Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex: Life, Role, and Career in 2026

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, is a member of the British Royal Family, a military veteran, and a global humanitarian leader who currently resides in Montecito, California. As of 2026, he is fifth in the line of succession to the British throne and remains the founder and patron of the Invictus Games, an international multi-sport event for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women. Since stepping back as a “working royal” in 2020, Prince Harry has focused his efforts on charitable ventures through the Archewell Foundation, advocacy for mental health, and high-profile legal actions regarding press privacy. This article provides a definitive overview of his early life in the UK, his decade of military service, his marriage to Meghan Markle, and his current professional status and residency in the United States.

Early Life: Born into Royalty

Prince Harry was born Henry Charles Albert David on September 15, 1984, at St Mary’s Hospital in London. As the younger son of King Charles III and the late Diana, Princess of Wales, he grew up under intense public scrutiny while attending prestigious schools like Eton College. His childhood was marked by the tragic loss of his mother in 1997, an event that profoundly influenced his later advocacy for mental health and his critical stance on tabloid media.

Throughout his youth, Harry was often characterized by the media as the “rebel” prince compared to his older brother, William. However, his gap year experiences—working on a sheep farm in Australia and at an orphanage in Lesotho—hinted at the philanthropic path he would eventually pursue. These early years established the foundation for his deep connection to Africa, leading to the co-founding of his first major charity, Sentebale, in 2006.

Military Service: A Decade in Uniform

Prince Harry served in the British Armed Forces for ten years, a period he often describes as the most formative of his life. He began his training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 2005 and was eventually commissioned as a Cornet in the Blues and Royals. His military career included two high-profile tours of duty in Afghanistan, where he served first as a forward air controller and later as an Apache helicopter pilot.

Combat Tours and Responsibilities

In 2007, he was deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, making him the first member of the Royal Family to serve in a war zone since Prince Andrew in the Falklands War. His second tour in 2012 saw him qualify as a co-pilot gunner, showcasing his technical proficiency and commitment to service. Although he left active duty in 2015, he maintained honorary military appointments until his departure from royal duties in 2020.

The Invictus Games: A Global Legacy

In 2014, Prince Harry founded the Invictus Games, inspired by his visit to the US Warrior Games. The event was designed to use the power of sport to inspire recovery and support rehabilitation for wounded veterans. As of 2026, the Games have grown into a massive international movement, with upcoming events scheduled for Vancouver and Whistler and future planning for Birmingham in 2027.

The Duke’s involvement with Invictus remains his most significant public-facing role. He frequently travels globally to promote the Games and attend countdown events, often joined by his wife, Meghan. The foundation behind the Games provides year-round support for the veteran community, focusing on mental health and physical fitness as tools for transition into civilian life.

Marriage and Move to California

Prince Harry married American actress Meghan Markle on May 19, 2018, at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. Upon their marriage, they were granted the titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The couple has two children: Prince Archie of Sussex, born in 2019, and Princess Lilibet of Sussex, born in 2021. Their union represented a modern shift for the monarchy but was followed by a highly publicized decision to step back from senior royal duties.

Establishing Life in Montecito

In 2020, the Sussexes moved to the United States, eventually purchasing a home in Montecito, California. This move, often dubbed “Megxit” by the press, allowed them to pursue financial independence and a more private life for their children. They have since launched Archewell Inc., which encompasses their non-profit foundation and commercial production deals with platforms like Netflix.

Legal Battles and Media Reform

A defining feature of Prince Harry’s life in 2025 and 2026 has been his rigorous pursuit of legal action against British tabloid publishers. He has been involved in multiple lawsuits against organizations like News Group Newspapers and Associated Newspapers, alleging illegal information gathering and phone hacking. These cases have seen him become one of the most senior royals to ever testify in a court of law.

