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, 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.

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 Prince 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 Prince Harry with his flying brevet (wings) at a ceremony at the Army Air Corps Base (AAC), Middle Wallop.

December 2010: Harry receives Golden Heart Award from Ein Herz für Kinder

In December 2010, the German charity Ein Herz für Kinder ("A Heart for Children") awarded Prince Harry its 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 the 14th and was promoted to captain on the 16th.

May 2012: Harry awarded Distinguished Humanitarian Leadership Award by Atlantic Council

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

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.

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.

May 2018: Promotion to Substantive 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: Royal Canadian Legion grants Harry Founders Award for Invictus Games role

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

October 2018: Harry presented with RSA Badge in Gold

In October 2018, Prince 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 magazine'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 one of the 25 Most Influential People on the Internet by Time magazine.

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

July 2021: Harry and Meghan receive Change Champions Award for family size decision

In July 2021, Harry and Meghan were among people who 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: Named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People for a second time.

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

February 2022: Harry and Meghan selected for 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: Couple named Ripple of Hope Award laureates

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.

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.

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

In December 2023, the High Court ruled in favor of Prince Harry in his phone hacking case against Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN). The court found in Harry's favor for 15 of the 33 sample stories used in his claims and awarded him £140,600 in damages. The judge concluded that Piers Morgan and other editors knew about and were involved in the phone hacking at their publications.

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: Harry inducted into Living Legends of Aviation

Prince Harry was inducted into the Living Legends of Aviation in January 2024, recognizing his contributions to the field of aviation.

February 2024: Harry settles phone hacking claim with Mirror Group Newspapers

In February 2024, Prince Harry settled his remaining phone hacking claim with Mirror Group Newspapers (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 Reached in Phone-Hacking Lawsuit

In January 2025, Harry settled with NGN, receiving more than £10 million in pay outs and legal fees. NGN made a "full and unequivocal apology" for "serious intrusion" by The Sun between 1996 and 2011.The settlement drew a line under the past and NGN rejected the claims that would have been made in court about a corporate cover-up.