Understanding Prince Harry: His Life and Charity Work
Prince Harry, also known as Henry Charles Albert David, is a member of the British royal family. Born on September 15, 1984, he is the younger son of Charles, Prince of Wales, and the late Diana, Princess of Wales. As a royal, Harry has been a figure of both public service and media fascination, and his life and work have captured global attention.
Early Life and Education
Prince Harry spent his early life in the public eye, attending prestigious schools like Wetherby School, Ludgrove School, and finally Eton College. His adolescent years were marked by both privilege and tragedy; his mother, Princess Diana’s death in 1997 was a profound loss that deeply affected him.
Military Service and Achievements
Following education, Prince Harry embarked on a decade-long military career. In 2005, he entered the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and was commissioned as a Cornet (second lieutenant) in the Blues and Royals. He served on two frontline tours of Afghanistan – first in 2007-2008 and again in 2012-13 – rising to the rank of Captain. His military service earned him respect for his dedication and courage.
Charitable Endeavors and Patronages
Harry is well-known for his charitable work, which has encompassed support for wounded veterans, mental health advocacy, and global humanitarian issues. In 2009, he co-founded the charity Sentebale to help vulnerable children in Lesotho and later in Botswana. His Invictus Games, launched in 2014, are a paralympic-style event for injured service personnel.
Marriage to Meghan Markle and Family
In May 2018, Prince Harry married American actress Meghan Markle at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. Their wedding was celebrated as a modern touch to the royal family, with elements that combined British traditions with Markle’s American heritage. The couple has two children: Archie Mountbatten-Windsor and Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor.
Public Perception and Media Relations
Throughout his life, Prince Harry’s actions have been closely watched by the global press. His relationship with the media has been turbulent; keenly aware of the role intrusive coverage played in his mother’s life and death. In recent years, he has been significantly vocal about press intrusion and its implications on personal privacy.
Stepping Back from Royal Duties
In a historic move, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced in January 2020 their decision to step back as senior members of the Royal Family. They plan to balance their time between the United Kingdom and North America and work towards becoming financially independent while continuing their charitable work.