Prince Harry has sparked controversy after referring to himself as the 'Prince of England' during an appearance on rugby player Joe Marler's podcast. The comment, which critics say is historically inaccurate, has raised questions about his grasp of British constitutional history and his assimilation into American culture.
What Happened on the Podcast
During the podcast, Marler asked Harry what his occupation was. Harry replied: 'Full-time dad. British Army veteran. Prince of England. Duke.' The remark immediately drew criticism from historians and royal commentators, who noted that the title 'Prince of England' has no constitutional or historical basis.
Historical Inaccuracy
According to constitutional experts, the Kingdom of England ceased to exist with the Acts of Union in 1707, which created the unified Kingdom of Great Britain. Even before that, the title 'Prince of England' was never used. Historically, the heir to the throne was created Prince of Wales, while younger sons were given peerages such as Duke of York. The custom of calling all royal children 'Prince' or 'Princess' was introduced by the Hanoverians in 1714, and they were officially Princes of Great Britain.
Emily Wright, a history graduate and World News Reporter, wrote in an opinion piece: 'There is, constitutionally, legally, and historically, no such thing as a Prince of England. Harry has managed to invent a completely fictional title that has literally zero historical precedent.'
Impact on the Union
By using the term 'Prince of England', Harry inadvertently erased Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland from his lineage. His correct title is Prince of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The gaffe is seen as a sign of his growing distance from the UK and his adoption of American linguistic habits, where 'England' and 'Britain' are often used interchangeably.
Wright added: 'It shows just how much Harry has been influenced by his new life in California. It's common for Americans to use England and Britain interchangeably. By adopting this phrasing, Harry showed he is speaking the language of his new home.'
Broader Context
The incident comes amid ongoing tensions between Harry and the rest of the royal family. Harry and his wife Meghan Markle stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and moved to the US. The couple have since given several interviews and released a Netflix documentary series that has been critical of the monarchy.
Royal commentators have noted that the gaffe highlights Harry's identity crisis as he tries to balance his royal heritage with his new life in America. While it may have been a casual mistake, it underscores the challenge he faces in maintaining a connection to his roots while forging a new path abroad.
