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. As the younger son of King Charles III and the late Diana, Princess of Wales, he holds the fifth position in the line of succession to the British throne. He served in the British Army, undertaking two tours of Afghanistan. In recent years, he and his wife, Meghan Markle, stepped down as senior members of the royal family, relocating to the United States. They have since established the Archewell Foundation, focusing on charitable endeavors and media production. Harry has been vocal about mental health awareness and veterans' affairs, becoming a notable public figure beyond his royal lineage.

Sections (6)

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

1996: Settlement with News Group Newspapers

In January 2025, Prince Harry and News Group Newspapers (NGN) settled with NGN paying more than £10 million in pay outs and legal fees. NGN made an apology for "serious intrusion" by The Sun between 1996 and 2011.

May 2008: Awarded Operational Service Medal

In May 2008, Princess Anne presented Prince Harry with the Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan at Combermere Barracks, recognizing his service in a war zone.

May 2010: Awarded Flying Brevet

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

April 2011: Awarded Apache Flying Badge

On 14 April 2011, Prince Harry was awarded his Apache Flying Badge and was promoted to captain on 16 April.

2011: Settlement with News Group Newspapers

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.

April 2018: Appointed 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, a campaign involving veterans taking part in a 1,000-mile expedition across the US. He also became the president of The Queen's Commonwealth Trust.

May 2018: Harry becomes Duke of Sussex; wedding to Meghan Markle

On May 19, 2018, Queen Elizabeth II conferred the title of Duke of Sussex upon Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle became Duchess of Sussex through their marriage at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.

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, recognizing his impact and influence.

2019: Named Among Most Influential People on the Internet

In 2019, Time magazine named Prince Harry and his wife as among the 25 Most Influential People on the Internet, acknowledging their online presence and impact.

December 2020: Lawsuit Against Associated Newspapers Limited

In December 2020, Prince Harry's legal team sued Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) for publishing a story in the Mail on Sunday claiming his relationship with the Royal Marines had suffered after his royal departure. The newspaper later apologized and paid substantial damages to be donated to the Invictus Games Foundation.

2021: Featured on Time 100 Cover

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

December 2023: High Court rules in favor of Harry in phone hacking claim against MGN

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 judge concluded Piers Morgan and other editors knew about the phone hacking at their publications.

2023: Named One of the '25 Most Intriguing People of the Year'

In 2023, People named Prince Harry as one of the "25 Most Intriguing People of the Year."

January 2024: Inducted 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, Prince Harry settled his claim with Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN). The publisher agreed to cover his legal costs and pay damages reported to be in the region of £300,000.

January 2025: Settlement with News Group Newspapers

October 2025: Received the Humanitarians of the Year award

In October 2025, Prince Harry and his wife received the Humanitarians of the Year award at Project Healthy Minds' annual gala in New York City, in recognition of their commitment to mental health support.