Recent social media posts and viral headlines have claimed that King Charles III has “officially granted a royal title” to Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, prompting celebration and criticism in equal measure. However, as of May 2025, there is no official confirmation from Buckingham Palace or Kensington Palace of any new royal title being bestowed upon Prince Harry.
Prince Harry continues to hold the titles Duke of Sussex, Earl of Dumbarton, and Baron Kilkeel, which were granted by Queen Elizabeth II upon his marriage to Meghan Markle in 2018. He remains a member of the royal family by birth but is not a working royal, following his and Meghan’s decision to step back from senior royal duties in 2020.
(Sources: Royal.uk, BBC News, The Guardian, Reuters)
Context: The Sussexes’ Departure from Royal Duties
In January 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their intention to step back from royal duties. Following discussions with Queen Elizabeth II and senior family members, a formal agreement was reached—commonly referred to as the “Sandringham Agreement.”
Under this agreement, the couple:
- Retained their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles
- Were no longer referred to as “His/Her Royal Highness” in any working capacity
- Stepped away from public funding via the Sovereign Grant
- Were no longer representing the Queen in an official role
Since then, Harry and Meghan have pursued independent initiatives, including Archewell Foundation, media production projects with Netflix and Spotify, and global charitable advocacy.
(Sources: BBC, CNN)
Public Response to Prince Harry’s Role in the Royal Family
Despite stepping away from formal royal responsibilities, Prince Harry has remained a highly visible figure globally, particularly for his advocacy in mental health, veteran support, and public service. His work with organizations such as Invictus Games Foundation, BetterUp, and various military charities continues to earn widespread respect.
Public opinion in the UK and internationally remains mixed but generally supportive, especially among younger demographics. Hashtags like #PrinceHarry, #MentalHealthAdvocate, and #InvictusGames regularly trend during his public appearances.
According to an April 2024 YouGov poll, public sentiment toward Prince Harry has stabilized after an initial dip in 2021 following media interviews and the release of his memoir Spare. Around 38% of respondents reported a positive view of Prince Harry, while 35% were neutral.
(Sources: YouGov UK, Invictus Games)
No Official Title Change as of May 2025
Contrary to widely shared social media claims, no new royal title has been granted to Prince Harry by King Charles III in any public royal event or formal declaration. Any official change to titles or duties would be announced via Royal Communications and published on Royal.uk, the British monarchy’s official website.
When King Charles was proclaimed monarch in September 2022, he confirmed Prince William and Catherine as Prince and Princess of Wales. Since then, no additional title changes have been made public regarding Harry or Meghan.
(Sources: Royal.uk, ITV News)
King Charles’s Emphasis on Family and Unity
While no new title has been granted, King Charles III has consistently emphasized themes of family reconciliation, unity, and service. In his first public address as monarch, he expressed love for both Harry and Meghan.
This sentiment was reiterated during major events like the Coronation in May 2023, which Prince Harry attended, albeit briefly and without formal participation in the ceremonial procession.
King Charles has made it clear that the door to private family reconciliation remains open, though formal working roles are not expected to change under the current arrangement.
(Source: BBC, The Telegraph)
Media Commentary and Public Debate
The public and media reaction to any royal news involving Prince Harry is often polarized. Prominent media personalities like Piers Morgan have expressed strong opinions on the Duke of Sussex’s continued relevance within the royal narrative. In contrast, others emphasize the importance of understanding, healing, and modernization within the institution.
Royal commentators including Omid Scobie and Emily Nash highlight the public’s evolving expectations of the monarchy in a digital age. The institution’s ability to adapt while preserving its core values remains a subject of ongoing debate.
It’s important to note that public discourse—especially on social platforms—often blurs the line between opinion, satire, and misinformation. Readers are encouraged to verify claims via official sources and refrain from spreading unconfirmed narratives.
(Sources: BBC Sounds – Royal Watch Podcast, Hello! Magazine Royal Section)
Prince Harry’s Current Public Work
Despite media speculation, Prince Harry remains actively engaged in charitable efforts, both in the UK and internationally. Key initiatives include:
- Invictus Games, which supports wounded and disabled military veterans
- Travelyst, a sustainable travel initiative
- Archewell Foundation, focusing on mental health, community resilience, and equity
In March 2025, he appeared at the Global Mental Health Summit in Geneva, discussing the emotional challenges faced by veterans and young people. The event, co-sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, was widely praised.
(Sources: WHO, Archewell)
Conclusion: Stay Informed, Avoid Misinformation
While social media often amplifies royal rumors, no official announcement has been made regarding a new royal title for Prince Harry as of May 2025. He continues to hold his existing titles and focus on his independent charitable and advocacy work.
As always, for accurate updates on the royal family, refer to verified sources such as:
- Royal.uk
- BBC News – Royal Family
- ITV Royal Correspondent
The British monarchy continues to evolve, and public interest remains strong. But with that interest comes responsibility: to distinguish fact from fiction, and to treat public figures with the dignity that verified journalism demands.