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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
December 2017: Harry becomes Captain General Royal Marines
On 19 December 2017, Prince Harry succeeded his grandfather Prince Philip as the Captain General Royal Marines, taking on a significant honorary military appointment.
May 2018: Harry promoted to Lieutenant Commander, Major, and Squadron Leader
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, marking a significant recognition of his service and dedication.
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
In October 2018, Harry received the RSA Badge in Gold 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.
July 2021: Change Champions Award
In July 2021, Harry and Meghan received the Change Champions Award from Population Matters for deciding to have only two children to help maintain a smaller population.
2021: Featured on Time 100 Cover
In 2021, Prince Harry and Meghan were featured on one of Time magazine's seven worldwide Time 100 covers and also named as one of the 100 Most Influential People.
February 2022: NAACP President's Award
In February 2022, Harry and Meghan received the NAACP's President's Award for their work on social justice and equity.
October 2022: Ripple of Hope Award
In October 2022, Harry and Meghan were named Ripple of Hope Award laureates for their work on racial justice, mental health, and social initiatives through Archewell.
December 2023: High Court Rules in Harry's Favor
In December 2023, the High Court ruled in favor of Harry, finding that MGN was guilty of phone hacking in 15 of the 33 sample stories and awarded him £140,600 in damages. The court also concluded that Piers Morgan and other editors were aware of the phone hacking.
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 .
January 2024: Induction into the Living Legends of Aviation
In January 2024, Harry was inducted into the Living Legends of Aviation.
February 2024: Harry Settles Claim with MGN
In February 2024, Harry settled his remaining claim with MGN, with the publisher agreeing to cover his legal costs and pay damages reported to be in the region of £300,000.
January 2025: Settlement reached in phone hacking case
In January 2025, Harry and NGN (News Group Newspapers) settled the phone hacking case, with NGN paying over £10 million in payouts and legal fees. NGN issued an apology for "serious intrusion" by The Sun and News of the World, admitting to unlawful activity by private investigators, but denying journalist involvement.
