Prince Harry has faced criticism after describing his occupation as "Prince of England" during a recent podcast appearance. The 41-year-old Duke of Sussex appeared on the Joe Marler Will See You Now podcast, where host Joe Marler introduced him as "Henry Albert Charles David, Duke of Sussex" before asking about his occupation. Harry replied: "Full-time dad. British Army veteran. Prince of England. Duke."
Backlash Over Wording
His response quickly circulated on social media, with many royal watchers accusing him of misrepresenting his title. One user on X wrote: "Wait! Harry, when asked about his occupation, he says he's the Prince of England. First of all, how is being a Prince an occupation? Also, saying 'Prince of England' isn't technically correct." They added: "You'd think he would know this." Another commented: "What an embarrassment to the Royal Family, they really do need to strip their titles, he is such a dumb prince!" A third said: "I may be his status, but it is absolutely not his job. Harry is a prince by birth, and he has spent years abusing the title."
Technical Inaccuracy
Much of the backlash centered on Harry's use of the phrase "Prince of England," which critics argue is not technically accurate. England is one of the four nations that make up the United Kingdom, alongside Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Members of the Royal Family are generally not described as the "Prince of England." Harry's official title is Prince Henry (Harry), Duke of Sussex, reflecting his place within the British Royal Family rather than representing England alone.
Royal Status and Titles
Prince Harry remains a prince by birth and still legally holds the style of His Royal Highness (HRH), although he no longer uses it in an official capacity. When he and Meghan Markle stepped back as senior working royals in 2020, an agreement with Queen Elizabeth II allowed them to retain their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles but agreed to stop using the HRH style for public and commercial purposes. However, their HRH status was never formally removed through Letters Patent.
Harry returned to the UK earlier this week for the Invictus Games One Year to Go event. Meghan Markle joined him later on the trip and met with King Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove.
