Since formally stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, has maintained a distinct and independent role outside the structure of the British royal household. This article offers a verified and policy-compliant summary of Prince Harry’s current standing, his work, and confirmed developments related to his relationship with the royal family as of 2025.
Confirmed Status: No Longer a Working Royal
In January 2020, Buckingham Palace and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex released coordinated statements confirming that they would no longer serve as senior working royals. The decision was formalized in 2021, with Queen Elizabeth II confirming that the couple would no longer undertake official duties or use the “HRH” styling.
According to The Royal Family’s official website, Prince Harry retains the title Duke of Sussex, but he does not perform public duties on behalf of the monarchy. This change marked a formal transition to a private life in the United States, where Prince Harry and his family now reside.
Prince Harry’s Royal Role and Line of Succession
While Prince Harry no longer represents the Crown, he remains in the royal line of succession. Under the Succession to the Crown Act 2013, he is currently sixth in line to the British throne, following his brother, Prince William, and William’s three children.
This constitutional position has not changed and is a matter of public record under UK law. The Royal Family has not issued any announcements to suggest alterations to Prince Harry’s formal place in the succession.
Focus on Philanthropy and Advocacy
Since relocating to the United States, Prince Harry has focused on philanthropic and advocacy work through the Archewell Foundation, which he co-founded with his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. Archewell supports projects in the areas of:
- Mental health and emotional well-being
- Digital media responsibility
- Environmental conservation
- Gender equity and community support
He also continues to serve as a patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, an international sporting event for wounded veterans that he founded in 2014. According to the Invictus Games Foundation, Harry remains actively involved in the initiative’s global outreach and programming.
Relationship with the Royal Family: Verified Developments
Since stepping back, Prince Harry has returned to the UK for a limited number of public events, including the 2023 coronation of King Charles III. The event marked a significant occasion for the monarchy but did not include any official return to royal duties for Harry.
As of June 2025, there have been no official statements from Buckingham Palace indicating any change to the current arrangement. While public speculation often surrounds Prince Harry’s relationship with senior members of the royal family, verified communications from the Palace continue to uphold privacy regarding personal matters.
Coverage by reputable outlets including BBC News, ITV News, and Sky News confirms that no new agreements or reunions have been publicly announced or recorded.
King Charles III’s Reign and Ongoing Public Duties
In February 2024, Buckingham Palace confirmed that King Charles III had been diagnosed with cancer. Since then, the King has reduced certain public duties while continuing to fulfill ceremonial and constitutional responsibilities as the reigning monarch.
Royal engagements and state functions continue under the support of other senior royals, including Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Princess Anne. Public updates regarding the King’s health and engagements have been shared via the Royal Family’s official media centre.
Royal Naming Conventions and Titles: Clarified
Prince Harry continues to be formally referred to as The Duke of Sussex, a title conferred by Queen Elizabeth II on his wedding day in 2018. The use of royal titles in public settings is governed by tradition, peerage law, and discretion of the sovereign.
As confirmed by the official guide from Debrett’s, the surname “Mountbatten-Windsor” applies to descendants of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip when a surname is legally required. There have been no official changes or legal filings made public regarding a surname change by Prince Harry.
Public Opinion and Institutional Respect
Polls conducted by YouGov UK indicate a wide range of views regarding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. While public opinion remains mixed, the monarchy continues to observe a position of discretion, emphasizing unity and continuity without making personal commentary on family matters.
The Royal Household’s public statements have maintained a consistent tone of respect, restraint, and acknowledgment of the couple’s independent path.
Conclusion
Prince Harry’s status as a non-working royal has been clearly outlined and publicly acknowledged by the Royal Family. He retains his title, remains in the line of succession, and continues his personal and philanthropic work independently from the monarchy.
While speculation and commentary persist in media and online platforms, no verified evidence supports recent claims of surname changes or significant shifts in official royal protocol. Public information should be based on official channels and credible reporting to maintain accuracy and integrity in royal coverage.
Sources:
- The Royal Family Official Website
- BBC News
- ITV News
- Sky News
- Invictus Games Foundation
- Debrett’s
- YouGov UK
- Succession to the Crown Act 2013
