full and Unequivocal Apology for Serious Intrusion

In 2011, NGN made a "full and unequivocal apology" for "serious intrusion" by The Sun between 1996 and 2011, for "phone hacking, surveillance and misuse of private information by journalists and private investigators instructed by them at the News of the World".

May 2012: Distinguished Humanitarian Leadership Award

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

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.

October 2015: Invictus Games Orlando 2016 Launch

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 also attended an Invictus Games board meeting and a launch reception.

April 2018: Appointment as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador and Patron of Walk of America

In April 2018, Prince Harry was appointed Commonwealth youth ambassador and became a patron of Walk of America, supporting veterans in a 1,000-mile expedition across the US. He also became the president of The Queen's Commonwealth Trust.

August 2018: Royal Canadian Legion Founders Award

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

October 2018: RSA Badge in Gold Presented

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

2019: Named Among Most Influential People on the Internet

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

December 2020: Lawsuit Against Associated Newspapers Limited

In December 2020, Harry's legal team sued Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) for publishing a story in the Mail on Sunday claiming his working relationship with the Royal Marines had suffered post-royal departure. The newspaper accepted the claims were false and issued an apology. The prince's lawyer said the "substantial damages" paid by the publisher would be donated to the Invictus Games Foundation.

July 2021: Change Champions Award

In July 2021, Harry and Meghan were selected by UK-based charity Population Matters to receive the Change Champions Award for their decision to have only two children and help with maintaining a smaller and more sustainable population.

2021: Featured on Time 100 Cover

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

February 2022: NAACP's President's Award Received

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: Ripple of Hope Award

In October 2022, Harry and Meghan 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 favour of Harry for 15 of the 33 sample stories used in his claims of phone hacking against MGN and awarded him £140,600 of the £440,000 he sought in damages. The judge concluded Piers Morgan and other editors knew about the phone hacking at their publications and were involved in it.

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

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

January 2024: Inducted into Living Legends of Aviation

Harry was inducted into the Living Legends of Aviation in January 2024.

February 2024: Settlement with MGN

In February 2024, Harry settled his claim with MGN. The publisher agreed to cover Harry's legal costs and pay damages reported to be in the region of £300,000.

January 2025: Settlement with NGN

In January 2025, the two parties settled with NGN paying more than £10 million in pay outs and legal fees in the settlements involving both Harry and former Labour deputy leader Tom Watson. NGN made a "full and unequivocal apology".