His primary motivation for these legal battles is to force reform within the media industry and protect his family’s privacy. In early 2026, he continued to navigate the UK High Court, balancing his legal obligations with his residence in the United States. These proceedings have often touched upon sensitive issues regarding his personal security and the safety of his family during visits to the United Kingdom.

Practical Information: Sussex Brands and Projects

For those following the Duke’s current ventures, his work is primarily organized through the following entities:

• Archewell Foundation: The primary vehicle for his philanthropic work, focusing on digital safety and community building.
• BetterUp: Prince Harry serves as the Chief Impact Officer for this mental health and coaching platform.
• Travalyst: A non-profit initiative he founded to promote sustainable travel and tourism.
• Sentebale: His long-standing charity supporting the mental health and wellbeing of children affected by HIV in Lesotho and Botswana.

What to Expect in 2026

• Birmingham 2027 Countdown: Expect multiple appearances in the UK throughout 2026 to promote the upcoming Invictus Games.
• Media Productions: Continued releases from the Archewell/Netflix partnership, including documentaries focused on global service and lifestyle.
• Book Updates: Potential paperback or updated editions of his record-breaking memoir, Spare.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Prince Harry’s current official title? 

He remains Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex. While he and Meghan no longer use their “His/Her Royal Highness” (HRH) styles for official purposes, the titles were granted by Queen Elizabeth II and remain theirs.

Where does Prince Harry live in 2026? 

Prince Harry lives in Montecito, California, a coastal community in Santa Barbara County. He resides there with his wife, Meghan, and their two children, Archie and Lilibet.

Is Prince Harry still in the line of succession? 

Yes, Prince Harry is currently fifth in the line of succession to the British throne. He follows his brother, Prince William, and William’s three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

What are the Invictus Games? 

The Invictus Games is an international sporting event for wounded, injured, and sick service personnel. It was founded by Prince Harry in 2014 and has held competitions in London, Orlando, Toronto, Sydney, The Hague, and Düsseldorf.

Why did Prince Harry leave the Royal Family? 

Prince Harry and Meghan stepped back from senior royal duties in 2020 to seek financial independence and escape the intense scrutiny of the British tabloids. They wished to balance their lives between the UK and North America while continuing to support the Crown through private charity.

Does Prince Harry have a job? 

Yes, he holds several professional roles, including Chief Impact Officer at the coaching firm BetterUp. He also earns income through his production deals with Netflix and his career as an author.

What was the name of Prince Harry’s book? 

His memoir, titled Spare, was released in January 2023. It became the fastest-selling non-fiction book of all time, detailing his life from childhood through his departure from the royal frontline.

Are Harry and Meghan still married? 

Yes, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle remain married. They celebrated their eighth wedding anniversary in May 2026 and continue to work together on their various Archewell projects.

How many children does Prince Harry have? 

He has two children: a son named Prince Archie (born May 6, 2019) and a daughter named Princess Lilibet (born June 4, 2021). Both children hold prince and princess titles.

Does Prince Harry still go to the UK? 

Yes, Prince Harry travels to the UK for specific events, such as charity engagements, legal proceedings, and major family milestones. However, he does not maintain a permanent residence there after vacating Frogmore Cottage in 2023.

Final Thoughts

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, has redefined his role from a senior working royal to a global advocate and entrepreneur based in the United States. As of early 2026, his life is characterized by a dual focus: honoring his military legacy through the expansion of the Invictus Games and challenging institutional media practices through the British High Court. His residency in California with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and their children, Archie and Lilibet, continues to serve as a base for their commercial and philanthropic ventures under the Archewell brand.

The Duke’s current trajectory suggests a permanent shift toward independent public service, where he leverages his global platform to address systemic issues such as veteran welfare, digital safety, and mental health. While his relationship with the British monarchy remains a subject of significant public interest and media speculation, his actions in 2026—ranging from wildfire response advocacy in California to preparations for the Birmingham 2027 Invictus Games—demonstrate a commitment to a self-determined path of impact.

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