If you’ve spent any time scrolling through the news lately, you’ve probably seen the headlines about the Duke of Sussex and wondered: is Harry still a prince? It seems like a simple question. But in the world of the British Monarchy, nothing is ever actually simple. Honestly, the answer depends entirely on whether you’re talking about his DNA, his legal status, or how he signs his checks in California.
Basically, yes. He is.
But there is a massive "but" attached to that. Ever since that whirlwind exit in 2020—what the tabloids loved calling Megxit—the rules surrounding his name and how he uses it have shifted more times than a London weather forecast. If you’re confused, you aren't alone. Even the official Royal Family website took years to scrub certain references to him.
The Birthright: Why He Can’t Just "Stop" Being a Prince
Here is the thing: being a Prince of the United Kingdom isn't like a job at a tech firm. You don't just hand in your two-week notice and lose the title. Harry was born the son of the heir to the throne. Because of a legal document called a Letters Patent issued by King George V back in 1917, the children of the sons of any Sovereign are automatically Princes or Princesses.
Since Harry’s dad is now King Charles III, Harry’s status as a Prince is a biological and legal fact. He’s a Prince by blood. Short of an actual Act of Parliament—which is a huge, messy legal ordeal—he will be Prince Harry until the day he dies.
It’s his "style." His identity.
Think of it like being a doctor. If you stop practicing medicine, you’re still "Dr. Smith" on your passport, even if you’re now spending your days flipping houses or hosting a podcast. Harry stepped back from the "practice" of being a royal, but the credentials didn't vanish.
Is Harry Still a Prince in Name Only? The HRH Drama
While he is still a prince, he lost something very specific: the right to be called His Royal Highness (HRH).
This is where the confusion usually starts. When Harry and Meghan moved to Montecito, the palace put out a very clear statement. They wouldn't be "working royals" anymore, and as a result, they would no longer use their HRH titles.
Why does this matter? Well, in the royal hierarchy, HRH is the "active" part of the title. It’s what signals you are representing the Crown. By losing the use of HRH, Harry basically became a private citizen with a very fancy prefix.
- He is: Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex.
- He is NOT: His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex.
If you look at the 2026 updates on the official Royal Family website, you’ll notice his bio page has been stripped of those three letters. It’s a subtle but sharp snub from "The Firm." It tells the world that while he’s still family, he’s no longer on the clock.
The Duke of Sussex vs. The Prince Title
Most people actually call him "Prince Harry," but his "higher" title is actually the Duke of Sussex.
The late Queen Elizabeth II gave him that dukedom as a wedding gift in 2018. If he were to ever lose the Dukedom (again, would require Parliament), he would revert to being Prince Harry. It’s kinda like having a Master's degree and a PhD; if you lose the PhD, you’ve still got the Master's.
Interestingly, he uses "The Duke of Sussex" for almost all his professional ventures—his book Spare, his Netflix deals, and his work with Invictus. It carries a bit more "brand" weight in America than just being a prince.
What about the Line of Succession?
This is the part that surprises a lot of people. Despite all the drama, the interviews, and the move across the Atlantic, Harry is still fifth in line to the throne.
- Prince William
- Prince George
- Princess Charlotte
- Prince Louis
- Prince Harry
He hasn't been removed. His children, Archie and Lilibet, follow right after him at sixth and seventh. For him to be removed from the succession, the British government would have to pass a specific law. So far, despite a lot of grumbling from certain politicians in the UK, there is no real appetite for that kind of constitutional headache.
The "Prince" Status of Archie and Lilibet
For a long time, there was a huge debate about whether Harry’s kids were actually royals. When they were born, they were just "Master" and "Miss." But the moment Queen Elizabeth passed away and Charles became King, the 1917 rule kicked in.
As grandchildren of the reigning monarch, they became Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Harry and Meghan have been very clear about using these titles. They want their kids to have the choice later in life. It’s a bit of a paradox, isn't it? They moved to the US to escape the royal bubble, yet they’ve solidified their children’s place within its hierarchy.
Living the "American Prince" Life in 2026
Life in California is a world away from Kensington Palace. In 2026, Harry's "Prince" status is more of a cultural talking point than a daily reality. He doesn't get taxpayer-funded security anymore (that’s been a whole legal saga in itself). He doesn't do ribbon-cuttings for British hospitals.
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He’s basically a celebrity with a historic title.
He’s still the founder of the Invictus Games, which is arguably his most significant legacy. When he travels for Invictus, he’s treated with the prestige of a prince, even if the British government isn't footing the bill. It’s a weird middle ground. He’s a global icon, a veteran, and a Sussex—all while being the "spare" who walked away.
The Bottom Line
Is Harry still a prince? Yes, legally and by birth. However, he is no longer a "Royal Highness," and he holds no official duties within the UK. He’s a prince in the way a retired general is still a general—the title stays, but the power and the paycheck from the state are gone.
If you're looking for the most accurate way to address him today, "Harry, Duke of Sussex" is the standard. He’s kept the heritage, lost the "Highness," and gained a whole lot of independence.
How to track his current status
If you want to keep up with how his status evolves—especially with ongoing discussions about his UK security and his relationship with King Charles—keep an eye on the Court Circular. That’s the official record of royal engagements. If Harry’s name isn't there, he isn't acting as a Prince in any official capacity.
For now, he remains the most famous "former" working royal in history, holding onto a title that he can't really lose, even if he tried.
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To see the exact legal standing of his current titles, you can check the Letters Patent archives or the latest updates from Buckingham Palace's press office regarding the use of "Sussex" branding. These sources provide the final word on how the Crown views his status versus how the public perceives it.