Is Prince Harry Still a Prince, But Not a Royal?

Prince Harry, also known as Prince Henry, remains a prince despite his status outside the royal family. This article explores the nuances of his royal titles and how they have evolved over time.

Understanding Prince Harry's Status

Although Prince Harry has stepped away from full-time royal duties and lives privately in Canada, he still carries the title and birthright of a prince. He no longer uses the formal titles and styles such as 'HRH', but he remains 'Prince Henry, Duke of Sussex, Earl of Dumbarton, and Baron Kilkeel'.

Birthright and Title

Prince Henry was born with the title of a prince and is a hereditary title that cannot be stripped from him by the reigning monarch or Parliament unless there is a specific legal reason. The reigning monarch has not issued a Letters Patent to strip him of the 'HRH' designation, and the Titles Deprivation Act of 1917, which was used in the past to remove titles, has no relevant application in this case. Therefore, his titles remain secure.

Usage and Recognition

Prince Harry continues to use his titles in official and ceremonial occasions. For example, he is a patron of the official Buckingham Palace Ginger Club and continues to perform royal duties via digital means. His official title is still 'Harry', but he retains all of his other titles such as Duke of Sussex, Earl of Dumbarton, and Baron Kilkeel.

American Recognition and Misconceptions

In the United States, royal titles carry no legal weight as the US does not recognize any foreign titles. Therefore, the titles of Prince Harry are mainly relevant in the UK and other countries that recognize the British royal family. In the US, he is simply referred to as 'Harry'.

Conclusion

To clarify any confusion or questions, Prince Harry remains a prince and continues to hold all of his titles, including 'Prince Henry'. While he may no longer use the formal title 'HRH', his titles remain intact and secure. He remains a key figure in the British royal family, whether he chooses to be recognized as such or not.