Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, and Prince William, The Prince of Wales, continue to take notably different paths within and outside the royal institution. While Prince William advances in his formal duties under King Charles III, Prince Harry maintains a life abroad with his wife, Meghan Markle, focusing on philanthropic and media ventures. Recent developments, including Prince William’s latest honor and Prince Harry’s evolving public role, have once again brought their differing positions into the spotlight.
Prince William Named Great Master of the Order of the Bath
On May 16, 2025, Prince William was officially appointed Great Master of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, a position of historical and ceremonial significance within the British honors system. According to Royal.uk, the title is traditionally granted to the heir to the throne and recognizes outstanding contributions to the United Kingdom in military and civil services.
The appointment ceremony took place at Westminster Abbey, marking the 300th anniversary of the Order. Founded by King George I in 1725, the Order of the Bath is one of the highest-ranking British chivalric orders. The original traditions of the Order, including ceremonial cleansing as a symbol of spiritual preparation, are reflected in the rituals conducted during these installations.
Prince William attended the service alongside his father, King Charles III, in a formal procession through the Abbey, joined by other distinguished members and Knights Grand Cross. The ceremony highlighted Prince William’s expanding role within the monarchy and underscored the intergenerational transfer of royal responsibilities.
A Symbol of Continuity in the British Monarchy
This was King Charles III’s first time overseeing the Order’s installation service as Sovereign. The King last participated in a similar service in 2022 when he was still the Prince of Wales. The Westminster Abbey official website notes that the Sovereign traditionally attends the ceremony once every eight years, while the Great Master plays a more regular role.
The event also served as a public reaffirmation of Prince William’s place as the future monarch, reinforcing his involvement in long-standing royal customs. It was recognized on the Prince and Princess of Wales’ official social media accounts, which celebrated the Order’s legacy of honoring exceptional service across the Commonwealth.
Prince Harry’s Public Life in the United States
While Prince William continues to engage in official royal duties, Prince Harry’s role within the royal structure remains independent, as he and Meghan Markle stepped back from their working royal positions in 2020. The couple currently resides in Montecito, California, and leads a number of media and philanthropic projects through their nonprofit, Archewell Foundation.
Since their move, Prince Harry and Meghan have pursued multiple creative and social impact ventures, including partnerships with Netflix and Spotify, as well as advocacy in mental health and veteran affairs. Prince Harry remains actively involved with the Invictus Games Foundation, which he founded in 2014 to support wounded and injured service personnel.
Media Reports on Name Change Discussions
Some media outlets have reported that Prince Harry considered a legal surname change in recent years. However, as of this writing, no official statement has been released by Prince Harry, Buckingham Palace, or the Office of the Duke of Sussex confirming any legal or personal intent to change his name.
Prince Harry and Meghan’s children—Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor and Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor—carry the family name Mountbatten-Windsor, which was officially established in 1960 by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip for their descendants. This name combines the royal family’s Windsor lineage with the surname of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
Given the sensitivity surrounding royal titles and names, any change to legal or hereditary names would typically be addressed through official channels. Without confirmation from such sources, any speculation remains unsubstantiated.
Navigating Public and Family Expectations
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s departure from royal duties led to both criticism and support from public audiences worldwide. While Prince Harry has publicly expressed concerns about media intrusion and the pressures of royal life in interviews with outlets like Oprah Winfrey, his actions continue to be interpreted differently by various media and commentators.
Meanwhile, Prince William has assumed an increasingly visible leadership role alongside King Charles, especially following Queen Elizabeth II’s passing in 2022. His participation in high-profile state ceremonies, official engagements, and international representation reflects his status as the immediate heir to the British throne.
Royal Honors and Public Ceremonies: Their Importance
The Order of the Bath is one of several chivalric honors that recognize outstanding contributions to national life. Such honors carry symbolic importance in the royal family, reaffirming service, duty, and commitment to the nation. While Prince William’s appointment reflects tradition and continuity, it also reinforces the structure that defines modern royal responsibilities.
According to The Guardian, King Charles III has indicated a desire to streamline the monarchy, focusing on core members of the royal family. This suggests that ceremonial honors and roles will increasingly be concentrated among senior royals, particularly those performing state and charitable duties in the UK and Commonwealth realms.
Brothers on Separate Paths
The contrast between Prince William and Prince Harry’s lives is clear. Prince William remains embedded in British royal traditions, while Prince Harry has opted for an independent identity, shaped by international advocacy and private endeavors.
Although media narratives often highlight division, official statements from both parties have emphasized respect and the importance of personal well-being. Any major decisions related to titles or names would likely be communicated through formal channels to ensure clarity and accuracy.
Final Thoughts
Prince William’s appointment as Great Master of the Order of the Bath marks another step in his preparation for future kingship. The ceremony highlights the continuing evolution of royal traditions and the importance of service to the nation.
In contrast, Prince Harry’s path reflects a different model of public service—one rooted in philanthropy, mental health awareness, and international causes. Both approaches contribute in distinct ways to modern public life, demonstrating how members of the same family can pursue meaningful roles within and outside traditional institutions.
